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Contending For The Faith. Jude 1-4. Introduction. Important subject Always a great need (Jude 3) Necessity of defending the Gospel (Philippians 1:7, 16). Introduction. Remember Not talking about personal faith, or creeds of men “The faith” was completely revealed (John 16:13)
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Contending For The Faith Jude 1-4
Introduction • Important subject • Always a great need (Jude 3) • Necessity of defending the Gospel (Philippians 1:7, 16)
Introduction • Remember • Not talking about personal faith, or creeds of men • “The faith” was completely revealed (John 16:13) • Worthwhile to defend
The Historical Faith • Too willing to follow men • Existence of cults • Extreme practices
The Historical Faith • Need to follow the apostles’ teaching • They first spoke it (Hebrews 13:7) • Confirmed by miracles (Hebrews 2:3, 4) • Imitate their faith (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9) • Gospel is as unchangeable as Christ (Hebrews 13:8)
The Historical Faith • Beware of false doctrines • From within (Acts 20:28, 32) • Word of God abides forever (John 12:48; 1 Peter 1:22-25)
Involves Conflict • Many not prepared for conflict • Foretold by Jesus (Matthew 10:34-37) • Told to contend (Jude 3) • Paul’s admonition (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Involves Conflict • Imagine a battle scene • Need for vigilance, alert to dangers (Matthew 7:15; 1 John 2:15-17) • Consistency (1 Corinthians 15:58) • Grow up (1 Corinthians 16:3; Ephesians 4:14)
Involves Conflict • The fight is on! • Victory is certain (Ephesians 6:10-18) • Must not surrender (Hebrews 3:12; 10:39)
Involves Motives • There will be enemies • Pervert the grace of God (Jude 4) • Paul warned of them (2 Timothy 4:1-7) • Must be stopped (Galatians 2:11-14; 2 Timothy 3:1-9)
Involves Motives • Worth the fight • God’s power to save (Romans 1:16) • Worthy of our devotion (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Involves Motives • “Set for the defense of the Gospel?” • Paul was (Philippians 1:16) • Where are our affections? (Colossians 3:1-4)
Conclusion • Are you motivated by Jude’s admonition? • Are you even a Christian?