Good Morning and Welcome!

Boldness in Contending for the Faith

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” Jude 3 NIV

“For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude 4 NIV

We need to Care about “the faith” “the faith” is synonymous with Christian Doctrine Not traditions or personal interpretations – Matthew 15:1-9; 2 Peter 1:19-21 The inspired Word of God – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13 If you hold to my teachings . . . – John 8:31-32; 17:17

We need to Care about “the faith” Biblical Doctrine must not be tampered with! It has been once for all entrusted to the saints – Jude 3 We’re not to add to it or take away from it – Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-21 It is not to be changed or distorted in any way – 2 Peter 3:15-16; Galatians 1:6-9

We are Exhorted to Contend for the Faith This is an urgent matter! – Jude 3-4 There are societal pressures to compromise the Truth – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 There are many False teachers who distort the Truth – Acts 20:28-32; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3

We are Exhorted to Contend for the Faith We are urged to earnestly contend for the faith The Greek word epagonizomai is where we get our word “agonize” – Galatians 1:6-9 Exerting intense effort to keep the Biblical doctrine of Christianity pure and unadulterated – 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:15; 1 John 4:1-3

We must Boldly Contend for the Faith We must prepare ourselves to defend the Faith Build yourselves up in your most holy faith – Jude 20a; 1 Peter 3:15-16; Ephesians 4:11-16 Pray in the Holy Spirit – Jude 20b; Romans 8:26-27 Keep yourselves in God’s love – Jude 21; John 15:8-10

We must Boldly Contend for the Faith We must be bold in our defense of the Faith We must be merciful in our approach – Jude 22-23 But we must also be uncompromising! – 2 Timothy 4:1-8

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1:27-28 NIV