YOU ARE THE WINNER IN A SPIRITUAL WRESTLING MATCH

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”—Jude 1:3

 

In 1 Samuel 17, we are given a picture of an individual who dealt with someone who was much larger physically and more experience in battle.  However David, a teenager, under took such a fight to contend against the giant who had defied the armies of the living God.  David's short battle with Goliath was more than a fight between Israel and the Philistines.  It was a defense of Jehovah's name against those who doubted His supremacy.  As David pointed out, the only way a boy with a sling could defeat a giant warrior like Goliath was by the Lord's hand.  And that's exactly what happened.

In confronting Goliath, David showed real courage and faith. But we see that what drove him to face the giant was righteous indignation: "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (1 Sam. 17:26).  David believed that someone had to wipe away from Israel the reproach caused by Goliath's insults.  Since no one else would step forward, he volunteered to defend Yahweh's name.

 

Modern audiences often read this story merely as a battle scene wherein an inexperienced underdog toppled an ancient superhero.  We comfort ourselves that we will probably never have to deal with such a scenario.  But the real story is that David stood up for God.  Given how our culture scoffs at both the Father and Jesus Christ, believers will certainly spend some time in David's sandals.  The question is whether we will turn and run or stand and fight in God's name.

 

The book of Jude reminds us that when apostasy (the refusal to accept religious beliefs anymore), arises that we are to fight, to contend, to do battle.  We, like David, are to contend for the faith when false teachers emerge and when the truth of God is attacked.  The danger is as real today as it was in Jude’s day.  False teachers have crept into the church, turning God’s grace into unbounded license to do as they please.  Jude reminds people of God’s past dealing with unbelieving Israel, disobedient angels, and wicked Sodom and Gomorrah.  In the face of such danger Christians, should not be caught off guard. 

 

When Jude exhorted the believers to, “contend earnestly for the faith…,” the word “earnestly” is only used here in the whole of the New Testament.  Although there are similar words to it in the New Testament, but the exact word translated “earnestly” is only found in this verse (v. 3).  Jude is telling us that we must actively participate in a spiritual wrestling match.  This is something that we must stand up and take a stand for; just like David did.  It is the duty, the calling, the responsibility of those who are the called, the beloved, and kept for Jesus Christ.  Jude is writing to those people saying, “I’m writing YOU—you called, you beloved, you kept and I am telling you that you need to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all deliver to the saints (v. 1).    

 

You don't need a theology degree to combat those who would mock God.  I exhort you to purpose in your heart not to run from those who would mock God and call evil good and good evil.  Stand firm in your faith knowing that God is on your side and He has given you His Word.   Your "smooth stones" are the truths you have pulled from the Bible.  No enemy can win an argument against scripture.  Remember when someone may challenge God’s Word that: GOD’S WORD CAN WITHSTAND RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are standing with me as I purpose in my heart to stand and contend for my faith.  I ask for Your wisdom and determination to stand firm in my faith regardless of others beliefs and arguments.  Help me to express Your love and compassion in the face of trouble and conflict, in Jesus Name’.  Amen.