October 3, 2024 C0NTEND EARNESTLY
Jude 3 “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
I am sure we know that if we picture the Christian life to be one of ease and free of trials and difficulties, we will be disappointed. Jesus told us that we would have trials in this life-and He was right-just as always. We may want to coast in life and just enjoy smooth sailing on our spiritual and physical journey, but that’s not reality. Do not misunderstand; God gives us peace and He gives us rest, and He comforts us as we navigate life as a believer. However, we are in a battle; in scripture we see that our enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil; there are forces at work that come against our faith and our spiritual growth. God has not left us alone to fight the battles, and He assures our victory. Our main weapon is the faith that was ‘once for all delivered to the saints.’ Faith is a mighty weapon; faith is connecting us to God and is bringing the kingdom of God to where we live. Faith in God takes us out of the limitations of human effort and puts us into a new dimension where God rules. The main weapon of our enemy is that of deception. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14. We are not likely tempted to murder or commit some other hideous sin; however, we may allow and excuse what we may think of as ‘small’ sins. For example; we may neglect reading and studying God’s word, or excuse being impatient, or be anxious, or whatever, and be ok with it. That’s the deception of the enemy. This ‘contending earnestly for the faith’ is a real deal; faith implies action on our part. We are to live out our faith moment by moment in every aspect of our lives. In Galatians 2:20b Paul said that “the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Biblical faith is believing what God has said in His word. His word is contrary to the wisdom of this world-and that defines where the battle is. We have to choose; do we live according to the philosophy and ways of the world, or do we live according to the ways of the kingdom of God. Again, this is the contending. It is so real; either we live according to the ways of God as found in His word, or we do not. Just for one example; the word clearly tells us that we are a new creation with new mind, new spirit and a new heart; and it tells us that we have been set free from the power of sin. Is that how we view ourselves? The enemy tells us we are humans who continue in sin even though we are believers. The point is that we must be engaged and we do indeed need to contend for the faith; we are to be growing in the faith and in the knowledge of God and we are to be expressions of Him in all we do. May we about contending for the faith that has been delivered to us.
Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.’
Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Blessings, Buddy
Jude 3 “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
I am sure we know that if we picture the Christian life to be one of ease and free of trials and difficulties, we will be disappointed. Jesus told us that we would have trials in this life-and He was right-just as always. We may want to coast in life and just enjoy smooth sailing on our spiritual and physical journey, but that’s not reality. Do not misunderstand; God gives us peace and He gives us rest, and He comforts us as we navigate life as a believer. However, we are in a battle; in scripture we see that our enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil; there are forces at work that come against our faith and our spiritual growth. God has not left us alone to fight the battles, and He assures our victory. Our main weapon is the faith that was ‘once for all delivered to the saints.’ Faith is a mighty weapon; faith is connecting us to God and is bringing the kingdom of God to where we live. Faith in God takes us out of the limitations of human effort and puts us into a new dimension where God rules. The main weapon of our enemy is that of deception. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14. We are not likely tempted to murder or commit some other hideous sin; however, we may allow and excuse what we may think of as ‘small’ sins. For example; we may neglect reading and studying God’s word, or excuse being impatient, or be anxious, or whatever, and be ok with it. That’s the deception of the enemy. This ‘contending earnestly for the faith’ is a real deal; faith implies action on our part. We are to live out our faith moment by moment in every aspect of our lives. In Galatians 2:20b Paul said that “the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Biblical faith is believing what God has said in His word. His word is contrary to the wisdom of this world-and that defines where the battle is. We have to choose; do we live according to the philosophy and ways of the world, or do we live according to the ways of the kingdom of God. Again, this is the contending. It is so real; either we live according to the ways of God as found in His word, or we do not. Just for one example; the word clearly tells us that we are a new creation with new mind, new spirit and a new heart; and it tells us that we have been set free from the power of sin. Is that how we view ourselves? The enemy tells us we are humans who continue in sin even though we are believers. The point is that we must be engaged and we do indeed need to contend for the faith; we are to be growing in the faith and in the knowledge of God and we are to be expressions of Him in all we do. May we about contending for the faith that has been delivered to us.
Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.’
Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Blessings, Buddy
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