Faith Worth Contending For ~ How to Contend Part 1: Remember

Today, as we take time to hear and respond to a message from God’s Word, we pick up where we left off in Jude.  In the second part of his letter.  Here, Jude begins to instruct us on how to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.  Jude continues to warn us that false teachers, driven by ungodly desires, will arise to distort the Gospel and create division. Drawing upon the lessons of history and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Jude calls believers to remember that these challenges are not unexpected but part of the present age between Christ’s first and second coming.  Yet, amid these warnings, there is a powerful assurance: we are called, beloved by God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ. Remembering this identity gives us the courage and endurance to stand firm in our faith.  Rather than surrendering to fear or ignoring the challenges around us, we are called to proclaim the true Gospel, shine as Christ’s witnesses, and contend faithfully, knowing our hope in Him remains secure.

((Audio Only))

STUDY GUIDE

1. Why did Jude find it necessary to write an appeal to contend for the faith? What dangers were threatening the church, and why is this message still relevant today?

2. Why does Jude tell believers to remember the teachings of Jesus’ apostles regarding our ability to contend?

3. What does it mean to be “called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 1)? How does this identity shape the way we respond to challenges to our faith?

4. Jude describes scoffers who follow their own ungodly desires and cause divisions. What characteristics does he identify, and why is it important to recognize these patterns?

5. What does the phrase “in the last time” mean in the context of this sermon? How does understanding the time between Christ’s first and second coming help us approach the challenges of our faith?

6. The sermon emphasizes that remembering our identity in Christ gives us staying power. How does the promise of Jesus in John 16:33 encourage believers when they face difficulties?

7. Why is it important not to bury our heads in the sand when facing challenges to our faith? What does it look like to respond faithfully rather than with fear or avoidance?

8. What does it mean to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints? How can we stand firm in biblical truth while continuing to share the Gospel with others?

Read Jude 17–19 again. Take a moment to reflect on this question:  How does remembering that we are God’s beloved, kept for Jesus Christ, give us the courage to contend for the faith?

Scripture References

Jude 1
Jude 3-4
Ecclesiastes 1:9
Jude 5a
Jude 17-23
Matthew 7:15
Matthew 24:4-5
1 John 4:1
1 Timothy 4:1-3
1 Peter 4:7
John 16:33