Jude

Contending for the Faith: What Jude's Call Means for Us Today

When we dive into the book of Jude, we are faced with some serious language: words like contend and battle are used. Jude isn’t just writing to give us a casual reminder or an uplifting pep talk—he’s calling us to engage in a spiritual fight. This isn't a gentle encouragement to get along; it’s a charge to stand firm and defend the truth of the gospel. As we break down the core themes of Jude, let’s focus on the gravity of his message and what it looks like to truly contend for our faith in today’s world.

The Cost of Grace: Not a License to Sin

One of the key issues that Jude addresses is the perversion of God's grace. In verse four, Jude warns of people who "pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality." These individuals, under the guise of grace, were living in sin without regard for the lordship of Jesus. Grace, they seemed to believe, gave them freedom to live however they wished. But Jude’s message is clear—grace does not free us to sin; it empowers us to live according to God’s holiness.

This is a challenge we still face today, especially in a world where the idea of grace can sometimes be distorted to mean “you can do whatever you want and God will forgive you.” But true grace, as Jude reminds us, should lead us to holiness and obedience to Jesus as our Lord, not just as our Savior. Grace calls us into a transformed life, a life that reflects the character of Christ in our daily choices. And that transformation is not optional—it’s part of what it means to truly follow Jesus.

The Battle Against False Teaching

As we continue reading Jude, it becomes clear that he was contending against false teachers who had infiltrated the early Christian community. These individuals denied Jesus Christ as sovereign Lord and encouraged followers to indulge in sinful desires. Jude lays out a grim picture of their fate—those who reject God’s authority are headed for judgment. But Jude’s battle is not just about combating these external threats; it’s about protecting the integrity of the faith.

For us today, this is a powerful reminder of the importance of guarding our beliefs. It’s easy to get distracted by cultural trends or popular teachings that tickle our ears, but we must remain rooted in the core truths of the gospel. Jude’s message is a call to action for us to stand firm in what we know to be true and to protect the gospel from being twisted into something it’s not.

Keeping Ourselves in God’s Love

Jude offers us practical steps for contending for the faith in verses 21-23. The first action is to “keep yourselves in God’s love.” This means constantly returning to God, staying grounded in His love, and allowing that love to shape our hearts and lives. We often talk about loving others, but how can we love others well if we haven’t first received and experienced God’s love in a deep way?

In a world full of distractions, keeping ourselves in God’s love requires intentionality. Whether it’s through reading Scripture, prayer, meditation, or other spiritual disciplines, we need regular moments where we reflect on God's mercy and love. This isn't just about checking off a spiritual to-do list; it’s about creating space for God to work in our hearts, renewing us day by day.

Once we are rooted in God's love, Jude encourages us to “be merciful to those who doubt” and “snatch others from the fire.” It’s about reaching out with compassion and truth, pulling others back from the brink of destruction. This is the work of contending for the faith—not just defending it, but sharing it with others and showing them the mercy of God.

Conclusion: Contend, But Do So in Love

As we reflect on Jude’s call to contend for the faith, let’s remember that this battle is not a physical one, but a spiritual one. It requires vigilance, a commitment to truth, and above all, a deep love for God and others. We may not be fighting false teachers in the same way as Jude, but we are all called to guard our hearts, hold fast to the gospel, and share that truth with the world. The challenge is real, but so is the grace of God that empowers us to endure. Let's keep ourselves in His love and contend for the faith with all we have.