The book of Jude is one chapter, 25 verses, and packed full of information. It was originally written as a sermon/letter to be read aloud in the congregation. The original audience were probably Hebrew Christians located in the region of Asia Minor.
Jude wanted to write about the salvation that he shared with his brethren. The NIV says he was very eager to do that. However, because false teachers were circulating bad theology, he found it necessary to alert and awaken fellow Christians. He exhorts the church to contend for the faith.
This message to “contend for the faith” is just as applicable to Christians today as it was in the first century. But what rises to the level of “contending for the faith?
Not everything requires a “fight to the finish” in order to defend. Not every issue that arises within the church rises to the level of an “emergency”, in fact, most things do not. Too often we take small, disputable matters and turn them into urgent crisis that must be addressed fiercely. Romans 14:1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. A lot of times we just need to agree to disagree without passing judgment. But there are certainly things we should be contending for.
What are some things Christians today need to be contending for? Think about it.
This Wednesday we will begin a study on the book of Jude. There will be an audio version of the class posted to the website by 6:00 PM this Wednesday. Hope you are able to check it out.
Praying everyone is staying safe and healthy.
In Christ,
Gary T.