Contending for the Faith
Contending for the Faith9
Epistle of Jude Chapter 1
By A.B. Simpson0JUD 1:1A.B. Simpson expounds on the Epistle of Jude, emphasizing its solemn warnings and spiritual lessons. He highlights Jude's identity as a servant of Jesus Christ and the importance of being sanctified, preserved, and called. Simpson warns against false teachers who distort grace and encourages believers to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. He concludes with a call to build oneself in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and look forward to the mercy of Christ, while also providing practical guidance for soul-winning. The sermon culminates in a doxology that praises God for His ability to keep believers from stumbling.
The Book of Jude
By A.W. Tozer0JUD 1:3JUD 1:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of the Book of Jude, which was originally intended as an encouraging letter but became a call to contend for the faith due to the rise of false teachings. He warns that false teachings distort the truth about God, ourselves, sin, and Christ, leading to disastrous consequences. Tozer stresses the importance of understanding and conforming to the truth as revealed in Scripture, urging believers to build themselves up in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and maintain love for others while standing firm in truth. He encourages Christians to be compassionate yet firm in their beliefs, looking forward to the mercy of Christ's return. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a balance of courage and tenderness in the pursuit of truth.
Exposing Error: Is It Worthwhile?
By Harry Ironside0MAT 7:15ACT 20:292PE 2:1Harry Ironside emphasizes the necessity of exposing error within the church, arguing that much of the New Testament is dedicated to warning against false teachings and heresies. He highlights the importance of contending for the faith and the dangers posed by false prophets, urging believers to be vigilant and to reprove unfruitful works of darkness. Ironside asserts that while exposing error may be unpopular, it is a vital duty for Christians to protect the integrity of the Gospel and the person of Christ. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, recognizing that the battle against error is essential for the salvation of souls. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to truth, even in the face of opposition.
Epistle of Jude
By A.B. Simpson0JUD 1:1A.B. Simpson explores the Epistle of Jude, emphasizing its solemn warnings and spiritual lessons. He highlights Jude's identity as a servant of Jesus Christ and the importance of being sanctified, preserved, and called. Simpson warns against false teachers who distort grace and encourages believers to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. He concludes with a call to build oneself in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep in the love of God while looking forward to the mercy of Christ. The sermon culminates in a doxology that praises God for His ability to keep believers from stumbling and present them faultless before His glory.
Hold Fast
By J.C. Ryle0PRO 19:27MAT 24:24ROM 12:2GAL 1:8EPH 6:111TH 5:212TI 4:2HEB 10:231PE 5:8JUD 1:3J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of holding fast to the truth of the Gospel amidst the challenges and controversies faced by the Church. He warns against the temptation to seek peace at the expense of truth, urging believers to contend earnestly for their faith and remain vigilant against false teachings. Ryle highlights the historical and ongoing threats to the integrity of the Church, particularly from Roman Catholicism, and calls for unity among Protestants to resist these challenges. He stresses that personal faith in Christ is essential, and encourages individuals to actively engage in preserving the truth of the Gospel. Ultimately, Ryle reassures that those who hold fast to Christ will find peace and eternal life, regardless of external circumstances.
Contending for the Faith Part 2 - the Fruit of False Doctrine
By Phil Beach Jr.2336:07JUD 1:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgent need for believers to contend for the true faith amidst the rising influence of false doctrines and teachings that distort the essence of Jesus, the gospel, and the Holy Spirit. He warns that many are being seduced into embracing a different Jesus and a false grace that condones ungodliness and lawlessness, which ultimately leads to spiritual danger. The preacher calls for a deep self-examination and a commitment to uphold the true teachings of Christ, urging men, especially husbands, to take a stand for their families and resist the temptations of a self-centered faith. The sermon highlights the importance of being vigilant against stealthy deceptions that can infiltrate the church and encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in living a life that reflects the true nature of Christ. Ultimately, Beach Jr. calls for a radical, Spirit-filled life that glorifies God and stands firm against the pressures of the world.
Contending for the Faith Part 1 - Stealth Attack!
By Phil Beach Jr.171:06:462CO 11:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the need to contend for the faith as he reflects on the dangers of false teachings that can stealthily infiltrate the church, much like the temptations faced by the Corinthians. He warns against the allure of a different Jesus and gospel that leads believers away from pure devotion to Christ, urging them to recognize and resist the subtle lies that can corrupt their faith. Beach encourages a renewed passion for Jesus as the new year approaches, calling for vigilance against the influences that promote lawlessness and dissatisfaction with God's truth. He draws parallels between historical deceptions and the current state of the church, urging believers to seek genuine devotion and to guard against complacency and discontentment.
Notes (From the May 1888 Sword and Trowel)
By C.H. Spurgeon0ROM 16:171CO 1:10EPH 4:3PHP 1:271TI 6:122TI 2:152TI 4:3HEB 10:231PE 3:15JUD 1:3C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians of all denominations while contending for the core truths of the Gospel. He reflects on the overwhelming support received during his addresses on 'the Unchangeable Gospel' and the necessity of standing firm against the rising tide of unbelief within the church. Spurgeon warns against compromising truth for the sake of broader fellowship, asserting that true charity must not come at the expense of sound doctrine. He expresses concern over the spread of error within the Baptist denomination and calls for a return to the foundational beliefs of the faith. Ultimately, he reassures believers that the truth of God will endure, and those who uphold it will find strength in their patience.
The Message of Jude
By G. Campbell Morgan0JUD 1:3JUD 1:12G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the urgent message of Jude regarding the peril of apostasy, defining it as a moral failure rather than mere intellectual doubt. He illustrates the nature of apostasy through examples from Israel, angels, Sodom and Gomorrah, and figures like Cain, Balaam, and Korah, highlighting the consequences of turning away from faith. Morgan calls for a passionate and determined effort to contend for the faith, urging believers to build themselves up, pray, and remain in God's love while helping others in doubt. The sermon concludes with a powerful doxology, reminding the church of the importance of loyalty, caution, and confidence in defending the truth centered in Christ. Ultimately, Morgan asserts that true faith is demonstrated through a life of obedience and commitment to God's will.