Contending for the Faith of others

Last week we saw that Jude’s instruction on contending for “the faith once for all delivered to the saints,” begins with the call to build oneself up in the faith and to pray in the Holy Spirit.”

But that is not all there is to it! Faithful contention requires concern for others who share in faith in Jesus Christ. Jude calls our salvation “common,” and that commonality brings mutual accountability!

Jude’s instruction on contending for the faith of others presents several strategies. He insists on “mercy on those who doubt.”

He’s not referring to the false teachers who are perverting the grace of God into sensuality, but rather those who have been confused or misled by their teaching. The confused and doubting need mercy, not harshness. Our ministry should be like that of Jesus- marked by compassion for the harassed and helpless. Jesus’ compassion fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “...a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory...” Ours should too!

Some Christians don’t waver in doubt, but rebel boldly through sinful behavior. Jude indicates such situations call for greater urgency: “...save others by snatching them out of the fire...” If the wages of sin is death, then seeing a fellow believer embrace false teaching or indulge in sinful behavior should lead us to sound the alarm! Fire represents judgment in Scripture, and it would be unloving not to pull the alarm when someone has put themself in danger. Read Galatians

2:11-14 for an example of Paul snatching Peter out of fire.

Jude’s third scenario seems to offer a kind of warning: “... to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” In the Old Testament, certain ritual uncleanness or contamination could “spread,” requiring washing or even burning one’s garments. As we contend for truth, we must never indulge in sin with others, or excuse their sin in an effort to seem compassionate. We must guard against sin’s contaminating effect! When we are sure of the truth of the gospel, we will believe and share its message of God’s judgment for sin and deliverance for repentant sinners. www.momsinprayer.org

Jude’s presentation of varying scenarios of contention for the faith requires keen discernment in ministry. How is such discernment cultivated? The answer was presented earlier in the call to guard one’s own life and faith. Through time in God’s word and prayer, basking in His love, and waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, we grow in biblical discernment. If all of this seems difficult and complicated, don’t despair! Take time to read the whole of the short Epistle of Jude. Consider its closing doxology: It calls us to trust God, not ourselves, as we contend!

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