Contending for Faith: Strength in God's Love
Summary
### Summary
Dear church, you are deeply loved by God, and this truth stands firm regardless of your belief in it. Life will present challenges, but you are not alone in this fight. We have the privilege of contending together in fellowship with one another and with God. If you are to fight for anything, let it be for Christ and to see God glorified. To contend for your faith, you must understand what you are fighting for, what you are fighting against, how to train for the fight, and who is in your corner.
Jude's letter addresses the rebellion of those who deny Christ and embrace the flesh. He warns us about scoffers who live according to their ungodly desires, creating divisions and leading God's sheep astray. To train for this fight, remain in fellowship with God and adhere to His instructions. God empowers you to stand with Him, so listen to His voice, discern the spirits, and fight for love and truth. Love is demonstrated on the cross, and truth is found in Jesus.
Be wary of wolves and watch out for one another. Hold each other accountable in love and truth for the salvation we share in Jesus Christ. Open your arms to one another, confront sin for restoration, and fight for the faith of others. Jude advises us to build ourselves up in the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping ourselves in the love of God. Be merciful to those who waver and save others by snatching them from the fire.
Jude specifically addresses the heresy of antinomianism, which misinterprets God's grace as a license to sin. Paul also addresses this in Romans, emphasizing that we should not continue in sin just because grace abounds. Jude warns against those who turn God's grace into sensuality and deny Jesus Christ. Recognize that our opponents outside the church deny the foundations of our faith, while those inside the church might deny parts of it, leading to false teachings.
Christian fellowship cannot exist where we fail to fight for our faith. Jude urges us to contend for the faith delivered to the saints once for all. Salvation is precious and worth more than a token piece of our identity. We must train our minds and hearts to contend for it, standing against falsehood and showing the love of God to a fallen world. Our enemy is not flesh and blood but spirits that twist our faith to minimize salvation.
In conclusion, Jude reminds us that God is able to protect us from stumbling and make us stand in His presence without blemish. Contend for your faith, for the salvation Jesus offers is worth the fight. If you need prayer or encouragement, we are here for you. Remember, Christ is with you, fighting for you. Will you fight for your faith in Him?
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Love and Fellowship: You are deeply loved by God, and this love is unwavering. Life's challenges are inevitable, but you are not alone. We have the privilege of contending together in fellowship with one another and with God. This fellowship is a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that we are not isolated in our struggles. [0:00]
2. Training for the Fight: To contend for your faith, you must understand what you are fighting for and against, how to train, and who is in your corner. Remain in fellowship with God, adhere to His instructions, and listen to His voice. Love and truth are your weapons, and God's grace empowers you to stand firm. [25:59]
3. Building Yourself Up in Faith: Jude advises us to build ourselves up in the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping ourselves in the love of God. This involves studying, testing, growing, and applying your faith to your life. Know why you believe what you believe and let your faith be solidified in your heart and mind. [27:47]
4. Recognizing and Fighting Heresy: Jude addresses the heresy of antinomianism, which misinterprets God's grace as a license to sin. Paul also emphasizes that we should not continue in sin just because grace abounds. Recognize that our opponents outside the church deny the foundations of our faith, while those inside the church might deny parts of it, leading to false teachings. [17:29]
5. Contending for the Faith: Christian fellowship cannot exist where we fail to fight for our faith. Jude urges us to contend for the faith delivered to the saints once for all. Salvation is precious and worth more than a token piece of our identity. Train your minds and hearts to contend for it, standing against falsehood and showing the love of God to a fallen world. [14:00]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:30] - New Members Introduction
3. [03:27] - Prayer for New Members
4. [05:17] - Introduction to Jude
5. [07:05] - Rocky Movie Analogy
6. [08:44] - Fight for Your Faith
7. [10:21] - Contending for Faith
8. [12:06] - Jude's Letter
9. [14:00] - Importance of Fellowship
10. [16:00] - Knowing Your Opponent
11. [17:29] - Addressing Heresy
12. [19:12] - Opponents Outside the Church
13. [20:59] - Foundations of Faith
14. [22:34] - Opponents Inside the Church
15. [24:21] - Contending for Faith in the Church
16. [25:59] - Training for the Fight
17. [27:47] - Building Yourself Up in Faith
18. [29:24] - Praying in the Holy Spirit
19. [31:25] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Jude 1:3 - "Dear friends, although I was eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write, appealing to you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all."
2. Romans 6:1-4 - "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jude urge believers to do in Jude 1:3, and why does he find it necessary? ([12:06])
2. According to Romans 6:1-4, what is Paul's response to the idea of continuing in sin so that grace may increase?
3. In the sermon, what analogy is used to illustrate the importance of fighting for one's faith? ([05:17])
4. What are some characteristics of the opponents Jude warns about in his letter? ([24:21])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jude emphasize the need to "contend for the faith" in his letter? How does this relate to the challenges faced by the early church and by believers today? ([12:06])
2. How does Paul's teaching in Romans 6:1-4 challenge the heresy of antinomianism, and why is this important for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith? ([17:29])
3. The sermon mentions that Christian fellowship cannot exist where we fail to fight for our faith. How does this statement impact the way we view our relationships within the church? ([14:00])
4. What does it mean to "build yourself up in the most holy faith" as mentioned in the sermon, and how can this be practically applied in a believer's life? ([27:47])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone in your faith journey. How can the truth that "you are deeply loved by God" and the support of Christian fellowship change your perspective? ([31:25])
2. What specific steps can you take to "train for the fight" and remain in fellowship with God, as encouraged in the sermon? Consider practical actions such as prayer, Bible study, and accountability. ([25:59])
3. How can you actively "build yourself up in the most holy faith" this week? Identify one area of your faith that you want to strengthen and create a plan to grow in that area. ([27:47])
4. Have you ever encountered false teachings or heresies within the church? How did you respond, and what can you do to better recognize and address these issues in the future? ([22:34])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to those who waver in their faith. Think of someone in your life who is struggling with their faith. How can you extend mercy and support to them this week? ([29:24])
6. How can you ensure that your identity in Christ remains unmodified by external influences such as sin or political stances? What practical steps can you take to keep Christ at the center of your identity? ([24:21])
7. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Christ is with us, fighting for us. How does this truth encourage you to contend for your faith in your daily life? What specific challenges are you facing, and how can you rely on Christ's strength to overcome them? ([31:25])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unwavering Love and Fellowship
Description: You are deeply loved by God, and this love is unwavering. Life's challenges are inevitable, but you are not alone. We have the privilege of contending together in fellowship with one another and with God. This fellowship is a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that we are not isolated in our struggles. The love of God is a constant, unchanging truth that provides a foundation for our faith and a source of comfort in times of trial. Embrace this love and let it be the anchor that holds you steady in the storms of life. [0:00]
Bible Passage: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience God's love and the support of your fellowship during that time? How can you be a source of strength and encouragement to someone else in your community today?
Day 2: Training for the Fight
Description: To contend for your faith, you must understand what you are fighting for and against, how to train, and who is in your corner. Remain in fellowship with God, adhere to His instructions, and listen to His voice. Love and truth are your weapons, and God's grace empowers you to stand firm. Training involves daily spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading Scripture, and being in community with other believers. It is through these practices that you build spiritual resilience and discernment, equipping yourself to stand against falsehood and to fight for the truth of the Gospel. [25:59]
Bible Passage: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What specific spiritual discipline can you commit to strengthening this week? How will this practice help you in contending for your faith and standing firm in God's truth?
Day 3: Building Yourself Up in Faith
Description: Jude advises us to build ourselves up in the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping ourselves in the love of God. This involves studying, testing, growing, and applying your faith to your life. Know why you believe what you believe and let your faith be solidified in your heart and mind. Building yourself up in faith is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and dedication. It is about deepening your relationship with God and allowing His Word to transform your life. [27:47]
Bible Passage: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life." (Jude 1:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to build yourself up in your most holy faith? How can you incorporate prayer in the Holy Spirit into your daily routine?
Day 4: Recognizing and Fighting Heresy
Description: Jude addresses the heresy of antinomianism, which misinterprets God's grace as a license to sin. Paul also emphasizes that we should not continue in sin just because grace abounds. Recognize that our opponents outside the church deny the foundations of our faith, while those inside the church might deny parts of it, leading to false teachings. It is crucial to discern and confront these false teachings with love and truth, ensuring that the integrity of the Gospel is upheld. [17:29]
Bible Passage: "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." (Jude 1:4, ESV)
Reflection: Are there any teachings or beliefs you have encountered that seem to distort the grace of God? How can you lovingly address these issues and uphold the truth of the Gospel in your community?
Day 5: Contending for the Faith
Description: Christian fellowship cannot exist where we fail to fight for our faith. Jude urges us to contend for the faith delivered to the saints once for all. Salvation is precious and worth more than a token piece of our identity. Train your minds and hearts to contend for it, standing against falsehood and showing the love of God to a fallen world. Our enemy is not flesh and blood but spirits that twist our faith to minimize salvation. Contending for the faith involves being vigilant, courageous, and steadfast in upholding the truth of the Gospel and living out its implications in our daily lives. [14:00]
Bible Passage: "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." (Jude 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively contend for the faith in your daily life? How can you encourage others in your community to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Dear church, you are loved, not just by your pastors and your elders and those around you, but most importantly, you are loved by God. That is truth, whether you believe it or not. In life, you will take some hits, but you are not fighting alone. We have a privilege that we get to contend together in fellowship with one another and with God." [00:00]
2. "Rocky Balboa, he stands locked, with his opponent in a small-time boxing match. His opponent cheap shots Rocky, if you've seen it, with a headbutt, and then Rocky lets loose. Pound after pound, the opponent goes down to the mat. Rocky collects his winnings, and he's cut up, and he's bruised, and he hits then the cold Philadelphia streets. He's not flashy. He's not wealthy. He appears to just be an ordinary guy in a tough city on tough times living alone." [07:05]
3. "Dear church, fight for your faith. God has made you a contender through Jesus Christ, and he's the victor. Church, that fight is coming, you like it or not. In fact, that fight is already here. Your opponent, who is the spirit of the Antichrist, not flesh and blood, doesn't care if you're prepared or if you've trained. His fist is ungloved, bare knuckles, covered with brass, looking to take you out before the bell dings round one." [08:44]
4. "Love is shown on the cross. You don't make love, you die for it. Truth is shown in the tomb. You don't decide your own truth. You embrace Jesus, who is the truth." [25:59]
5. "Be merciful to one another when we waver or doubt, and every one of us wavers. Every one of us doubts. That's okay. Lift each other up. Be proactive to call out sin, pulling one another out of the fire and back into fellowship for restoration. But do so with reverence to God, not dabbling in sin, in order to excuse it in others." [29:24]
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you are to contend for your faith, then you must know what it is you're fighting for, what it is you're fighting against, how to train for the fight, and who is in your corner, who is in your fellowship." [07:05]
2. "Christian fellowship cannot exist where we fail to fight for our faith. I'm going to say that again because it's an important concept, and I want you to wrestle with it. Christian fellowship cannot exist where we fail to fight for our faith. Where we fail to fight for our faith, our fellowship becomes nothing more than a social club." [14:00]
3. "Jude specifically addressed a heresy called antinomianism. That's a fancy word, and it basically means this. Antinomianism is the belief that because of God's grace and forgiveness that all things are now acceptable. Because of God's grace and forgiveness, well, we can do what we want because his blood covers us." [17:29]
4. "So how do you train? You build yourself up in faith. You study, you test, you grow, you learn, you apply it to your life. Know why you believe what you believe. Let your faith be solidified in your heart and in your mind. You pray in the Holy Spirit, and that's less a reference to speaking in tongues as some would have you believe, and more of a reminder of the power of God." [29:24]
5. "Dear church, how minimal is salvation to our lives if we don't value it enough to train our minds and our hearts to contend for it in response to it? Is it not worth more than a token piece of our identity that gets considered from time to time but is largely ignored from day to day? How much more precious is something that you look towards, that you train for, that you prepare for than something that we take for granted?" [14:00]
6. "Dear church, don't forget 2 John. Be wary of wolves. There are many, but they only attack when no one is watching the sheep. Watch out for one another. In fellowship, holding each other accountable in love and truth for the salvation we share in Jesus Christ." [25:59]
7. "Jude addresses it in this way. Verse four, for some people who were designated for this judgment long ago have come in by stealth. They are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into sensuality and denying Jesus Christ our only master and Lord. And that is the crux. The crux of our opponent. To reduce grace into an excuse to willfully wrap ourselves in sin rather than embracing grace's power to wrestle us away from sin." [17:29]
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