Contend for the Faith: Guarding the Gospel in an Age of Compromise: Jude 3-4
- David Campbell Jr.
- Aug 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Contend for the Faith: Guarding the Gospel in an Age of Compromise
Scripture: Jude 3–4 (ESV)
"Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."
🔍 Key Themes in Jude 3–4
Urgency in Discipleship Jude’s tone is urgent—he originally planned to write a joyful letter about salvation but was compelled to shift focus to spiritual warfare and false teaching.
Contending for the Faith Faith must be defended—not with violence, but with truth, love, and clarity. The gospel is not up for revision; it is once-for-all delivered and entrusted to us.
Spiritual Deception from Within False teachers are often not outsiders, but those who creep in quietly, blending in. They twist grace into license and subtly deny the Lordship of Christ.
Grace Abused True grace leads to holiness. Twisted grace leads to sensuality and rebellion. Jude warns us against turning freedom into fleshly indulgence.
📖 Greek Word Study
“Contend” – epagōnizomai (ἐπαγωνίζομαι): A strong athletic term meaning to struggle, to fight earnestly, to wrestle in defense. This is not passive faith—it’s a spiritual battleground.
“Faith” – pistis (πίστις): Refers to the revealed truth of the gospel, not just belief or trust, but the entire message of salvation once handed down to the saints.
“Creeped in unnoticed” – pareisdynō (παρεισδύνω): Means to slip in stealthily, to sneak in alongside. It paints the image of deception disguised as authenticity.
“Sensuality” – aselgeia (ἀσέλγεια): Means unbridled lust, shameless behavior. This isn't just sexual—it’s any sin that exalts self over submission to Christ.
❓ Personal Reflection Questions
Have I ever confused grace with permission to sin?
In what areas of life am I being called to “contend” for truth with courage and love?
How can I better recognize false teachings or spiritual compromise?
What is one truth about Jesus that I need to stand for more boldly today?
Am I growing in biblical literacy so I can rightly divide the Word of Truth?
📝 Journal Prompt
Write about a time when you knew standing for biblical truth would cost you something—approval, comfort, relationships.How did you respond? What did you learn about yourself and about God?Ask the Lord where He is calling you to step up and contend for truth today—with gentleness and reverence.
🙏 Personal Prayer
Lord Jesus,You are the Truth, the Way, and the Life. Thank You for entrusting me with the gospel that saves. Forgive me for the times I’ve been silent when I should have spoken. Strengthen me with boldness, compassion, and wisdom to contend for the faith with love and clarity. Guard my heart from deception and help me discern what is true and what is false. Fill me with Your Spirit to walk in holiness and shine as a light in dark places. May I always live in a way that honors Your name.In Jesus’ name,Amen.
📚 Recommended Books
“Knowing God” by J.I. Packer A powerful exploration of the nature and character of God—essential for grounding our faith.
“Another Gospel?” by Alisa Childers A modern-day warning about false teaching and progressive Christianity that distorts the gospel.
“The Truth War” by John MacArthur A bold call to defend biblical truth in an age of relativism and spiritual compromise.
“Live No Lies” by John Mark Comer Focuses on how to resist the lies of the devil, the flesh, and the world by living anchored in God’s truth.
#ContendForTheFaith #Jude3 #BibleTruth #StandForTruth #FaithNotCompromise #ScriptureFirst #BiblicalTruth #GospelClarity
Comments