“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3 (ESV)
“The book is a solemn warning to Christians everywhere, since all are subject to the same doctrinal and practical errors. Though its theme regarding apostasy was specifically directed to first-century Jewish Christians, its message is applicable to all Christians. All believers need to avoid the pitfalls of denying Christ’s lordship, promiscuously following the fleshly desires, rejecting authority, being divisive, and living for self.” – Dr. Edward C. Pentecost
Have your prepared plans ever been interrupted by an unexpected event or set of circumstances? Perhaps a scheduled vacation or activity is delayed by an illness, accident and/or death in the family.
I will always remember Christmas morning of 2002. As always, there was the anticipation of opening presents and enjoying a relaxing day with family and friends; near or far, in person or by text or phone call.
Snow began falling late Christmas Eve and by 4:00 am Christmas Day, Northeast Indiana was a scenic winter wonderland. Six inches of snow lay on the ground and more was expected. I did not have to dream about a White Christmas that year because it was a reality.
I was abruptly awakened by the phone. As a pastor., 4:00 am phone calls are seldom good news. A family in our congregation called to say they were on their way to the Fort Wayne Airport. While in route, their mini-van broke down leaving them stranded at a nearby gas station convenient store parking lot. They needed someone who had a van, who could drive them to the still open airport, and who wouldn’t be angry about being asked to do so. I fit all of the above qualifications.
I drove my friends to the airport that snowy, Christmas morning and cut a trail over unplowed roads and an interstate highway. The only other vehicles I remember seeing were occasional state police and county sheriff cars and SUV’s. Amazingly, they did not stop us.
Once I delivered my previous cargo to the airport, I returned alone to my home listening to Christmas music on the van’s CD player. My wife and two kids were anxiously awaiting my arrival so we could enjoy our Christmas morning. An unexpected phone call, and a particular need of a family, resulted in a Christmas memory I’ll always cherish.
What does my personal recollection have to do with the Epistle of Jude? Jude had intended to write a letter of encouragement to fellow believers in Christ. ““Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation,”
The phrase “I was very eager” (σπουδὴν; spouden) refers to diligence, to work hard and to do one’s best. Jude eagerly wanted to write to these believers. It was not something he dreaded. Jude possessed an intense motivation and enthusiastic desire.
“In a few words Jude reveals the reason for the composition of his letter: He wants to encourage the readers to affirm their faith. Jude addresses his readers with a common greeting of that day: “dear friends” (also see vv. 17, 20). Literally translated the term means “beloved.” He puts this greeting in the context of the address (“to those … who are loved by God,” v. 1) and the blessing (“mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance,” v. 2),” explains Dr. Simon Kistemaker.
Then, rather unexpectedly, he discovered a greater need existed. It was the need for a solemn warning of danger. “I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
This is what is upon my heart. To share the wonderful truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To dwell upon the blessings of our common salvation is an indescribable joy. It brings such a sense of God’s pleasure to focus on what He has given us in Christ. However, as now there are times when rather than communicate the blessings of God to the flock God has given me to shepherd, I am compelled by Him to preach about the burden of contending for truth in a world and culture living on lies. It is this culture of lies which threatens every local church; past, present, and future.
Jude appealed (παρακαλῶν; parakalon) or implored his readers to contend for the faith. What does it mean to contend for the faith? To contend (ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι; epagonizesthai) is a present, middle infinitive verb referring to an ongoing, personal action of struggling on behalf of someone or something. The faith (πίστει; pistei) is not one’s personal trust in Christ but rather the content or doctrine to trust in, commit to, depend upon and for which we honor and worship the Lord.
It was this doctrine and teachings, through the prophets and apostles, which the Lord delivered to the believers in Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The Scriptures calls them saints or the called-out ones (ἁγίοις; hagiois). God calls believers saints on the basis of grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.
“Wishing to write of the more pleasant theme of salvation, Jude was forced by his concern to write on an urgent and abhorrent theme. Circumstances had arisen that demanded immediate action, thus presenting an emergency situation. Jude addressed himself to a recognized problem, and exhorted the believers to respond with positive determination,” states Dr. Pentecost.
“As a pastor, Jude clearly distinguishes between the recipients of his letter and the false teachers. He expresses his love to the readers, but also tells them to be aware of the pernicious teachings of these heretics. The term beloved demonstrates his affection for the members of the Christian church, who through Jesus Christ experience the love of God the Father,” concludes Dr. Kistemaker.
Who were these individuals of whom Jude would warn his fellow believers in Christ? This is the subject of the next blog. I encourage you to read Jude 4.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 