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).

Dear Friends (Beloved) Great affection - brethren in Christ Christians were taught to love another with a pure heart fervently: –…fervently love one another from the heart (1 Pet. 1:22). –This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you (Jn. 15:12). Love among brethren is to be practiced, not just discussed.

I Was Very Eager (Giving All Diligence) Attitude needed in all spiritual endeavors. –Keep your heart with all diligence (Prov. 4:23). –he who leads, with diligence (Rom. 12:8). –not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Rom. 12:11). –giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue (2 Pet. 1:5). –Be diligent to present yourself approved to God (2 Tim. 2:15).

Salvation We Share (Common Salvation) Saved from drowning, burning building, etc. important. Jude discussing salvation of the soul. –For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mt. 16:26). Salvation which is extended to all. –Mk. 16:15-16; Mt. 28:19-20 –Acts 10:34-35; Heb. 2:9-10; 5:8-9

I Had To Write and Urge You (Need For Me To Exhort You) Some needed urging in the 1st Century. Some today still need urging. –But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb 3:13). –Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching (Heb. 10:25). –No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier (2 Tim. 2:4).

Contend For The Faith Not for Judaism Not for my personal hobby or opinion Not for any man-made creed Not for the commandments of men –Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work (2 Jn. 9-11).

Once For All Entrusted (Once For All Delivered) Existence of an organized by of truth called “the faith” (Gal. 1:23) Body of truth is complete; needs no change or additions (1 Cor. 11:25) Destroys any teaching about latter day revelation (Gal. 1:6-9) Delivered by the authority of God (Lk. 24:47; 2 Cor. 5:20) Entrusted to the Saints (Jude 3; 1 Cor. 16:13) But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. …the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.