Theological term
The Faith
2 sermons · All terms
The Defense of the Faith
Jude 3 issues a universal call—addressed not to clergy alone but to every believer, the 'beloved'—to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. The sermon works through three movements: the exhortation itself and its five implications, the reason for that exhortation in the apostates of verse 4, and the practical preparedness of the contender outlined in verses 20 and 21. Doctrinal fidelity is not optional maintenance for specialists; it is the privilege and duty of every member of the covenant community, sustained by Scripture reading, prayer, and a constant looking to Christ. The sermon closes with a direct call to the unconverted to flee to the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom alone forgiveness of sins and the imputation of his righteousness are received by faith alone.
Contending for the Faith
Jude's brief epistle opens with a thesis that reorients the entire letter: believers are to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. This study of Jude 1 works through three movements — the command to contend (v. 3), the reason for it (v. 4), and the means of defense (vv. 17–21) — demonstrating that the obligation to guard and propagate Christian truth falls on every believer, not merely ordained officers or parachurch specialists. The apostates Jude describes are shown to be ungodly, secretive, and antinomian, but God's sovereign judgment over Egypt, the fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah supplies the confidence the church needs to contend without fear. The practical strategy is simple: build yourselves up on the holy faith through Scripture, pray in the Holy Spirit, and look for the mercy of Christ — all while engaging opponents with earnestness and genuine Christ-like character.