"Contend for the Faith"

   I want you to think of something you think of as important. A relationship, a job, an appointment, a possession… What do you do to make sure you keep that “something”?

Chances are you pay attention to it, focus on it, or guard it. That’s what I do too; I like what I like and want to keep it. That’s a good start in understanding what we find Jude writing to his audience in Jude vs. 3 where Jude says, “contend earnestly for the faith”.

“Faith” is referring to “The essential truths of the gospel that all true Christians hold in common.” If “faith” is important to us (like a relationship, job, appointment, possession, etc.), we will “contend” for it. This word was used by the ancient Greeks in the athletic world, namely wrestling. It was used to describe how the wrestler fights and struggles intensely to win the match. It’s not a ½ hearted effort. He struggles until the very last moment. We will fight to preserve, keep, protect what we treasure. Jude says to have that same desire and effort when it comes to what you believe.

The book of Jude was written to remind the believers to do this as false teachers were among them teaching false doctrines on how to live and even denying Jesus. The question might be, who is supposed to “contend for the faith”? Surely that’s the pastors job. It’s his job… too, but not only his job. Vs. 3 tells us that “this faith was once for all entrusted to the saints.”

Who are the saints? Saints refer to God’s living holy people (not dead people given that title posthumously).  That includes us believers today. God is expecting each of His people to defend the faith; to know what they believe and why. Jude says that this faith was “entrusted” to the saints.

Entrusted means to hand over, deliver, commit- This is an awesome responsibility God has given his people. How do you feel about that? Does it make you nervous? Are you willing to “contend for the faith”? Do you feel prepared to “contend for the faith”?

What would help you feel prepared? Are you willing to get prepared?

Here at Heritage Church we want to help you. Either through Q&A, Bible studies, Sunday services, or conversations. If you are a “saint” (one of Gods holy living people) then like it or not, the job is yours. Let’s prepare!

                                                                                                                                                  Getting prepared to contend,

                                                                                                                                                                           ~Pastor Josh