Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and to exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Introduction
Title: “Contend for the Faith” — based on Jude 1:3. This sermon calls God’s people to stand firm in an age of moral drift, doctrinal compromise, and moral apathy. Jude wrote to warn and to exhort believers to contend earnestly (to fight—figuratively, as soldiers of Christ) for the faith once delivered to the saints. The text urges both a defensive fidelity to God’s truth and an aggressive compassion toward lost souls. In practical terms, contending for the faith means standing for Scripture, our Savior, separation, and holiness; strengthening God’s preachers; sharing the gospel; separating from error; and showing Christlike compassion.
Of course we’re going to be judged. That’s going to be difficult. Judged according to our motives and different things. But being able to stand and watch, we’ll be behind the throne when we’re watching it. Watch the devil get judged for all the different things that’s going on in life.
Outline
- Stand for What You Believe In
- Anchor in the Word
Stand fast in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). To “stand fast” is to be anchored like an anchor — not moved by cultural tides or popular opinion. Scripture is final authority (2 Timothy 3:16). If the Word is compromised, so is the faith.
- Be Bold, Be Strong
Quit you like men; be strong. Christians are called to gird up, be courageous, and not flee the battle when truth is attacked. Strength includes patient endurance and biblical courage (1 Corinthians 15:58).
- Stand for the Savior
Jesus is not merely a good moral teacher — He is the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14). We must affirm the deity and exclusive saving work of Christ and reject false Christs and false gospels.
- Stand for Preservation of Scripture
We believe God has preserved His Word. For English-speaking believers this means steadfast confidence in the faithful, God-honoring Bible we use. Take care: there are movements among churches to replace trustworthy texts and lower standards; resist such drift.
- Stand for Separation and Holiness
Separation is practical holiness — denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:11–12). It affects modesty, marriage, music, manners, and morals. The faith we defend is lived in visible, godly distinctiveness.
- Anchor in the Word
- Strengthen Those Who Preach and Teach God’s Word
- Encourage and Esteem Laborers
Know them which labor among you and esteem them highly in love for their work’s sake (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). Preachers and teachers labor for souls and need prayer, loyalty, and practical support.
- Receive the Word, Test the Word
Despise not prophesyings; prove all things and hold fast that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). Appreciate bold preaching of Scripture while also testing all by the Word.
- Support Local and Sunday School Ministries
Attend, encourage, and serve teachers. Strengthening teachers strengthens the flock. Invest your time, your presence, and your prayers.
- Encourage and Esteem Laborers
- Share the Gospel Boldly
- Compassionate Witnessing
Have compassion on the lost (Jude 22). Some respond to tenderness and love; others need a sober warning. Both approaches are biblical when rooted in gospel truth.
- Use the Tools God Provides
Pass out tracts, invite friends to church, and personally explain the gospel. You may be the only Bible some people read (2 Corinthians 3:2; the believer as a living epistle).
- Persevere Even When Results Are Slow
Labor for souls knowing God’s timing differs from ours. Seed may sit awhile, but God’s word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
- Compassionate Witnessing
- Separate from Those Who Are Scripturally Wrong
- Distinct Walk, Not Merely Rules
Be not partakers with unfruitful works of darkness; rather reprove them (Ephesians 5:11). Separation is not bitterness; it is obedience to Scripture and loving the soul enough to not join them in sin.
- Practical Boundaries
Do not make excuses that your presence will “pull them up.” It often pulls you down. Can two walk together except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3) Walking in light means not walking hand-in-hand with darkness.
- Apply Separation Across Life
Separation applies to church fellowship, entertainment choices, relationships, and more. It protects testimony and aids spiritual growth (Ephesians 5:3–7).
- Distinct Walk, Not Merely Rules
- Show Compassion Like Jesus
- Compassion that Confronts
Jesus forgave and called to repentance (John 8:1–11). He showed compassion without excusing sin. We must imitate His balance of truth and love.
- Active Mercy
Stop and help. Notice the hurting. The woman with the issue of blood reached and touched Jesus and was both healed and forgiven (Luke 8:43–48). Our compassion must be personal and sacrificial.
- Deliver the Faith Forward
Take the faith you received and pass it on. You can be instrumental in someone’s salvation through tracts, invitations, and patient conversation.
- Compassion that Confronts
Summary
Jude’s urgent charge (Jude 1:3) still applies: we must earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints. Contending is not hateful combat but vigilant fidelity. It means: stand for Scripture and the Savior; strengthen those who preach and teach; share the gospel with compassion and urgency; separate from false teaching and sinful practice; and show the same compassion Christ showed—grace that calls people from sin to salvation. The Christian life is principled, not merely rule-bound; truth is unchanging, and our decisions must align with God’s Word. The consequence of faithfulness is not popularity, but it is fruit—sometimes delayed, always eternal.
We ought to earnestly contend for the faith that was being delivered to us and take it was given to us. We ought to take that same faith and give it to somebody else.
Application for the Week
Practical, Scripture-rooted steps you can take this week to contend for the faith:
- Daily Anchor Time
Commit to 10–30 minutes each morning this week to read Scripture and pray. Begin with a chapter a day in Psalms or a short passage in the New Testament. Write one verse that will anchor your decisions for the day.
- Support and Encourage
Speak encouragement to at least one preacher, teacher, or ministry worker this week. Send a short note, text, or speak a word of thanks. Pray for them daily this week.
- Carry Gospel Tools
Put gospel tracts in your wallet, purse, or car. Intentionally give at least two tracts this week—one to a coworker, neighbor, or person you meet—and invite someone to church.
- Practice Separation, Not Isolation
Identify one area where compromise has crept in (music, modesty, social media, friendships). Set a practical boundary for the week that honors Scripture and ask an accountability partner to pray with you about it.
- Show Compassion with Truth
If someone in your circle is living in a sinful way, plan a loving, private conversation this week. Speak truth with gentleness: listen, pray, present the gospel, and offer to walk with them toward Christ and recovery. Use Jude 22–23 as a guide: have compassion, but hate the effects of sin.
- Memorize and Meditate
Memorize Jude 1:3 (KJV) this week. Say it aloud each morning and evening. Let it guide your motives: to contend earnestly, lovingly, and faithfully.
- Live Your Principles
Decide one non-negotiable principle (example: no explicit music, no late-night parties, family worship on Sunday evenings). Implement it this week. Make the decision now so when temptation comes, the choice is already made.
May the Lord give you strength to stand, courage to separate when necessary, compassion to reach the lost, and perseverance to contend zealously for the faith God entrusted to His people. As Joshua declared, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Let that determination shape your week and your witness.
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