“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” – Jude 3
In Jude three, Jude, who the Holy Spirit inspired, desired to write to fellow believers about the common theme of salvation that they shared. However, due to the abundance of false teachings that these believers were dealing with, Jude was compelled to write to them to help them stand firm against the apostasy that they were facing.
Jude’s directive to the believers in his day is the same command that we are to follow today. The order is specific and clear: “Contend for the Faith.” The word “faith” in Jude 3 is referring to Christian truth and Christian doctrine, which are found in the Scriptures.
The word “contend” can be translated as “agonizing earnestly.” The word “contend” is a combatant term, a term that could be used to describe a boxer who is agonizing earnestly to overcome an opponent in a fight.
The idea here is that believers in the Lord are to contend, agonize earnestly, and stand for Biblical truth no matter the costs. We are to engage our world and contend for God’s truth in the church and in every aspect of our culture. Let us earnestly contend for the faith that has been once and for all entrusted to God’s people by standing for God’s truth wherever we find ourselves.
LET US PRAY…
Father, empower us, Your people, to earnestly contend for Your truth in our churches, in our families, and in our culture at large. Lord, may we be joyful soldiers for You. Father, thank You for Your Holy Spirit who empowers us to contend for the faith when it is difficult. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.