Jude 1:3 (KJV) “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me
to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints.”
Jude opens with a startling charge: “earnestly contend for the faith.” One may wonder why he boldly
entreats believers to engage in this spiritual battle.
Interestingly, the word contending appears again in verse 9, where Michael contends with Satan
over the body of Moses. Jude emphasizes the urgency of spiritual resistance. To contend implies
struggle that is two sides fighting over something vital.
In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul echoes this charge: “Fight the good fight of faith.” Both apostles call us to
stand firm in the truth, especially now, when strange teachings and practices have infiltrated the
church. Jude warns of ungodly, blasphemous, and sexually immoral individuals who disguise
themselves under the banner of faith. These intrusions have tainted the purity of the gospel, slipping
in unnoticed—hence the urgent call to preserve what is pure, undefiled, and rooted in Christ.
Because deception has crept in unnoticed, sin abounds within the church. A strong, uncompromising
faith is essential to remain pure and discerning. Without it, we risk being swept into the tide of
corruption and spiritual decay.
This kind of faith is not flimsy or ornamental it must be resilient, able to withstand opposition and
endure trials. As one songwriter beautifully puts it:
“A faith that shines more bright and clear, Nor its soft arts beguile.”
Reflection:
Does my faith shiver and shrink in the face of adversity?
Can the faith I profess withstand the grit and grind of apostasy and opposition?
How far am I willing to go in contending for my faith?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I see that You want me to contend for my faith and abstain from evil. But I realize
that through my own power, I can do nothing—I will keep failing without You. Please help me to truly
stand for what is right and to courageously contend for the faith. I pray this trusting in Christ’s name,
Amen.