I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 3-4
I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. Today, my study consists of an unassisted review of Jude 3-4 which is covered by the second chapter of my commentary (that I will lean on tomorrow). Here, in these verses, Jude urges believers to "contend for the faith," which in this context is defined as fighting for and not letting any opposition to faith get any foothold. In v4, Jude explains why as there are people who have "crept in unnoticed" and these "ungodly people" have perverted "grace of our God into sensuality" and denied Christ (instead of course submitting to Him as Lord and Savior). Of course, sinful influences and the ungodly people have existed since the fall and will until Jesus comes again to defeat Satan and sin for the final time. We should be on guard for Satan and these sinful influences as they exist everywhere, including inside churches! Peter also warns us in 1 Peter 5:8-9 that Satan "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [Like Jude, we are urged to] resist him, [and remain] firm in [our] faith." That is why our spiritual disciplines of daily reading/study of God's Word, prayer, corporate worship, etc. are important. They give us the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-20).
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank for keeping my salvation safe and for giving me the full armor of God so that I can protect myself from sinful influences. You are a great God and worthy of my worship also because I know I exist to bring You glory...so please help me do this! Forgive me for my sin of anger and impatience with others. Help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
