Contending for the Faith: Warning Against False Teachers

Nov 09, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Remembering God’s Judgment on Unbelief

God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt was followed by judgment on those who refused to trust Him, reminding us that faith and obedience are inseparable in the life of God’s people. The Israelites witnessed miracles, received God’s provision, and yet, when faced with the challenge of entering the Promised Land, they allowed fear and unbelief to overtake them. Their refusal to trust God’s promises led to a generation missing out on His blessings, serving as a sobering warning that seeing God’s works is not the same as believing His word. Let this example urge you to examine your own heart for areas of unbelief and to trust God’s faithfulness, even when the path ahead seems daunting. [54:22]

Jude 5 (ESV): “Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.”

Reflection: Where in your life are you hesitating to trust God’s promises, and what step of faith can you take today to move forward in obedience?

Day 2: The Consequences of Rebelling Against God’s Authority

The fallen angels who abandoned their God-given place serve as a powerful reminder that rebellion against God’s authority leads to judgment, no matter how exalted one’s position may be. These angels, created for a holy purpose, chose to leave their proper domain and pursue their own desires, resulting in their being kept in chains until the final judgment. Their story warns us against pride and the temptation to step outside the boundaries God has set for our good, urging us to remain humble and submitted to His will in every area of our lives. [55:00]

Jude 6 (ESV): “And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day.”

Reflection: Is there an area where you are resisting God’s authority or boundaries? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 3: The Warning of Sodom and Gomorrah

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah stands as a warning that persistent immorality and rejection of God’s design lead to devastating consequences, both for individuals and communities. These cities were marked by every kind of sexual perversion and wickedness, and their fate was not just about one sin but a wholesale rejection of God’s standards. God’s judgment on them is a call to take seriously the holiness He desires for His people and to recognize that His boundaries are for our protection and flourishing. [59:03]

Jude 7 (ESV): “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.”

Reflection: Are there cultural norms or personal habits you’ve accepted that are out of step with God’s standards? What is one change you can make this week to honor God’s design for holiness?

Day 4: Contending for the Faith Entrusted to Us

Believers are called to defend the core truths of the Christian faith, not by being contentious, but by knowing God’s word deeply and lovingly correcting error when it arises. In a world where false teachings and distortions of the gospel are common, it is vital to be grounded in Scripture and to be willing to speak up for the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. This calling is for every Christian, not just leaders, and it requires both courage and humility as we seek to keep the faith pure and point others to Christ. [01:09:05]

Jude 3-4 (ESV): “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear a gentle, truthful correction or encouragement in the faith, and how can you prepare yourself to lovingly contend for the truth with them?

Day 5: Growing Strong in Faith Through God’s Word

Spiritual growth and discernment come from immersing ourselves in God’s word, equipping us to recognize false teaching and to stand firm in the truth. The call to study Scripture—like the encouragement to spend a year in Romans—reminds us that deep roots in God’s truth are essential for a resilient, fruitful Christian life. As you invest time in God’s word, you not only grow in knowledge but also in your ability to defend the faith and encourage others, becoming a source of strength and clarity in a confused world. [01:06:29]

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Reflection: What specific plan can you make this week to deepen your study of God’s word, and how will you hold yourself accountable to it?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered in gratitude for God’s goodness, celebrating both the beauty of creation and the gift of new life—both physical and spiritual. We witnessed the powerful symbol of baptism, as three adults publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism, like communion, is a visible sign of an inward reality: it does not save, but it proclaims to the world that we have died to our old selves and have been raised to new life in Christ. It is a declaration of allegiance, much like a wedding ring signifies a marriage covenant.

We reflected on the core truths of our faith: that God is the Creator, that every person is made by and for Him, and that all of us are broken by sin. Yet, God’s grace is greater than our failures. Through Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection—we are offered forgiveness, purpose, and a family of faith. This grace cannot be earned or lost; it is a gift to all who will receive it.

Turning to the book of Jude, we were reminded of the urgent call to defend the faith. Jude warns that false teachers will infiltrate the church, twisting God’s grace into a license for immorality and refusing to submit to Christ’s lordship. These dangers are not new; Jude points to three Old Testament examples of God’s judgment: the unbelieving Israelites who perished in the wilderness, the fallen angels who abandoned their place, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed for their rampant immorality. Each serves as a sobering warning that God’s standards have not changed, and that rebellion against Him leads to judgment.

Yet, the call is not merely to avoid error, but to actively contend for the truth. This means knowing the Scriptures deeply, being alert to false teaching, and gently but firmly correcting error when we encounter it. Defending the faith is not about being combative, but about loving the truth and loving people enough to point them to it. In a world—and even a region—where false teaching abounds, we are called to be bearers of truth, grounded in grace, and bold in our witness.

Key Takeaways

1. Baptism is a public declaration of new life Baptism does not save, but it powerfully symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It is a public testimony that we have died to our old ways and are raised to walk in newness of life. Like a wedding ring, it is an outward sign of an inward commitment, reminding us and others of the transforming work of Jesus. [23:09]
2. God’s grace is not a license to sin True grace leads to transformation, not permissiveness. False teachers twist grace into an excuse for immorality, but genuine faith produces a desire to submit to Christ and pursue holiness. Grace is a gift that frees us from sin’s penalty and power, not a permit to indulge our old nature. [43:09]
3. God’s judgment is real and rooted in history Jude’s warnings are anchored in real events: the Israelites’ unbelief, the rebellion of angels, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These stories remind us that God’s standards are unchanging and that persistent rebellion leads to judgment. They call us to take sin seriously and to trust in God’s justice and mercy. [46:13]
4. Every believer is called to defend the faith Contending for the faith is not just for pastors or leaders, but for every Christian. This means knowing what we believe, being alert to error, and lovingly correcting falsehood. It requires humility, courage, and a deep grounding in Scripture, so that we can stand firm in truth and help others do the same. [68:28]
5. The foundation for discernment is deep knowledge of God’s Word To recognize and resist false teaching, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture. The book of Romans, in particular, provides a solid foundation for understanding Christian doctrine. As we study God’s Word, we grow in discernment and are equipped to uphold the truth in a world of confusion. [66:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:41] - Communion and Its Meaning
[21:17] - Introduction to Baptism
[22:32] - Baptism as a Public Declaration
[23:09] - Baptism Testimonies
[24:11] - Mike’s Faith Journey
[25:48] - Donna’s Baptism Story
[27:51] - Dennis’ Testimony and Baptism
[29:26] - Prayer for the Baptized
[30:06] - Connecting and Giving
[32:40] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[35:50] - Celebrating New Life in the Pastor’s Family
[37:46] - What We Believe: Core Christian Truths
[41:18] - Introduction to Jude and False Teachers
[46:13] - Three Old Testament Examples of Judgment
[53:43] - The Israelites’ Unbelief and Judgment
[55:00] - Judgment of Fallen Angels
[59:03] - Sodom and Gomorrah: Warning Against Immorality
[63:25] - The Purpose of God’s Warnings
[66:29] - How to Contend for the Faith
[68:28] - Recognizing and Resisting False Teachers
[73:34] - Prayer and Invitation
[76:17] - Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

- Jude 3-7 (ESV)

3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—
7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

- Romans 10:17 (ESV)

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Observation Questions

According to Jude 3-4, what are the two main ways false teachers are described as twisting the faith? ([43:09])
What three Old Testament examples does Jude use to warn about God’s judgment, and what do they have in common? ([46:13])
In the sermon, what is the purpose of baptism, and how is it compared to a wedding ring? ([22:32])
What does Romans 10:17 say about how faith comes to a person?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jude use historical examples of judgment (Israelites, fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah) to warn the church about false teaching? What is he hoping believers will understand? ([46:13])
The sermon says that God’s grace is not a license to sin. How does this challenge the way some people might think about forgiveness and Christian freedom? ([43:09])
Baptism is described as a public declaration of new life, not something that saves. Why is it important for believers to make this public declaration, and what does it say about their relationship with Jesus? ([22:32])
The pastor said that every Christian is called to defend the faith, not just pastors or leaders. What might this look like in everyday life? ([01:08:28])

Application Questions

The sermon compared baptism to a wedding ring—an outward sign of an inward commitment. If you have been baptized, how has that public step impacted your faith journey? If you haven’t, what holds you back from making that declaration? ([22:32])
Jude warns that false teachers can twist God’s grace into a license for immorality. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to use grace as an excuse rather than a motivation for change? How can you address this honestly? ([43:09])
The Israelites missed out on God’s promise because of unbelief and fear. Is there a promise or step of faith you are hesitating to take because of doubt or fear? What would it look like to trust God in that area? ([53:43])
The sermon emphasized the need to know Scripture deeply to recognize false teaching. What is one practical step you can take this week to grow in your knowledge of God’s Word? ([01:06:29])
The pastor mentioned that defending the faith is not about being combative, but about loving the truth and loving people enough to point them to it. Can you think of a recent conversation where you could have gently corrected a misunderstanding about faith? How might you approach it differently next time? ([01:09:05])
The examples of judgment in Jude are sobering reminders that God takes sin seriously. Is there a sin or pattern in your life that you need to bring into the light and seek help or accountability for? ([01:03:25])
The sermon encouraged everyone to be alert for false teaching, even in our own church community. What are some practical ways you can help protect and build up the faith of those around you? ([01:08:28])

Sermon Clips

“Jude was written by one of Jesus's halfb brothers um to expose false teachers and to encourage Christians to contend for the Christian faith. The reason I showed that video this morning is it is a statement of what Christians believe. uh Christians believe certain tenants and core values, certain truths that are recorded in scripture.”

“Jude here as he writes this small letter, he intended to to write this praise letter of just all the the the wonderful benefits of our common salvation. But instead, he had to write this letter of condemnation on false teachers that had infiltrated the Christian church. And he had to alert the Christians in the church. Hey, you need to be careful here.”

“Jude says there are two main characteristics uh that identify false teachers who have infiltrated the church. One they pervert the grace of God uh and two they reject God's son as as the only master and lord Jesus Christ. The false teachers use the grace of God as a permit to sin.”

“They'll even take the word of God and give a little bit of truth from it. But when you really analyze their lifestyles, uh it's the lifestyles of the rich and famous and the extortioners and the lies and stuff. They're just in it for the money, the prestige, and the power.”

“They want to be lord of their own life. They want to be the master of where they spend their time, energy, and money. They do not want to to listen to Jesus. They don't want to submit to him. Well, after he states that false teachers are already condemned, meaning that God has already stamped them condemned, you will pay dearly for your sins, especially leading others astray uh with your false doctrines.”

“Basically what Jude's going to do is he's going to go back into the Old Testament. Remember, he's writing to Jewish Christians, uh, Jews who converted from Judaism to Christianity. Uh, and, uh, he's writing to them and they know the Old Testament. They've been taught it from their their their birth.”

“Jude's first example of God's judgment upon the ungodly uh goes back to the unbelieving Israelites. And so we're going to fast we're going to fast forward backwards. Okay, there we go. You remember the Israelites uh were enslaved to the nation of Egypt for 400 years. God raised up a leader named Moses to say, "Go in and tell Pharaoh to let my people go.”

“He was pouring uh all kinds of stuff into them to build their faith. Well, finally they get to Canaan. When they get to Canaan, uh Moses sends 12 spies out into Canaan. And the 12 spies go in and they observe all of the things in Canaan and all the people in the cities and so on. And when they come back, 10 of the spies said, "No, we're not going in there. There's giants in that land."”

“After exploring the land for 40 days, the men returned to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Pan. And they reported to the whole community what they'd seen and and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. This was their report to Moses.”

“But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the Lord's glory. Not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I perform both in Egypt and in the wilderness. But again and again, they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice.”

“Jude's dramatic illustrations of judgment, these three Old Testament doom and gloom illustrations uh that you came to church to hear this morning and be uplifted by. They're in the scripture to serve as a warning to all who rebel against God and reject the truth that is in his word.”

“We need to be very careful that we don't leave these illustrations in the Old Testament because I want you to know everything that we just talked about God condemning, he condemns in the New Testament. Ultimately, why do people go to hell? They go to hell because of unbelief in Jesus Christ.”

“What do you need to do to contend for the faith, the Christian faith, the core tenants of Christianity? What do you need to do? Well, you need to study the word of God. Um you you need to study the word. You need to open up the book and you need to get it.”

“If you'll study the book of Romans, you'll really get a great idea of the foundation of Christian truth. Uh, and as you study it, you'll get a good idea of what it means to uh, defend the Christian faith. Now, I will tell you, it's a heady book. It's not an easy book.”

“As I said last week, this message is not to Pastor John. I mean, it is, but I'm not the only one it's to. It's to every Christian. Everyone who who claims to be a Christian. everyone who who understands what Christianity is. It's to every Christian. You are to defend the faith.”

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