1. Need to Contend Earnestly for the FAITH (Jude 3-4) Introduction: Earnestly contending is a concept that may not be so easily perceived or practiced, but is absolutely essential for any and all who would get to enjoy the full blessings of the common salvation. First we may be reluctant to engage in opposition, where there is a need. We need to see that such has had a long history on all levels for successful people, religious, as well as in other areas. Secondly, we may have a tendency to be less geared up for such a struggle, we may rationalize that such is not to be a part of the religion of Jesus Christ –peace, gentle, kindness, may seem to be contrary to the principle. However, look at Jesus, Apostles, and Christians through the ages! Notice the concept of fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12) to lay hold of eternal life! Notice that Paul at the end of life, attributed to his hope and future of greatness based on having fought a good fight, kept the faith, finished his course (2 Tim. 4:6-8). As we observe the life of Jesus, apostles, faithful Christians through their life, all have been willing to STAND for RIGHT and OPPOSE wrong!

2. A Third Factor to Consider Thirdly, we may not be willing to do it in as humble, fashion, yet give it all we have in strength, believe that the Lord will cause us to be victorious! Notice Jesus as our example (1 Pet. 2:21ff). Thirdly, we may not be willing to do it in as humble, fashion, yet give it all we have in strength, believe that the Lord will cause us to be victorious! Notice Jesus as our example (1 Pet. 2:21ff). See how he drove out the moneychangers (Jn. 2:13 22). See how He speaks and rebukes the Pharisees (Matt.23:25-33). See how he drove out the moneychangers (Jn. 2:13 22). See how He speaks and rebukes the Pharisees (Matt.23:25-33). Notice how the apostles stood their ground when told NOT to speak In the name of Jesus (Acts 5:28-29 Notice how the apostles stood their ground when told NOT to speak In the name of Jesus (Acts 5:28-29 How will/do we act under pressure? How will/do we act under pressure?

3. Stephen, Paul and Fact: Gospel is the Power to Save! Notice how Stephen spoke to the religious leaders who were not what they should have been and were in fact opposing the Lords plan and message (Acts 7:1-60)! Notice how Stephen spoke to the religious leaders who were not what they should have been and were in fact opposing the Lords plan and message (Acts 7:1-60)! Notice what Paul did when hed go to a city and enter among religious people, hed contend for Gods way with religious people as well as secular (Cf. Acts 17; 19; 21 and 22); Notice how he withstood Peter to his face when he failed to act proper under pressure (Gal. 2:11- 19) Notice what Paul did when hed go to a city and enter among religious people, hed contend for Gods way with religious people as well as secular (Cf. Acts 17; 19; 21 and 22); Notice how he withstood Peter to his face when he failed to act proper under pressure (Gal. 2:11- 19) Let us be convinced of an all important FACT: the gospel is Gods power to save (Rom. 1:16-17). Nothing else will do the job! (1 Cor. 2:1-2) Let us be convinced of an all important FACT: the gospel is Gods power to save (Rom. 1:16-17). Nothing else will do the job! (1 Cor. 2:1-2)

4. Warning and Directions! Let us understand that men can and do pervert the gospel Gal. 1:6ff), seek to transgress and go beyond and they HAVE NOT GOD (2 Jn. 911), plainly stated. We are NOT to give them opportunity! Let us understand that men can and do pervert the gospel Gal. 1:6ff), seek to transgress and go beyond and they HAVE NOT GOD (2 Jn. 911), plainly stated. We are NOT to give them opportunity! Let us understand that for our own salvation and that of those we influence, we MUST stand for truth, opposing error! We must put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18) Let us understand that for our own salvation and that of those we influence, we MUST stand for truth, opposing error! We must put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18) Jude wanted to do something more pleasant to him at the time, yet he saw the need and communicated it to those people and Gods providence has preserved it for us. Shall we take heed, and follow directions or be negligent? Let us understand we must heed the warnings! God has given them for our good, and if we will help others we must point to them, too! Jude wanted to do something more pleasant to him at the time, yet he saw the need and communicated it to those people and Gods providence has preserved it for us. Shall we take heed, and follow directions or be negligent? Let us understand we must heed the warnings! God has given them for our good, and if we will help others we must point to them, too! It is easy to rationalize, such isnt necessary, or that it wont work, Etc. If we do, we shall fail in our mission? The Choice is ours! The results are pre- determined and plainly stated! It is easy to rationalize, such isnt necessary, or that it wont work, Etc. If we do, we shall fail in our mission? The Choice is ours! The results are pre- determined and plainly stated!

5. Conclusion: Are you in the body of Christ? Are you determined to be directed in all that you do religiously, by the authority of Christ (Cf. Col. 3:16-17)? Are you in the body of Christ? Are you determined to be directed in all that you do religiously, by the authority of Christ (Cf. Col. 3:16-17)? If not in Christ where all spiritual blessing are (Eph. 1:3), now is the time to act (2 Cor. 6:2). If not in Christ where all spiritual blessing are (Eph. 1:3), now is the time to act (2 Cor. 6:2). If you have been reluctant to take a stand, now is the time to repent and commit your life to that task, for your good and that of others you will influence If you have been reluctant to take a stand, now is the time to repent and commit your life to that task, for your good and that of others you will influence Jesus stands knocking and will come in if you will invite (Rev. 3:21) Jesus stands knocking and will come in if you will invite (Rev. 3:21)

6. Source of information of HOW

7. Are You willing To Listen?