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 for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

The word “contend,” occurs only here in the New Testament. Often it is used in secular literature to describe the intense struggle in an athletic contest. Jude called the believers to action, to contend for the faith.

How do ordinary Christians contend for the truth today? Think about these ideas:

• It is every Christian’s job to study the Bible. Don’t ever imagine that pastors and seminary professors hold a monopoly on this task. Without study, you cannot know what to contend for.
• Knowledge in the brain is only part of contending for truth. Prayer is vital. God gives the Holy Spirit as a teacher. Unattached to God, you may know everything, but understand nothing.
• Many private interpretations fracture the truth of the gospel; Christians must remain unified on the essentials. Associate with a church that loves God and encourages learning. Then use your common resources for the hard work of contending. Lone crusaders invariably create hostile splinter groups.

There are certain doctrines that we should contend for, those that are central to our faith and salvation (such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, atonement). On others we can agree to disagree (such as Calvinism/Arminianism, charismatic issues, methods for spiritual growth, spiritual disciplines).

• Truth must be served as well as studied. Demonstrate the truth by working for it. Build a house, organize a fun night, start a food pantry, help with youth—all in the name of Christ, the Truth.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.