Contend earnestly for the Faith

In today’s world a genuine Christian has to genuinely contend for the faith, in opposition to those who would corrupt or deprave it. The more busy the instruments and agents of Satan work to destroy the faith of a believer and rob the person of ‘Truth’ one is called to earnestly contend and hold it fast.

Book of Jude was written to a group of believers at that time who were very dear to him and were led astray by false teachers. The same theme we see it in 2nd Peter where the great Pastoral concern and warning against false teachings and their influences on the lives of early Christians during the time period of Nero’s persecution of Christians at Rome.

The message of the Gospel which is the subject matter of Faith is a common, most sincere offer to all mankind and the benefit is for those who accept this gracious offer. One who receives this doctrine of common salvation should earnestly contend and strive lawfully. A believer can contend for faith as the early apostles did by suffering patiently, having a holy reverence for ‘God’s Truth’ and courageously living for Christ in the midst of trials and tribulations and persecutions.

Christianity and the people of God are always spoken evil of even from the past and God’s Word has ample examples to support this. So it should not surprise a genuine believer if they would go through a rough time because of their faith in work place or at home. In the time period when Jude wrote his letter there were deceivers who were seducing the Disciples of Christ from the profession and practice of their holy calling. Jude calls them as ‘filthy dreamers’ and they dream and live in all manner of sin which is filthiness. They defile the flesh and this greatly defiles and grievously maimed and wound the soul of a person which is very precious in the sight of God. God requires us not to speak evil of men Tit 3:2, and when it is pointed at people whom God has set in authority over us it is a great aggravation. If we analyze carefully, evil speakers despise the dominion of conscience, and make a jest of the whole authority over them. “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion and speak evil of dignitaries.”Jude: 8.

Ungodly men are the enemies of God, and the enemies of the faith of Christ and the peace of the Church. Very often people speak evil of those persons and things that they know very little of. They are people who think and boast themselves as the wisest or as the wittiest part of man kind and Jude call them as ‘brute beasts.’ They not only corrupt themselves and defile themselves and but also they fail to realize that they have depraved wills, disordered appetites and affections. “But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.” Jude: 10. These are all people who separate themselves from God, Christ and His Church and associate with the Prince of the air, the world, the darkness, the flesh by their ungodly courses and bad practices. These are sensual people who do not have the Spirit of God, Spirit of Holiness, and absolutely no love for Christ and His dying love on the Cross for humanity.

We have to take the message of hope and encouragement and the privileges we have in Christ, and the holy lives we are called to live under persecution. This is a call and a warning for all genuine believers to build themselves in the sound foundation of faith with a sincere upright heart. A believer need not have to be offended if errors and persecutions arise and prevail in Christian Church, because it was foretold and this hastens the second coming of Jesus Christ. “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude: 20-22.

Finally dearly beloved believers in Christ, we are called to keep ourselves in the way of God and continue in His love. We have to do all that we can do to rescue others out of the snare of the world that they may be saved from errors and dangerous practices. “And some have compassion, making a difference; and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 22-23. Keeping ourselves at the utmost distance from what appears to be evil and not ‘The Truth’ is a warning and calling for all believers!


References:
1. Jay E.Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, ‘The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973)

2. John G. Kruis, ‘Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling; (Grand rapids: Baker Books, Third edition, p. 169-170)

3. David G. Benner & Peter C. Hill, ‘Baker Encyclopaedia of Psychology & Counseling’ Second Edition, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1985, 1999)

4. Dr. Larry Crabb, “Effective Biblical Counseling” How Caring Christians can Become Capable Counselors, (Hammersmith: Marshall Pickering, 1985), p. 100-104).

5.The Matthew Henry Study Bible, ‘King James version’ The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994, Iowa Falls, U.S.A.

6. David Seeking A Heart Like His, ‘Beth Moore’ Life Way Christian resources, Nashville, Tennessee, 2010, pgs: 206-210.

7. Jay E. Adams, ‘Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling’ Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started, (New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002)

8. Jay E. Adams, ‘How to Help People Change’ The Four-step Biblical Process, (Grand rapids: Zondervan, 1986)

9. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty, ‘Introduction To Biblical Counseling’, “A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling”(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1994)

10. Jay E. Adams, ‘Lectures on Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203)

11. The Holy Bible, New King James version, Women of Destiny Bible, “Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures” A Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, Copyright 1982.