Contending for the Faith: Boldness Rooted in Love

In the book of Jude, we find a powerful call to defend the faith. Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, writes with urgency, urging believers to contend earnestly for the faith. This call is not just for pastors or church leaders but for every believer, regardless of their role or sphere of influence. Each of us is called to stand up for the truth in our communities, workplaces, and families. Jude's message is a plea, a passionate call to action, reminding us that defending the faith is not a passive endeavor but one that requires boldness and courage.

The essence of contending for the faith is rooted in love. While love is the foundation, there is a time to stand up for what is right, especially in a world that often calls good evil and evil good. This boldness is not about being confrontational for the sake of it but about being filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to speak the truth in love. When we step out in faith, we experience God's mercy, peace, and love in profound ways.

Jude's message also warns against the dangers of closet Christianity, where believers hide their faith out of fear or complacency. This kind of faith lacks the boldness and power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Instead, we are encouraged to be active in our faith, to let the love and truth of God flow through us to others. This is where true peace and fulfillment are found.

Moreover, contending for the faith involves being aware of false teachings and standing firm in the truth of the gospel. It requires discernment and a deep understanding of God's word. We must be prepared to engage in conversations about our faith, not with the intent to win arguments but to plant seeds of truth and love.

Ultimately, the call is to return to our first love, to fully surrender our lives to God. This surrender leads to a life filled with the Holy Spirit, marked by love, peace, and a passion for God's truth. It is a call to live an abundant, victorious Christian life, where we are not just hearers of the word but doers, actively contending for the faith in every aspect of our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Defending the Faith with Love: Contending for the faith is rooted in love. While love is the foundation, there is a time to stand up for what is right, especially in a world that often calls good evil and evil good. This boldness is not about being confrontational for the sake of it but about being filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to speak the truth in love. [00:40]
• 2. The Danger of Closet Christianity: Jude warns against the dangers of closet Christianity, where believers hide their faith out of fear or complacency. This kind of faith lacks the boldness and power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Instead, we are encouraged to be active in our faith, to let the love and truth of God flow through us to others. [04:31]
• 3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Contending for the faith requires the empowerment and filling of the Holy Spirit. Without this, we cannot stand firm in the truth or speak with boldness. The Holy Spirit gives us the courage and wisdom to engage in conversations about our faith, planting seeds of truth and love. [16:03]
• 4. Returning to Our First Love: The call is to return to our first love, to fully surrender our lives to God. This surrender leads to a life filled with the Holy Spirit, marked by love, peace, and a passion for God's truth. It is a call to live an abundant, victorious Christian life. [48:42]
• 5. The Importance of Sound Doctrine: Contending for the faith involves being aware of false teachings and standing firm in the truth of the gospel. It requires discernment and a deep understanding of God's word. We must be prepared to engage in conversations about our faith, not with the intent to win arguments but to plant seeds of truth and love. [31:42]
  ** [31:42]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:10] - Introduction to Jude
• [00:27] - The Call to Defend the Faith
• [00:55] - Different Callings, Same Mission
• [02:01] - Jude's Plea to Believers
• [03:16] - Mercy, Peace, and Love
• [04:31] - Closet Christianity
• [05:56] - The Importance of an Outlet
• [07:29] - Boldness and Fellowship with God
• [09:07] - Motivated by the Holy Spirit
• [11:01] - Contending for Righteousness
• [12:00] - How to Contend
• [14:56] - The Role of Truth
• [16:03] - Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
• [31:42] - The Gospel and Sound Doctrine
• [48:42] - Returning to Your First Love

1. Jude 1:1-4
2. Galatians 1:6-9
3. Joel 2:13

1. What does Jude identify as the purpose of his letter to believers? How does he describe those he is addressing? [02:01]
2. According to the sermon, what are some characteristics of "closet Christianity," and how does it contrast with contending for the faith? [04:31]
3. How does the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to contend for the faith? [16:03]
4. What examples does the pastor give of how believers might be passive in their faith, and what are the consequences of this passivity? [05:29]

1. Jude urges believers to "contend earnestly for the faith." What might this look like in a modern context, and why is it important for all believers, not just church leaders? [08:29]
2. The sermon mentions the danger of false teachings. How can believers discern between sound doctrine and false teachings in today's world? [31:42]
3. The pastor speaks about returning to our first love and fully surrendering to God. What does this surrender entail, and how does it impact a believer's life? [48:42]
4. How does the pastor suggest believers should approach conversations about their faith, especially with those who may not share the same beliefs? [25:35]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be practicing "closet Christianity"? How can you begin to step out in boldness and let your faith be more visible? [04:31]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily life? [16:03]
3. Consider a situation where you might need to stand up for your faith. How can you prepare yourself to do so with love and truth, rather than confrontation? [10:44]
4. The pastor talks about the need for an "outlet" for our faith. What practical ways can you find to actively live out your faith in your community or workplace? [06:10]
5. Think about a time when you encountered false teachings or beliefs. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to stand firm in the truth of the gospel? [31:42]
6. The sermon calls for a return to our first love. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God and renew your passion for His truth? [48:42]
7. Identify one person in your life who may not know Christ. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, planting seeds of truth and love? [25:47]