contending for the faith
DESCRIPTION
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) - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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?