“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3).

In yesterday’s devotional I highlighted how the landscape is changing in this country and others. Fewer people are identifying with the Christian faith.

Granted, when someone ticks a box that says “Christian” on a census, that doesn’t tell you much about their heart, mind and true priorities. In the end, only God knows. But how many are growing in knowledge about Jesus? How many are seeking to serve others as his hands and feet? How many take Bible reading and active participation in the local body of Christ (the church) seriously? How many are striving after holiness? 

As things change, many people are more antagonistic towards the faith. I’m guessing some of you have heard one or more of these challenges: “Jesus is nice but religion is not. God doesn’t care if we go to church. Christianity is man-made. The Bible is just made up. There are teachings in the Bible are wrong and unfair.”

If you heard one of these challenges, what would you say? Anything? If you do know what to say, do you do it in a way that is respectful and loving?

Today’s focus is this. You defend your faith by knowing your faith. This is based on the example of Jesus. When he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness three times (Matthew 4:1-11), what did he do? He quoted Scripture each and every time. When some Pharisees challenged him because his disciples picked some heads of grain on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23-28), what did he do? He talked about a story from Scripture. This is his pattern time and time again.

You defend your faith by knowing your faith. In other words, you start to know how to respond to challenges because you are well-grounded in the stories and details themselves.

This is what Jude does in his short letter (as quoted above). It’s a part of “contending for the faith.” It means an earnest struggle—for the faith.

If you don’t feel very confident, I’ll share some further ideas in the next devotional. But today, know this. You defend your faith by knowing your faith. The word “contend” implies some work and struggle. Confidence doesn’t tend to grow itself.

But it’s worth it. It’s not just about you, but about sharing and showing the people around you the world-changing love of Christ.

“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people”

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Notes:

–“Defend your faith by knowing your faith.” Sermon. September 29, 2024. Click here.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.