Contending for the Faith: Judgment, Faith, and Hope

The journey of faith is much like a relay race, where the most critical moment is the handoff—the passing of the baton. In the book of Jude, this handoff is a call to the church to contend earnestly for the faith that has been entrusted to us. Jude writes in a time of great challenge, warning of false teachers and the coming judgment, but also inviting us to live with purpose and hope. The certainty of Christ’s return is not meant to instill fear, but to anchor our lives in truth and urgency. Knowing that Jesus, the Lord of the Old and New Testaments, will return with countless angels to judge the world, we are reminded that our lives are moving toward a definite and glorious end.

Enoch’s story, as referenced by Jude, illustrates what it means to walk in close fellowship with God. Enoch’s life was marked by intimacy with God, and he was taken up without experiencing death. This is the ideal Christian life: daily, consistent fellowship with God, delighting in His presence above all else. The coming judgment is a promise that God will set all things right, and for those in Christ, it is a day of triumph, not terror. This knowledge shapes how we live now—we forgive more quickly, speak truth more gently, and serve more faithfully, knowing we are running toward the finish line.

Jude’s exhortation is practical: build yourselves up in your most holy faith. This means immersing ourselves in the Word of God, not just skimming a verse a day, but meditating on Scripture, letting it shape our thoughts and desires. Prayer, too, is to be done in the Spirit—aligning our hearts with God’s will, delighting in Him, and allowing the Spirit to shape our desires. Keeping ourselves in the love of God is a command, not a suggestion. Like standing in the sunlight, we are to remain in the warmth of God’s love through obedience and intimacy, not drifting into the shadows of disobedience.

Jude also calls us to mercy and compassion for those who doubt, are compromised, or deceived. We are to respond with mercy, rescue, and careful compassion, never compromising the truth but always reaching out in love. Finally, our hope is secured in Christ, who is able to keep us from stumbling and present us blameless before God’s glory. Our confidence is not in our grip on God, but in His grip on us. The foundation of our faith is Jesus, the unmovable rock, and as we await His return, we are called to stay anchored, stay in love, and keep our eyes on the prize.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Certainty of Judgment and the Urgency of Hope The promise of Christ’s return and judgment is not a metaphor but a certainty that should shape our lives with urgency and hope. Knowing where history is headed allows us to live with clarity, forgiving quickly and serving faithfully, not out of fear but out of focus on the coming King. This perspective transforms our daily choices and priorities, anchoring us in the reality of God’s ultimate justice and mercy. [44:44]
• 2. Walking in Close Fellowship with God Enoch’s life is a model of what it means to walk in close fellowship with God—consistent, daily intimacy that shapes every aspect of our being. True spiritual maturity is not measured by outward success or longevity in the faith, but by the depth of our relationship with God. This kind of walk is available to all who seek Him, and it is the foundation for a life that endures beyond death. [39:54]
• 3. Building Ourselves Up in the Faith Requires Intentionality Spiritual growth is not automatic; it demands dedication, passion, and commitment. Immersing ourselves in Scripture, meditating on it day and night, and praying in the Spirit are disciplines that build a resilient faith. Just as no athlete improves by half-hearted effort, so too must we pursue God with intentionality, allowing His Word and Spirit to transform us from the inside out. [55:40]
• 4. Mercy and Compassion Without Compromise Jude calls us to respond differently to those who doubt, are compromised, or deceived—showing mercy, rescuing, and exercising compassion with discernment. True love does not tolerate sin, but neither does it abandon the struggling. We are called to reach out, to touch the sinner without touching the sin, embodying the compassion of Christ while holding fast to the truth. [67:19]
• 5. Our Security Is in God’s Grip, Not Our Own The assurance of our salvation rests not in our ability to hold on to God, but in His unwavering grip on us. Christ is able to keep us from stumbling and will present us blameless before God’s glory. This confidence frees us from fear and striving, inviting us to rest in the faithfulness of the One who anchors our souls and will bring us safely home.
  
  ** [69:34]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [36:38] - The Handoff: Jude’s Urgent Call
• [37:49] - Warning: Judgment Is Coming
• [39:04] - Enoch: Walking with God
• [41:09] - Enoch’s Prophecy and the Coming Judge
• [43:34] - Jesus: The Lord Who Judges
• [44:44] - The Assurance of Christ’s Return
• [46:02] - The Power and Purpose of Angels
• [48:42] - The Separation: Sheep and Goats
• [50:34] - Living in Light of Judgment
• [52:36] - Invitation: Keep the Faith
• [53:54] - Building Up in the Word
• [56:58] - Praying in the Spirit
• [62:38] - Keeping in the Love of God
• [65:35] - Mercy for the Doubting, Compromised, and Deceived
• [67:55] - Keep Your Eye on the Prize
• [68:44] - Doxology: Worship and Assurance
• [73:12] - The Trinity: One God Revealed
• [75:11] - Anchored Like a Lighthouse
• [76:26] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Reading

Jude 1:3, 14-25 (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.
> 14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones,
> 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
> 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
> 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
> 22 And have mercy on those who doubt;
> 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
> 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,
> 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Genesis 5:21-24 (ESV) — > 21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah.
> 22 Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.
> 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years.
> 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

Observation Questions

1. According to Jude, what is the main warning he gives to the church, and what are the two invitations he offers in response? [[37:49]]
2. How does the story of Enoch in Genesis 5 describe his relationship with God, and what unusual event happened to him? [[39:04]]
3. What does Jude say is required to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith”? [[53:54]]
4. In Jude’s instructions, how are believers supposed to respond to those who doubt, are compromised, or are deceived? [[01:05:06]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jude compare the Christian life to a relay race and emphasize the importance of the “handoff”? How does this image help us understand our responsibility in faith? [[36:38]]
2. The sermon says that the certainty of Christ’s return and judgment is not meant to scare believers but to give them hope and urgency. How can this perspective change the way someone lives day to day? [[44:44]]
3. Enoch’s life is described as “walking in close fellowship with God.” What does this look like practically, and why is it considered the ideal Christian life? [[39:54]]
4. Jude calls believers to show mercy and compassion without compromising the truth. What are some challenges in doing this, especially with those who are struggling or deceived? [[01:07:19]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to “contend for the faith” that has been entrusted to us. What are some practical ways you can stand for your faith in your daily life, especially when it’s unpopular or difficult? [[37:14]]
2. Enoch’s story is about daily, consistent fellowship with God. What is one specific habit you could start or strengthen this week to walk more closely with God? (For example: a set time for prayer, reading Scripture, or journaling.) [[39:54]]
3. The message says that spiritual growth is not automatic and requires intentionality. What is one area of your spiritual life where you have been “coasting” or on “cruise control”? What step could you take to be more intentional? [[55:40]]
4. Jude urges us to “keep ourselves in the love of God.” Are there any patterns of disobedience or drift in your life that are pulling you away from God’s love? What would it look like to “step back into the sunlight” this week? [[01:03:16]]
5. When you encounter someone who is doubting, compromised, or deceived, what is your natural response? How could you show more mercy and compassion without compromising the truth? Can you think of a real situation where you could apply this? [[01:05:35]]
6. The sermon says our security is not in our grip on God, but in His grip on us. How does this truth affect your confidence in your relationship with God, especially during times of struggle or failure? [[01:09:34]]
7. The certainty of Christ’s return is meant to give us urgency and hope. Is there an area of your life where you need to live with more urgency or focus because of this truth? What would it look like to “keep your eye on the prize” in that area? [[01:07:55]]