EARNESTLY CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Canada Youth Search the Scriptures EARNESTLY CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH Lesson 766

OUR FOCUS TODAY OUR CALLING: FOUNDATION FOR CONTENDING REASONS FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH CHRISTIAN YOUTHS CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

Understanding the difference between “faith” and “the Faith” When faith is used alone in the scriptures, it relates to hope, trust, or belief in God Whenever we encounter the expression “THE FAITH”, it refers to the entirety of all that we believe and profess Every true Christian is called to contend against the world system, flesh, Satan, and sin

To contend victoriously… Salvation must precede contention John 1:12; 5:14 Galatians 2:20 1John 4:4 1 Peter 2:9

OUR CALLING High Calling Holy Calling Heavenly Calling Philippians 3:14 Holy Calling 2 Timothy 1:9 Heavenly Calling Hebrews 3:1

All Christians are called into… Partnership Matthew 11:28 Fellowship 1Corinthians 1:9; 1Joh1:3-7 Relationship Ephesians 2:6

We must not compromise in our FAITH – do not go after false prophets and doctrines FELLOWSHIP – do not get involved in modern Christianity FRIENDSHIP – do not enter into unequal relationship, immorality and filthy communication FASHION – do not be involved in worldly, carnal, indecent dressing FEASTING – do not be extravagant and sensual FAITHFULNESS – do not give excuses for unfaithfulness FERVENCY – do not abandon your fire for coldness

Why do young people compromise today? Intimidation Fear of men (Galatians 1:10) Inquisitiveness Desire to try something new (Genesis 34:1) Influence Spoken and unspoken peer pressure (Proverbs 1:10) Spoken: When someone says something directly to you that puts a lot of pressure on you and makes it hard to say no. E.g. Let me copy your work, or I won’t be your friend anymore.” Unspoken: When you feel that you are supposed to act or dress a certain way because it seems like everybody else is doing it or because it’s the cool thing to do, even though nobody has said anything about it. E.g. Everybody else wore pants and I am in skirts. I guess I should get pants too.”

How can we contend for the faith today? Maintain a clean separation from all compromisers (Nehemiah 13:23-27; 1Corinthians 5:11). WATCH and PRAY – Wait on the Lord; Abide in Christ; Trust in the Lord for supply of strength; Continue in the faith; Hold-fast the sound doctrine to the end. Preach the gospel earnestly; Refuse invitation from the camp of compromisers; Avoid self-management and Yield ourselves fully to God (Luke 21:36). Raise up an enduring standard in the church to save men from the atrocities perpetrated around us today (Isaiah 62:10). Give attention to the study of God’s word. You need to know what you believe before you can defend it (2Timothy 2:15; 3:16).

Questions What qualifies a youth to be able to contend for the faith? In what ways does the Bible describe our calling? In what ways is the devil deceiving youths into compromise today? What reasons do youths give for their compromise? How should Christian youths contend for the faith?