Contending for the Faith

Our lessons for this series begin with the book of Jude which instructs believers to contend for the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Jude wants all believers to contend earnestly for the faith. A true contender vigorously endeavors to win the competition, not holding anything back.   Since this faith was “entrusted to God’s holy people,” all believers, not just Christian leaders, are called to defend the truth of Jesus Christ. And since this faith was entrusted “once for all,” Jude intends to stand against those who claim to receive “new” revelations of truth.   When we contend for the faith, we should not do so in a contentious manner, even when we are contending with those who are false teachers. In these cases, Christians are to contend firmly but in love.   The message of Jude is vital for the twenty-first century. Error is rampant in our world today. Truth must be proclaimed and defended. This was Jude’s burden and it ought to be ours to shoulder with him.