“Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once and for all handed on to the saints.” (Jude 1:3)
Contending for the Faith: A Call to Strengthen Belief
Inspired by Jude 1:3 and the Unshakable Confidence of Faith
Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once and for all handed on to the saints (Jude 1:3, NRSVUE). This timeless call to action is as relevant now as it was in the days of the early church. It is a clarion call—it summons us to stand firm. We must persevere and proclaim the truth of our shared faith in Christ Jesus.
Living with Christ’s Perspective
In these challenging times, we must be vigilant, discerning the world around us through the lens of Christ. To truly contend for the faith, we must seek to view life with the clear vision of our Lord. We should not see it through the fog of cultural confusion or personal bias. As Galatians 2:20 reminds us, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God. He loved me. He gave himself for me” (NIV). Because Christ lives, so do we—empowered by his Spirit, seeing through his eternal vision.
The world is full of divisive walls, hostility, and hate. An unrelenting tide of misinformation and disinformation saturates our airwaves and digital spaces. Yet, through faith, we are called to rise above these barriers. In Christ’s perspective, we see not hopeless division, but opportunities for reconciliation and peace. We see not hate, but a chance to reveal God’s love. This perspective is not passive. It is active. It compels us to act. It urges us to speak truth. It pushes us to stand firm in the gospel.
The Vital Role of Sound Doctrine
Sound doctrine is the compass that keeps us grounded in faith. It is not merely a collection of theological ideas. It is not a set of religious rules. It is the lifeblood of a believer’s spiritual journey. Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 is a sobering reminder of the times we live in. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. Instead, they will follow their own desires. They will gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear. This happens because they have itching ears. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to fables.”
This abandonment of sound doctrine is not a distant threat—it is a present reality. The allure of comforting lies or messages tailored to personal preferences too often overshadows the pursuit of divine truth. False teachings and ideologies have taken root in many hearts, turning people away from the unshakeable foundation of scripture. Contending for the faith requires us to actively combat this drift. We must teach, exhort, and exemplify the truth of God’s Word.
The Faith Once Entrusted to the Saints
The faith we are called to contend for is no ordinary faith. It is a sacred trust, delivered once for all to the saints. It proclaims Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He was crucified for our sins and risen in victory over death. This faith is eternal, unchanging, and life-giving. To contend for it means to uphold its purity, defend its truth, and pass it on to the next generation.
Understanding this faith is critically important today. We live in a time where spiritual truths are often diluted or distorted. The culture around us seeks to reshape faith into something palatable. It aims to make faith conform to human desires rather than God’s will. But the faith of scripture is not malleable; it stands firm, and it calls us to do the same. As Martin Luther once powerfully stated, “Faith is living and unshakable confidence. It is a belief … so assured that a [person] would die a thousand deaths for its sake.” Such faith is not merely intellectual—it is life-changing, compelling us to live boldly for Christ.
Seeing Through Faith
To contend for the faith, we must learn to live by faith in Christ. Faith is not merely a passive belief; it is an active trust in the promises and character of God. When walls of division rise, faith gives us the courage to seek unity. When hostility and hate rear their heads, faith equips us to respond with love and grace. When lies and confusion abound, faith anchors us in the truth of God’s Word.
Galatians 2:20 reminds us of the source of this faith: it is the life of Christ within us. We do not contend for the faith alone. The Spirit of God empowers us, guides us, and strengthens us for the task. It is through his Spirit that we gain clarity to see the challenges before us. It is through his Spirit that we have the strength to overcome them.
Practical Steps for Contending
How, then, do we contend for the faith in a world that often seems opposed to it? Here are a few practical steps:
· Study Scripture: Ground yourself in the Word of God. Know the truth so that you can discern falsehoods.
· Live Out Your Faith: Be a living testament to the gospel. Let your actions reflect the love and truth of Christ.
· Engage with Grace: When discussing matters of faith, approach others with humility and kindness, even when you disagree.
· Build Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and challenge you to grow in faith.
· Pray: Seek God’s guidance and strength daily. Pray for wisdom, boldness, and a heart that reflects Christ.
A Final Call to Persevere
Beloved, the call to contend for the faith is not a call to division or strife. Instead, it is a call to love. It is also a call to truth and perseverance. It is a call to stand firm in the gospel. We must defend sound doctrine and live out our faith with courage and conviction. As Jude reminds us, this faith was handed down once for all. It is a sacred trust. It is a gift and a responsibility.
In these times of uncertainty and challenge, let us take up this call with fervor and joy. Let us focus on Christ, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. With confidence, let us contend because we know that we do not fight alone. For Christ lives in us, and through his Spirit, we have all we need to stand firm. Amen.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 