Divine Exhortation to Earnestly Contend for the Faith

1. The Essential Conversion to the Faith

(Jude 1:1)

Before one can earnestly contend for the faith, there must first be conversion, consecration, and commitment. Jude highlights this truth when he introduces himself and his audience as those “sanctified by God the Father, preserved in Jesus Christ, and called.”

(i) The Call and Conversion of Jude

Matthew 13:54–57; John 7:3–7; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8; Acts 1:14

Jude, the writer, was the half-brother of Jesus (not Judas Iscariot). During Christ’s earthly ministry, neither Jude nor his siblings believed in Him (John 7:3–7). It was only after the Resurrection, when Christ appeared to His brethren, that Jude came to faith (1 Corinthians 15:1–8). By Acts 1:14, Jude is found among the believers, praying with the disciples. This conversion was essential before he could exhort others.

(ii) The Calling and Consecration of the Justified

Jude 1:1; Romans 3:23–26; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11

Jude calls himself a “servant of Jesus Christ,” emphasizing spiritual submission over family ties. All have sinned (Romans 3:23), but through Christ’s blood, we are justified, sanctified, and called into a new life. The Corinthians were once steeped in sin, but Paul testified they had been washed and sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:9–11). Likewise, every believer must answer the call to salvation and consecration.

(iii) The Consistency and Christlikeness of the Just

1 John 2:6; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:21–24

A true believer walks as Christ walked (1 John 2:6). Paul declared, “I am crucified with Christ…yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). To contend for the faith, our lives must consistently reflect Christ’s holiness, humility, and obedience.

2. Express Conformity to Christ in All Faithfulness

(Jude 1:1–2)

Jude writes, “Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.” His confidence to exhort others was rooted in his own sanctification and preservation in Christ. If we are to teach or defend the truth, we must first live it.

(i) Called, Chosen, and Faithful in Jesus

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 17:14

The saints are described as “called, chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). To contend for the faith requires responding to God’s call, embracing our identity as a chosen people, and remaining faithful amidst trials.

(ii) Sanctified and Made Holy by the Blood of Jesus

Hebrews 2:9–11; 12:10–14; 13:12–14

Sanctification is not optional. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Christ died to make us partakers of His holiness. Salvation must be followed by a conscious pursuit of sanctification—yielding fully to Christ so His Spirit may purify and empower us.

(iii) Preserved in the Faith, Hope, and Love of Jesus

John 17:11–17; Jude 1:21, 24–25

Believers are preserved by Christ’s intercession (John 17:11). Yet, we also have a duty: “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 1:21). God keeps us, but we must keep ourselves—watching our habits, language, and walk, while trusting His grace to preserve us.

3. Earnestly Contending for the Faith

(Jude 1:3)

The faith is “common” in the sense that it is offered to all, not that it is cheap. To contend for it does not mean fighting with flesh and blood, but standing firm in truth and righteousness. Scripture gives us examples of saints who contended earnestly:

• E – Elijah: Emboldened, expunging idolatry, emancipating Israel (1 Kings 18:21,30–40).
• A – Apollos: Arresting, appealing, assuring, mighty in Scriptures (Acts 18:24–28).
• R – Rechabites: Remembering, refusing, reaffirming faith despite pressure (Jeremiah 35:1–19).
• N – Nehemiah: Non-compromising, not corruptible, not conquerable (Nehemiah 2:19–20; 6:10–15).
• E – Ezekiel: Evangelizing, empathizing, exemplifying (Ezekiel 2:6–10; 37:1–10).
• S – Stephen: Sanctified, Spirit-filled, Scripture-saturated, faithful unto death (Acts 6–7).
• T – Timothy: Teachable, trustworthy, training teachers (2 Timothy 2:1–2).

These men stood boldly for God’s truth in their generation. Their courage, conviction, and consistency challenge us to do the same.

Conclusion 

The faith once delivered to the saints is under constant attack, but God calls us to be vigilant, faithful, and steadfast. Like Elijah, Apollos, Nehemiah, Stephen, and others, we must stand uncompromisingly for truth. By God’s grace, we too can earnestly contend for the faith, living holy lives and proclaiming the unchanging gospel of Christ until He comes.