JUN 9

Jude 3-4
Memorise Jude 3
“That ye should earnestly contend for the faith…”

HOW DO WE DEFEND THE FAITH?

The call to defend the faith, is a call for all to “earnestly contend for the faith”. The word ‘earnestly contend’ comes from the Greek word “epagonizomai”, which literally means to agonize intensely, to struggle and put in great effort on behalf of something. Thus it has this idea of fighting hard for a cause or a purpose.

This phrase is often used as a clarion call for us to be defenders of the faith, soldiers of Christ to earnestly contend for the faith! It is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to be zealous and fervent to oppose all who shame the name of Jesus. The word used here is a very strong word that gives the idea of a very active, invigorated and spirited struggle. Our Christian faith is not something that we can afford to be lackluster or apathetic about. We must earnestly contend!

This contention is not just a onetime affair, but a continuous battle which Christians through all the ages will have to participate in. The verb is given in the present tense, emphasizing the continuous nature of this purpose clause. Thus it is an exhortation to continue to always contend for the faith, from the time that you become a Christian, until your work on Earth is done.

Looking through the history of the Church, one would see that all through the ages, there have been countless attacks on all fronts on the Faith, both from outside and inside the church. In this epistle, Jude addresses both parties, but chooses to concentrate on the attacks from within, as he will elaborate on in the next verse. For now, in verse 3, his main point is that we must all be actively and continually engaging in this spiritual conflict. It will be agonizing, difficult, and oftentimes discouraging. Yet we must, because it is not for ourselves, but for our God, and for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Dear teen, are you ready for the fight?

Thought: It takes courage and love (love of God and His truth) to defend the faith. Do you have them?
Prayer: Lord, teach me not only to know the faith, but to contend for it too.