Jude 3-4

Earnestly Contend for the Faith

“The Faith” referred to here is not the verb of faith, but the noun

“faith” as a verb is believing in God, while “faith” as a noun refers to the overall work of God

This includes the doctrines, conduct (both personal and corporate), and actions of the faith

We are told to earnestly contend for the faith -> “contend” -> to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties

Contending for something implies a struggle -> not that we are in danger of losing, but rather that it takes immense amounts of effort (earnestly)

This is accomplished in part by fighting against false teaching -> false teaching cannot be ignored!

These are not arguments for arguments’ sake, but arguments for the truth’s sake -> what is the motivation for “winning” the argument?

This is also accomplished by growing the knowledge of God among others -> not just fighting against something, but for something

The word of God is the sword by which we fight in this struggle, and it is sufficient for all things (2 Tim. 3:12-4:5)

"The faith” (the doctrines) was passed down to us -> they have not and will not change (1 Tim. 6:20-21)

Those We Contend Against

They are those who have crept in without being noticed -> the one’s fighting against the faith openly are not the most dangerous threat

While they are a threat, this deals with those who look the part (the wolves in sheep’s clothing)

Their judgement was predicted long ago, and even longer ago now -> when it comes in fulness, it will not be surprising, though it will take many by surprise

They are ungodly -> they are not friends, but rather have made themselves enemies

They have turned God’s grace into sensuality -> This is still very visible today

False teachers use the disguise of “tolerance” of sexual “freedom” which is actually just substituting the grace of God for sexual immorality

They have denied the Lord -> either with their actions alone or altogether

When you refuse to teach God’s word, you are refusing God -> you cannot have God in just the parts you like (you can’t pick out the M&Ms from the trail mix)

That we must earnestly contend against these people tells us that we cannot be pacifists in the work of God’s kingdom

We must proceed with caution, but we cannot refuse to proceed at all!

Earnestly contend for the faith, as that is the war we fight! -> we cannot let the severity and gravity of this calling go over our heads