CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

“I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to CONTEND EARNESTLY for THE FAITH which was once delivered to the saints” – Jude 3b

Making God-glorifying Impact in Life demands that Believers learn to CONTEND for THE FAITH: “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to CONTEND EARNESTLY for THE FAITH which was once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). God’s Heart, as expressed by Jude, is for Believers to actively defend and uphold the core truths of the Christian Faith, standing firm against opposing worldly viewpoints. This involves not just knowing the scriptures, but actively applying them in daily life. However, contending is not about aggressive debate or carnal arguments, but about actively promoting truth with conviction.

Writing to Jewish Christians living in Jerusalem, Jude had initially intended to write a general letter of encouragement on the topic of “our common salvation” – shared salvation (v.3a). He was however compelled to urge them to “contend for the Faith”! He was concerned because “the Faith” – the Christian Gospel Message – was under attack from false teachers who were spreading dangerous heresies. He therefore warned the Believers to contend for the Faith against those who sought to undermine and erode it. The Greek word Jude used, translated “contend earnestly,” describes an athlete striving with extreme intensity to win the victory in a physical competition. To contend is to “fight strenuously for [the defense of] the faith” (AMP). A true contender vigorously endeavours to win the competition, not holding anything back!

It is something of great value that must be contended for. Faith is an Asset of inestimable worth and a key target of the devil in every battle against the saints. The Lord Jesus said to Simon Peter: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your FAITH should not FAIL; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Lk.22: 31-32). Faith is the Victory that overcomes the world; it is the Believer’s guarantee for Victory in every battle of life (1 Jh.5:4). Faith is not only a formidable weapon of attack, “the Shield of Faith” is our defensive armour – our strong hold against all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph.6:16).

Faith is integral to Christianity: “...And a great company of the priests were OBEDIENT to the FAITH” (Acts 6:7). We must contend for the Faith, being the vital spiritual link between Man and God that ushers us into our glorious destiny; our Covenant Access into the Righteousness of Christ (Rom.5: 1-2). Satan hates Faith and will always want Faith to fail! We must contend for the Faith. We are saved by Faith (Eph.2:8). We stand by Faith (2Cor.1:24). We walk by Faith (2Cor.5:7). We fight the Good Fight of Faith (1Tim.6:12). We overcome by Faith (1Jh.5:4). We live by Faith (Hab.2:4; Rom.1:17; Gal.3:11).