Contend For The Faith

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Ezekiel 47,48; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34 and Jude.

One of the most oft quoted passage in the book of Jude is Jude 3
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

We note that this is THE faith, the system of faith in Christ Jesus (Gal 2:16;20; Col 1:23, etc), as opposed to "personal" faith or conviction (Heb 11:1 ff; Rom 10:17, etc.)  The Greek word root here for contend is "agonizomai", interestingly from where we get agony!
According to Strong's the literal meaning alludes to competing for a prize. Generally, to endeavour to accomplish something, fight, labour fervently, strive.
Thus, contained here are 2 basic concepts -
1) The faith is something we can grasp, attain to, labour to keep within. (Col 2:7; 2Ti 4:7)
2) The faith is something we need to defend. (Phi 1:17; 1Pe 3:15)

And yes indeed something at times we "agonise" over! It is a day to day endeavour to keep and defend THE faith!
We will experience persecution (2Ti 3:12), we will be spoken evil of (1Pe 4:4), we will be beset with cares and threats within the church (c.f. 2Co 11:28; 2Ti 4:3-5), we may very well have to forsake our closest ones and our lives (Luk 14:26)

Yet Jesus promised us a great reward in heaven and life eternal (Luk 6:23; Jhn 12:25), and inheritance in all things (Rev 21:7). Wherefore, we have great joy (1Th 2:19) even as we look forward to the Day of His appearing (2Ti 4:8).

The Lord bless us in our daily walk with Him.

In Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. ~ Acts 2:47