Jude 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.
From our anchor Scripture, Jude, the brother of James, wants believers to understand and fully appreciate the gift of salvation they have received through Christ. Though typical, it is not cheap and must not be taken or handled carelessly. This free salvation cost God the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus. Therefore, it must be considered expensive. Believers must beware of those who make light of and are careless with their salvation. They take God’s grace for granted and see it as a license for careless and ungodly living. Once saved is not forever saved. This great salvation must be guarded by all who have come into it. When we love something or someone, we passionately defend it. For Jude, this meant defending the Gospel of Jesus against false teachings. So, we must stand firm in our faith and boldly defend the truth!
It is paramount to defend the truth God gave once and for all to His people to keep without change through the years. Christians should also know what they believe and why they believe it. In contending with our faith, we are to strive to serve our purpose, although the road may be rough, going gets tough, or the hills are rugged to climb. It is the duty of every believer to contend for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints. To contend means to affirm, maintain, argue, even insist. Acts 20:27 says, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Apostle Paul was determined that nothing would stop him from preaching the Gospel, and he accepted the difficulties he must face. Paul remained steadfast in his mission; as believers, we, too, can find strength and joy in our faith journey. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Apostle Peter encourages believers to be prepared to explain their faith with gentleness and reverence. All Christians need to be ready to give an answer or defend the Gospel when someone asks us the reason for our hope.
Beloved, beware of the people you listen to because whatever access your heart affects your faith. Don’t allow space for negative thoughts that breed doubts and delay your blessings. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to provide the reason for the hope that you have. Guard your heart diligently and believe only the report of the Lord(Word of God). Never let the zeal of your faith shrink, but build and nourish it with the Word of God. You must do everything possible to defend and keep your faith. It is our sacred call to contend for the faith earnestly. It is essential to guard your faith because the devil knows that your faith equals your life, for the just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4). As a believer, you need to guard your heart diligently to ward off bad news and be filled with the Word of God because when you are bankrupt of the Word the enemy will afflict you. Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of our faith overcame the devil with the Word(Matthew 4:1-11). An unclear conscience is an enemy of faith. Whatever fights your conscience fights your confidence (Proverbs 28:1). Faith is ruined when the heart is impure. Remember, always contend for your faith.
O LORD, help me to fight with everything for the faith entrusted in me in Jesus’ Name.