Scripture: “Beloved,
Although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
For “certain” people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation; ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude vs. 3-4
Observation: Want a head scratcher? Read Jude. Short book; needs to be long on study to fill in all the cracks and crevices. Why was this included in the Canon?
Application: I read Jude and I think I have it figured out. I read Jude again and I am convinced that I have no idea how these thoughts go from one point to another in a manner that makes sense.
Oh, well: It is a book that needs careful unpacking—emphasis on the “careful.”
Verses 3 and 4 reveals a few certain things:
- Jude appeals to the readers to “contend for the faith.”
- He emphasizes the Faith is historic; short history for them, no less important for me further down the timeline.
- The “certain” people who are perverting the Grace of God are designated by God for this action, and;
- Somehow the Grace of God is being converted to sensuality and denial of Jesus Christ.
I don’t get all of this. However, I do get this: It is very important to understand what is meant by “our common salvation” and to “contend for the faith.”
What is intended concerning “our common salvation?” I think that there is a definition to be gained and applied.
“Contend for the Faith?” I think that one thing for sure is “contend” should not be defined by being “contentious.” Jude demonstrates that well when he writes, “I…write appealing to you to contend…”
In the book by J.I.Packer “Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God”, Packer lays out the ground rule to remember: God draws, or not draws—my responsibility ends at presenting the Gospel. Jesus said, “No man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6b)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to keep my head on straight about this. Contend for the Faith, yes, but not at the expense of conducting myself disrespectfully towards You. AMEN.