Faith Worth Contending For ~ For the Faith Sake

Today’s message continues our series in the book of Jude and comes from Jude and comes from Jude 1:3-4, which calls us to recognize that our faith is worth earnestly contending for.  Jude reminds us that the Church has always faced the danger of false teachers who quietly enter, distort God’s grace, the life of faith delivered once for all through Christ, calling believers to holiness, obedience, truth, and faithful living.

The sermon emphasizes that contending requires ongoing effort, but believers must distinguish between contending for the faith and simply being contentious.  Our warfare is spiritual and requires truth, righteousness, faith, the Gospel, salvation, prayer, and the Word of God.  We are called to contend with humility, gentleness, love, and a desire for correction and redemption.  Jude’s ancient warning remains remarkably relevant today.  The challenge is clear: Are we willing to contend, and do we see our faith as a faith worth contending for?

((Audio Only))

STUDY GUIDE

1 – Read Jude 1:3–4. What was Jude originally eager to write about, and what compelled him to write about something else?

2 – What does Jude mean when he calls believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”? What does “the faith” include beyond simply believing certain doctrines?

3 – Who are the “certain people” Jude warns about, and what makes them particularly dangerous to the Church?

4 – What are the two primary characteristics Jude identifies in these people? How do they pervert God’s grace and deny Jesus Christ’s authority?

5 – Why is it important for Christians to understand that God’s grace is not a license to continue living in sin?

6 – The sermon distinguishes between being “contentious” and “contending.” What is the difference? What should characterize the way Christians defend the faith?

7 – How do the armor of God and the weapons described in Ephesians 6 help us understand how we are supposed to contend for the faith?

8 – Why are humility, gentleness, love, patience, and self-examination important when confronting error or defending biblical truth?

9 – Personal Reflection: What are some things we commonly fight about that may not actually be battles worth fighting? How can we become better at recognizing the battles that truly matter?

10 – Application: Do you see your faith as something worth contending for? What is one practical way you can faithfully contend for the faith this week?

Scripture References

Jude 1-4
Mark 6:3
Galatians 1:8
Ecclesiastes 1:9
Romans 1:5
1 Peter 1:15
James 2:26
3 John 4-5
Hebrews 13:6
Acts 20:27
Romans 6:1-2
Matthew 28:18
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Ephesians 6:10-18
2 Timothy 2:22-26