JUN 14

Jude 3
Memorise Jude 3
“…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints...”

The epistle of Jude reads like a warning letter to the Church. Though it was written directly to the churches during Jude’s time, yet the message in it is timeless, and applies very much to the church today. The writer calls his readers “beloved”, showing the love he has for his fellow believers as well as the love that all believers should have for one another. This love comes from “the common salvation” which we have in Jesus Christ.

He wrote that initially, he thought to write about this common salvation that we all share, perhaps to encourage the believers to remain strong in the faith. However, the Spirit moved him to consider a more urgent problem that had to be addressed, and that is the proliferation of false prophets and teachers within the churches, and the need for believers to be warned. This was the more pressing issue, and that became the focus of his letter.

Thus Jude’s purpose of writing his epistle was to call on all true believers of Christ to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”. This was vital as there were false teachers infiltrating the Church, which Jude would later elaborate on. These false teachers are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) and if the Church is not vigilant, she would not even be aware of their presence. In order to be able to spot these false teachers, Jude tells the believers that they need to earnestly contend for the faith. The Greek phrase literally means to “struggle for” and defend the faith. It gives the impression of battling for and protecting the truths of the gospel and the Word of God. This comprises all aspects of the faith, from the original sin in Adam and Eve and its imputation to all man, to the virgin birth of Christ, to Christ’s death and resurrection. This faith was “once delivered”, meaning it was given once and for all to all believers. We are to safeguard, teach, remind and defend all aspects of the faith if it is questioned. By doing so, we can guard ourselves against those who attack and cast doubt on God’s Word.

Contending for the faith is an active ongoing process, and the duty of every Christian. Are you a defender of the faith?

Thought: What are some practical ways that can help you earnestly contend for the faith?

Prayer: Lord, grant me strength and diligence to contend for the faith which Christ’s precious blood gave to us.