Contend for the Faith
We don't use the word "contend" very much today, except in a sports context. We hear the announcer say that a team is contending for the championship or a man is contending for the title. Basically, it means striving to accomplish something important, and it has the connotation of having to put forth a lot of effort to accomplish the task. There are definitely other things for which we should contend today besides these things in the world of sports.
Jude is a whole book of the Bible that was written by the half brother of Jesus exhorting the believers of his day to contend for what they believed to be true. (Jude 3) He told the Christians of his day that while he had been diligent to write to them concerning their common salvation, he found it necessary to write to them exhorting them to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. It was important then, and it is even more important for us today.
Our belief in Christ as Lord and Savior is referred to as "the faith." We are saved by grace through faith, so faith is the foundation of our relationship with Jesus. There is only one way to be saved, and there is only one true gospel message, so that is why it is called "the" faith. There is not another true belief. However, there are many people who spring up and teach doctrines and ways to be saved besides this one true way. They are false prophets and teachers. They lead many people away from salvation in Jesus.
That is why we who know the truth must contend for the faith. It is not enough for us to simply believe in Jesus. We must tell others about Jesus, and we must do our best to spread the genuine gospel to others. When we hear about a false teacher or a false belief system, we must stand against it. We must earnestly strive to see the truth win out over falsehood. We must do whatever we can to do to preserve the faith for those who need it now and in the future. It is not easy, but it is very worth it.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read Revelation 1-3.