What does it mean to contend for the faith?
What Does It Mean to Contend for the Faith?
The call to contend for the faith originates in the epistle of Jude, written to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem during a time of doctrinal turmoil. Jude explains his purpose in Jude 1:3 (NKJV):
"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."
Instead of offering a general letter of encouragement about salvation, Jude addresses an urgent need for vigilance and defense of the Christian faith. The term "contend earnestly" comes from the Greek word epagonizomai, which implies intense struggle or effort, akin to the exertion of an athlete striving for victory. Contending for the faith involves defending, upholding, and living out the truths of Christianity against opposition, false teachings, and moral decay.
What Is "The Faith"?
In this context, "the faith" refers to the body of doctrine given by Jesus Christ and entrusted to the apostles. It includes the gospel message, the teachings of Scripture, and the essential truths of Christian belief. This faith was "once for all delivered to the saints," indicating its finality and completeness. Jude’s admonition underscores that no additional revelation is needed or valid beyond what has been given by God through Christ and His apostles. John 14:26 (NKJV) promises:
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."
The integrity of this faith is under constant attack, as Jude reveals in Jude 1:4 (NKJV):
"For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Why Must We Contend for the Faith?
1. False Teachers and Heresies
Jude warns of individuals infiltrating the church who pervert the gospel for personal gain or immoral purposes. These false teachers distort God’s grace into a license for sin and deny the deity and lordship of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul echoes this concern in Galatians 1:6–9 (NKJV), where he warns against those who preach a different gospel:
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."
2. Spiritual Warfare
Contending for the faith is part of the spiritual battle every believer faces. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) reminds us:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
3. The Eternal Consequences
The integrity of the faith has eternal implications. Defending the gospel is crucial for the salvation of souls and the preservation of God’s truth for future generations.
How Do We Contend for the Faith?
The book of Jude provides a practical framework for contending for the faith, outlining specific spiritual disciplines that strengthen believers in this task.
1. Build Yourself Up in the Faith
To contend effectively, believers must grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and strengthen their spiritual foundation. Jude 1:20 (NKJV) exhorts:
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith."
This involves regular study and meditation on Scripture. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) instructs:
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
2. Pray in the Holy Spirit
Prayer is essential for spiritual discernment and guidance. Jude 1:20 (NKJV) continues:
"Praying in the Holy Spirit."
This does not refer to mechanical or rote prayers but to Spirit-led communion with God, relying on the Holy Spirit to intercede when words fail. Romans 8:26 (NKJV) assures us:
"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
3. Keep Yourself in God’s Love
Remaining in God’s love means living in obedience to His commands. Jude 1:21 (NKJV) says:
"Keep yourselves in the love of God."
Jesus emphasized this connection in John 15:10 (NKJV):
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love."
Obedience to God flows from a heart captivated by His grace and love, resulting in a life marked by holiness and service.
4. Wait with Hope
Believers are called to live with the confident expectation of Christ’s return. Jude 1:21 (NKJV) adds:
"Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
This hope fuels perseverance and inspires believers to remain faithful. Titus 2:13 (NKJV) describes this expectation:
"Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Practical Application: What Does Contending Look Like?
1. Defending Biblical Truth
Contending for the faith involves standing against heresies and doctrinal errors with biblical truth. This includes addressing challenges like moral relativism, prosperity theology, and other distortions of the gospel.
2. Living a Holy Life
A life of holiness and integrity testifies to the truth of the gospel. Philippians 1:27 (NKJV) urges:
"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."
3. Evangelizing with Love
Contending for the faith also means sharing the gospel with gentleness and respect, as 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) instructs:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
4. Discipling Others
Teaching and mentoring other believers helps build a community grounded in biblical truth. 2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV) states:
"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
Conclusion
Contending for the faith is a call to every believer to uphold, defend, and live out the gospel message in a world opposed to God’s truth. It requires spiritual growth, prayer, obedience, and hope in Christ’s return. As we fight the good fight of faith, we do so not in our strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of God’s Word. 1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV) encourages us:
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
May we, like Jude, stand firm in contending for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints, striving together to glorify God and advance His kingdom.
