Bible Reading: Daniel 11, 12; Jude 1.
Memory Verse: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3 (KJV).
“Faith is defined as unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence; unquestioning belief in God, religious tenets,”. It can be better understood by going through the biblical definition stated in Hebrew. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Contending for the faith is stated in the Amplified Bible as “fight strenuously for (the defense ) the faith.“ Paul also stated that believers should contend for their faith (1 Timothy 6:11-21).
Contending for the faith involves building yourself in the faith. You cannot give what you do not have. So it’s important that you grow spiritually. This involves, studying the word of God and applying it to your day to day living, praying in the Holy Ghost as stated in the same book of Jude 1:20. This helps you to draw on the power of God. And living a life of obedience. This according to Jude 1:21 will keep you in the love of Christ and make you wait continuously expectant for the return of our lord Jesus. All these will make you grounded in Christ. This is why the Bible says in Jude 1:3 (KJV), “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
Now having been grounded in Christ, why do we need to contend for the faith.? Jude explains clearly that ungodly men have crept into the church and they are turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness. These are people that will say that once saved forever saved so that they encourage immoralities and all forms of sin by their doctrine. If you do not know the word, you will be assuaged by their speech just like Adam and Eve caved in to the evil persuasion of satan! By their actions, they deny God and you need to show that they have erred not only for your sake but also for the sake of others so that they do not end up in darkness. This is stated clearly in Jude 1:23 (KJV), “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”
This duty is not only for the Pastors but for every believer of Christ. We are all expected to win souls by depopulating the kingdom of darkness. Thus the Bible says in Proverbs 11:30 (KJV), “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” I pray that none of your garments will be spotted by the flesh in Jesus name.
Prayer point:
Father give me the grace to contend for the faith for the rest of my life in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero