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Articles by - Mike Muzzerall

Contend For The Faith

 May 2023

For those in tune with the Spirit of God, there is little doubt that we are in the last days. We see attacks against Christianity increasing from day to day. The temptation to go with the flow is great. Compromise appears as an easy way to get along with those opposing Christianity. And yet, we are commanded in God’s Word to earnestly contend for the faith.

EARNESTLY CONTEND
Jude exhorted the believers to stand for the gospel of Jesus Christ: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). Since we have a common salvation, we also have a common duty to contend for the faith. In this verse, “earnestly contend” has reference to the Grecian games. The idea is that a person put forth an earnest effort in those games to obtain the prize.

WHO CONTENDS?
We are told to come, approach, or draw near to God’s throne of grace boldly. Boldly does not mean arrogantly. There are some who perceive themselves as being on par with God. They fancy themselves as a “little god” or a “little Jesus.” They are on a slippery slope.

The boldness spoken of in this verse does not exist because we are confident in our works. Instead, we have an assurance that through the name of Jesus Christ, and through His precious blood, we will be granted access. Faith in the completed work of Calvary is the only means we can approach God’s throne of grace.

THAT WE MAY OBTAIN MERCY
Is it just the pastors who are to earnestly contend for the faith, or was Jude’s exhortation for every believer? There is nothing to indicate that Jude was specifically directing this exhortation to ministers. We are all called to stand up for Jesus. This short letter was sent to “them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1). We are to contend for the faith—corporately.

CONTEND TO DEFEND
We contend for the faith by standing up for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is called apologetics. Defend the cross at any cost. Defend salvation by faith in the completed work of Calvary. Defend the deity of Christ. Defend the Word of God. Earnestly contend for the faith against all who would attack our Lord and Savior.

CONTEND THROUGH THE WALK
There are too many who talk the talk but fail to walk the walk. We contend for the faith by having a faith that produced godly works. James made it very clear: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). We contend for the faith by holding fast to true Christianity. Maintain a relationship with Christ and do not replace it with dry dead religious works.

CONTEND THROUGH PRAYER
Paul exhorted us to “pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17). Paul was not just talking about bringing our personal petitions to the throne of grace. He was also exhorting us to pray one for another. James agrees: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). We contend for the faith by petitioning God for the church in the midst of spiritual warfare.

CONTEND THROUGH EVANGELISM
We earnestly contend for the faith by going on the offensive. Jesus said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). The powers of darkness are powerless against a church that walks in the power of the Holy Spirit. Satan trembles when confronting a true Bible-believing Christian who is actively fulfilling the Great Commission. In a time when Christ and His church are under attack, earnestly contend for the faith by sharing the message of the cross. Do your part, right where you are, and also help SBN earnestly contend for the faith as we share Christ around the world. Earnestly contend for the faith!



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