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Contending for the Faith: A Call to Know, Defend, and Live It

The book of Jude may be short, but its message is packed with depth and urgency. As we continue through this powerful letter, we find Jude urging believers to contend for the faith—to struggle for it, defend it, and stand firm in it. This isn't about being argumentative or contentious, but about upholding the truth with both boldness and grace.

What It Means to Contend for the Faith

Jude 1:3 states: "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."

The word "contend" here is drawn from a Greek term used in athletic competitions—an intense, focused struggle to overcome an opponent. This reminds us that standing firm in our faith isn't passive; it requires effort, diligence, and commitment. Defending the faith isn't about offending others or proving ourselves right at all costs. It’s about presenting the truth with love, wisdom, and a heart that seeks to draw people toward Christ.

Knowing What We Believe

If we are to defend the faith effectively, we must first know what we believe. Jude emphasizes that the faith was "once for all delivered to the saints." This means it is unchanging, timeless, and sufficient. The foundation of our faith isn't shifting—it has been established through the Word of God and the work of Jesus Christ.

Understanding what we believe starts with Scripture. We must be in the Word daily. God can’t bring verses to our remembrance if we’ve never read them in the first place! Just like we can’t pass a test without studying, we can’t defend the faith if we haven’t taken the time to know it. As 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

The Non-Negotiables of the Faith

Jude was writing to a church facing deception from within. False teachers had crept in, twisting the gospel and leading people astray. The same danger exists today. To stand strong, we must hold tightly to essential truths:

The Word of God – It is divinely inspired, infallible, and without error.

The Oneness of God – "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!" (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Jesus Christ is God in the flesh – He lived, died, and rose again to bring us salvation.

The Holy Spirit – God’s presence working in and through us.

Salvation through Jesus – By grace, through faith, and evidenced by obedience.

The Church – The body of Christ, called to live in holiness and unity.

The Future Hope – Jesus is coming back, and we will be with Him for eternity.

These are the pillars of our faith. They cannot be compromised, diluted, or altered.

Living What We Believe

Contending for the faith is not just about knowing the truth—it’s about living it. The best defense of the gospel is a life transformed by it. If we know the truth but don’t reflect it in our actions, we do more harm than good. How we speak, how we love, and how we respond to opposition matters. Jesus didn’t just teach truth—He embodied it. He spoke with authority, yet with compassion. He corrected sin, yet extended mercy. We are called to do the same. This means standing for biblical truth in a world that opposes it while ensuring our attitude and approach reflect the heart of Christ.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

We cannot defend the faith in our own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm, speak truth, and operate in the gifts He has given. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to be bold witnesses.

The Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—shows that God is working in us. The Gifts of the Spirit equip us to edify the body and bring glory to God. We must rely on the Spirit to guide our words, direct our steps, and give us wisdom in every situation.

Final Thoughts: Stand Firm & Shine Bright

Jude’s call to contend for the faith is not just for pastors or theologians—it’s for all believers. The world is filled with false narratives, distorted truths, and attacks against God’s Word. But we are called to stand firm. We must know what we believe, live out our faith, and rely on the Spirit to empower us. The faith we defend is not just a set of doctrines—it is the truth that transforms lives. So let’s stand strong, speak boldly, and reflect Christ in all we do. The world is watching. Let’s make sure they see Jesus in us.

Are you ready to contend for the faith?

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