“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” (Jude 1:3).
TEXT — Jude 1:1-3
Message
A popular businessman, known for ruthless behaviour, once expressed his passion to Mark Twain, “Before I die I mean to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I will climb Mount Sinai and read the Ten Commandments aloud at the top”. Mark Twain replied, “I have a better idea. You could stay in Boston and keep them”. Living out the truths of Scripture or becoming living epistles in our world is one powerful way of contending for the faith.
Our text today enjoins believers to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to all saints. This was against the background of many false teachers and brethren who were wittingly trying to subvert and corrupt the faith of the believers in those early days. Preserving the truth and purity of the faith therefore will require earnest and firm defence of the faith, not just mere knowledge of scriptural precepts. There is no room for timidity, fear, shame, or compromise while doing this. Today, there are several mediums for standing firm for the faith. These include preaching to sinners, inviting, and bringing people to church; giving tracts, and evangelising people on the streets and in our neighbourhoods. However, none of these methods is as effective as how we live our lives as believers in the eyes of the world.
Living as a shining example of Christian faith is important, as it allows others to see our good works and glorify God. Christians who compromise their beliefs not only harm themselves but also tarnish the image of Christ. It is crucial to live out the Christian faith in all aspects of life.
Christian contention for the faith is more important today because of false brethren, prevailing false teachings, and the polluting activities of backsliders. With myriads of Bible translations comes a multiplicity of dubious interpretations of the word of God. Believers are warned to remain focused and watchful in these last days so they will not be swept off by the storm of evil. The age of the internet and artificial intelligence has added another dimension to the easy spread of falsehood that no believer should ever take anything for granted. To be warned is to be wise.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
2 comments
Does the pastor ever travel to America to preach and evangelize?
Does the pastor ever travel to America to preach and evangelize?
Thank God for the daily manna