Saturday Devotion and Prayer. May 27, 2023
“Contend for the Faith”
“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 1:3
The book of Jude is a small but powerful letter to believers. Tucked right before Revelation, this one-chapter book is easily overlooked. But one would be remiss if they didn’t study Jude and soak in its powerful message of perseverance in the faith and gospel reminders of our eternal hope. Jude understood the spiritual war that wages in our minds and acknowledged the daily battle that wears on our souls. He wrote to a group of believers under immense spiritual attack and being fed false teachings. I can relate to these early saints because while my heart is fully committed to serving the Lord, the battle between my ears is a constant drum of doubt, half-truths, and full-on lies that I must surrender to our Heavenly Father daily. Jude loved the Church and desperately wanted to remind them of their salvation and strengthen them as they resigned to follow Christ. And how does one contend for their faith, to stand firm against spiritual attacks, seen and unseen?
We turn away from evil and meditate on God’s word.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” -Psalms 1:1-2
We renew our minds daily to conform to God’s will.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12:2
We fellowship with other believers.
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” -Proverbs 27:17
Staying committed to our faith among life’s trials, spiritual attacks, and difficult circumstances takes work. But, as children of God, we can be encouraged and driven by our salvation in Jesus Christ to keep contending for the faith ( 2 Timothy 4:7).
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation. We are so undeserving of Your grace and mercy, yet, while we were still sinners, You sent Your son to die so that we could have eternal life. In immeasurable love for Your Children, before the beginning of time, You created a way for us to be redeemed and restored; thank You. This life offers many distractions, illusions of happiness, and false promises of peace and joy, we ask for strength to pursue the eternal over the temporal. Let us not waver in our faith like shifting sand but instead firmly plant ourselves on the solid rock of Christ. Lead us as we seek to be the salt and light of this world, guide our paths, and direct our words and actions, bringing You glory and honor.
Lord, if anyone in our lives doesn’t know You as a savior, we ask that You send Your Spirit to draw them to the Father. We are vessels, use us for Your service, grant us the words to say, the courage to boldly proclaim the Gospel, and grace and mercy for those who mock or persecute us. Give us discernment to distinguish Your Truth from those who engage in lies. May we easily recognize those sent to deceive and cause doubt and confusion among the people. Forgive us when we fall short, help us to be more like You today, show love to all, and extend grace and mercy. In Your son Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
