How do we live in a fallen world?
Jude presents us with encouragement that applies to anyone under any context.
1Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: 2Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. —Jude 1-2
3I 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 3
CONTEND…
The Greek verb used here, epagōnizomai, occurs only this one time in the NT. The word comes from another verb, agōnizomai, which refers to ancient Greek athletic contests in which participants “contended” —Faithlife Study Bible
Scripture uses athletic metaphors frequentely…
1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. —Hebrews 12:1
12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. —Philippians 2:12
7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. —2 Timothy 4:7
No matter how we view the athletic connection, to “contend” is rooted in salvation.
3Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation… —Jude 3
Our salvation grants us
.
5But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. —Jude 5
Jesus handled sin on the cross.
Jesus handled death in the grave.
Our salvation leads us into
.
20But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. —Jude 20
Sanctification isn’t to make your life easier.
Sanctification is to make your life doable.
Our salvation takes us
.
24Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. —Jude 24
Not only are we going home, we are going home with joy.