2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE ARENA OF BATTLE (II)
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Jude 3
Matthew 28:18-20
“… the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints.”
THE ARENA OF BATTLE (II)
It is important for us to consider, also, the description of this faith that we are called upon to defend. It is “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
The durability of the faith. It is the faith “once” ‒ that is, once for all ‒ delivered unto the saints. It is not malleable. It is not subject to alteration according to human fancy, nor does it adjust itself to the prevailing cultural winds. It is therefore something that we are called to preserve intact. A man-made system, when a weakness is identified, is often defended against attack by an update aiming to address that weakness. This is familiar to us from our use of computer software. Constant updates are a defence against new threats. But God’s Word is quite different. It is unchanging, as He is unchanging (cf. Mal 3:6). It never needs to be “updated.” We are to defend it, not by modifying it to align with the times, but by declaring it and obeying it as truth unchanging.
The divine origin of the faith. This is the faith once for all “delivered” (Jude 3) to the saints. In our modern world we may perhaps think of “delivery” as synonymous with “convenience”: something delivered to our doorstep. That is not the idea here. The emphasis lies on the faith as something that did not originate from man, but from God; something that He has delivered to us for a specific purpose. The faith that is delivered to us is the faith that we did not invent, but which has been entrusted to us.
The duty associated with the faith. The faith once delivered “unto the saints” (Jude 3) is thus the faith that has specifically been entrusted to the saints. It is given to us not only for our personal benefit and growth; it is entrusted to us as a precious treasure which we are called to defend. God did not deliver His truth to angels, and charge them with the proclamation and defence of the gospel! He delivered His word to the saints. He delivered His word to you. Dear reader, do you recognize this sacred trust? You have a mission from God, which even angels cannot fulfil!
THOUGHT: The “Great Commission” is my commission.
PRAYER: Open my eyes to see the duty that has been entrusted to me!