The Call To Contend For The Faith

Jude 3

³ Dear friends, although I have been eager to write to you about our common salvation, I now feel compelled instead to write to encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

The Call to Contend for the Faith (v. 3)

“…to encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”

As believers, we are called to contend earnestly. The phrase 'contend earnestly' implies a strenuous struggle, similar to what an athlete or soldier experiences when defending something precious. It reminds us that as believers, we are in a real war—a spiritual battle against an unseen enemy. The devil would try to convince us that those who oppose us are the enemy, but it is the devil who influences those who stand against the gospel and those who would be false teachers. However, as believers in Christ, we are called to contend for the truth. We must come to know God’s word, and it must become more important to us than even the food we eat.

The faith we have in Christ is unchanging. It is complete. We have been entrusted with the truth of God’s word, and we must contend for this faith. Through every battle, we become battle-hardened. We become calloused spiritually so that our ability to be used by God in greater ways will lead to kingdom increase and multiplication. We can never be intimidated by the enemy or live in fear. But when it speaks of being entrusted, it conveys the idea of authoritative transmission, like handing down sacred teaching. We have been given authority by Jesus Christ, and we must hold fast to the faith we have in Him. 

Philippians 1:27 states ²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.^[1] Here we see Paul writing about standing firm and striving together for the faith of the gospel. We are not called to be weak Christians. God’s word tells us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. To contend for the faith, we must stand firm and rely on the grace of God at all times.

1 Timothy 6:12 states ¹² Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses. ^[2] Paul uses this picture of an athlete who is competing. We are called to strive and seize the promises that God has for us. It doesn’t mean we earn anything from God, but it also shows us that we are not meant to be passive in our Christianity. We are called to seek the Lord and stand for truth in a time when many would bow their knee to the culture of our day.

2 Timothy 1:13-14 states ¹³ Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.^[3] Here we are called to hold fast to sound words and to safeguard the good things entrusted through the Holy Spirit. These instructions to Timothy are to hold onto and defend the truth. The world is built on lies and deceptions, and we must understand that every day we are in a battle. As the body of Christ, may we hold firm to God’s word and keep our eyes fixed on the Lord and His purposes.

There are moments when we may feel tired and weary. We may feel overwhelmed by the onslaught of lies and deceptions. But may we understand the precious faith we have been entrusted with. May we remember the love that has been abundantly poured out upon us. May we trust the Lord at all times. May our hearts and minds be fixed upon Christ, and may we grow in the understanding of God’s word every day.

✍ Journal Prompt: Contending for the Faith

Jude reminds us to “contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” This is not a passive calling but an active, strenuous struggle—like an athlete competing or a soldier defending something precious. As believers, we are entrusted with God’s unchanging truth and called to stand firm, strive together, and protect the faith with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Reflect:

1.     In what ways do you currently “contend earnestly” for your faith?

2.     Are there areas where fear, weariness, or cultural pressures tempt you to compromise?

3.     How can you practically strengthen your commitment to God’s Word so it becomes more vital to you than daily bread?

4.     What disciplines (prayer, Scripture study, fellowship, worship) will help you stand firm and grow battle-ready?

5.     How does the assurance that you have been entrusted with this faith by Christ Himself change the way you view your daily spiritual battles?

Prayer:“Father, thank You for entrusting me with Your truth. Strengthen me to stand firm, to love Your Word, and to contend for the faith without fear. Teach me to depend fully on Your Spirit and to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

^[1] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Php 1:28.

^[2] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible, Second Edition (Denmark: Thomas Nelson, 2019), 1 Ti 6:12–13.

^[3] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible, Second Edition (Denmark: Thomas Nelson, 2019), 2 Ti 1:13–14.