contending for the faith

Contending For The Faith

Jude 1-4

Introduction

• Important subject–Always a great need (Jude 3)

–Necessity of defending the Gospel (Philippians 1:7, 16)

Introduction

• Remember–Not talking about personal faith, or

creeds of men

–“The faith” was completely revealed (John 16:13)

–Worthwhile to defend

The Historical Faith

• Too willing to follow men–Existence of cults

–Extreme practices

The Historical Faith

• Need to follow the apostles’ teaching–They first spoke it (Hebrews 13:7)

–Confirmed by miracles (Hebrews 2:3, 4)

–Imitate their faith (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9)

–Gospel is as unchangeable as Christ (Hebrews 13:8)

The Historical Faith

• Beware of false doctrines–From within (Acts 20:28, 32)

–Word of God abides forever (John 12:48; 1 Peter 1:22-25)

Involves Conflict

• Many not prepared for conflict–Foretold by Jesus (Matthew 10:34-37)

–Told to contend (Jude 3)

–Paul’s admonition (1 Corinthians 16:13)

Involves Conflict

• Imagine a battle scene–Need for vigilance, alert to dangers

(Matthew 7:15; 1 John 2:15-17)

–Consistency (1 Corinthians 15:58)

–Grow up (1 Corinthians 16:3; Ephesians 4:14)

Involves Conflict

• The fight is on!–Victory is certain (Ephesians 6:10-18)

–Must not surrender (Hebrews 3:12; 10:39)

Involves Motives

• There will be enemies–Pervert the grace of God (Jude 4)

–Paul warned of them (2 Timothy 4:1-7)

–Must be stopped (Galatians 2:11-14; 2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Involves Motives

• Worth the fight–God’s power to save (Romans 1:16)

–Worthy of our devotion (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Involves Motives

• “Set for the defense of the Gospel?”–Paul was (Philippians 1:16)

–Where are our affections? (Colossians 3:1-4)

Conclusion

• Are you motivated by Jude’s admonition?

• Are you even a Christian?