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Earnestly contend for the Faith: Jude

Today's passage is Revelation 18-22, but here I am one book behind in Jude. I just wanted to spend some time in this one chaptered book. I love that the Word of God is LIVELY and ACTIVE, and, though never changing, it is always revealing. I got stuck on Jude verse 3. The words EARNESTLY and CONTEND, made me think, wow, we have to put up a fight for this thing.

I read, and scribbled in my notebook as I went through. Here is what I wrote:


Earnestly: "with deep serious intent"
 contend: "strive against difficulties"
for the 
faith:belief/doctrine

for ungodly men are crept/creeping in to turn th grace of God into lewdness
  • the wheat and the tares must grow together ( Matt. 13:25-30)
  • Satan was among them also when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord ( Job 1)
The Faith delivered unto the saints
What is that Faith?
The faith that came by hearing ( Romans 10:17) The hearing of the Word of God ( Rom. 10:17) [Jesus Christ is the Word of God - John. How can they hear without a preacher?  ( Matth. 4:17 How can they preach, unless they are sent? ( Rom 10:15) ( Matt. 10:40)


Jesus imparted the faith into the apostles as they heard the Word. In their hearing Jesus taught:
  • The Kingdom of God (Matt. 3:2, 4:17, 4:23, 5, 6:10, 6:13, 6:33, 13:19)
  • Baptism of water AND Spirit ( Jn. 3:5)
  • Having Faith ( Matt. 17:20. 25:21, Mark 11:22, Luke 8:25, 18:8, John 20:27)
  • teaching and preaching the gospel  ( Matt. 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49, jn. 21:17)
So the above is what we must "with deep serious intent" "strive against difficulties" for-- the faith  or belief which was originally given to the saints- the called out ones, the ones set apart from the world.

I'm in. Now, Who is with me?
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Comments

Covnitkepr1 said…
There is only one message and one faith and I am willing to "contend" for it as I see you will also. god bless you. A follower.
Apr 3, 2010, 1:36:00 PM
Anonymous said…
This was for me today! The phrase "pick my battles" comes to mind. But, with this crazy-faith-thing, we're either all in or all out. No battles to pick here! We fight them all with faith and the Word. We can't do any picking and choosing just listening and obeying. You've done it again Sis! Thank you Holy Spirit!
Apr 4, 2010, 2:55:00 PM
Chantel said…
I like that Kendra- all or nothing! If satan wants a fight- well, it's on! I already read the last page of the book *wink - we win!
Apr 6, 2010, 9:04:00 AM
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