Fighting for Faith – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Jude 1:3 – “Beloved, when I sought to write to you with all diligence concerning the common salvation, I had need to write to you, and to exhort you to contend for the faith which was once given to the saints.”
Topic of the sermon: Fighting for the Faith once given to the saints
Introduction to Jude 1:3
The letter of Jude is an exhortation for times of great spiritual challenge. Jude, the brother of Jesus and servant of Christ, writes urgently to warn Christians about an ongoing struggle: the battle for the faith. He encourages us to defend and preserve the genuine faith, the one given to the saints, that is, the true gospel of Jesus Christ. In Judas’ time, many began to distort the gospel, and today we face similar challenges, with so many voices offering alternative “truths”. Let’s reflect on what it means to contend for the faith and how we can apply this message to our lives.
Development
The urgency of fighting for the faith (Jude 1:3)
Jude began the letter with a clear purpose: he wanted to talk about “common salvation”, about the joy of being saved by Christ. But he felt the urgent need to exhort Christians to fight for the faith. Judas realized that false teachings and heresies threatened the church. He reminds us that true faith was given once and for all, and that faith does not change over time. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul also warns: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” The battle for faith is a constant struggle, in which we must keep the truth unchanged and central to our lives.
What does it mean to “contend for the faith”?
“Battling for the faith” means protecting the true message of Christ from corruption and distortion. This involves knowing the Scriptures well, so that we can recognize the true gospel and unmask the false. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood”, but against spiritual forces that want to lead us away from the truth. This battle requires us to be vigilant, to have discernment and to be ready to defend the Word with wisdom and love, as Peter teaches in 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
The faith that was delivered once and for all
Jude talks about the faith “delivered once for all” to the saints. This means that the gospel is complete, sufficient and perfect. The faith we have in Christ does not need to be modified or adjusted to modern times; it remains true and powerful. In Hebrews 13:8, we read that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” By recognizing the immutability of our faith, we understand that any teaching that attempts to modify or distort the gospel must be rejected. Our faith rests on Christ and His Word, which is unshakeable.
Our responsibility in the battle for faith
Jude’s exhortation reminds us that each of us has a role to play in preserving the faith. It’s not just the job of pastors or leaders; all of us, as Christians, are called to fight for the faith in our witness, our attitudes and our commitment to God. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul exhorts us: “Watch, stand firm in the faith, be strong and courageous.” This is an active responsibility: to protect, share and live the faith faithfully.
Conclusion of Jude 1:3
Jude’s message is clear and necessary: we need to fight for the true faith, preserving the gospel pure and unadulterated. In a world where the truth is constantly under attack, God calls us to be guardians of the faith we have been given. May we strengthen ourselves in God’s Word, and with humility and courage, defend the truth in every aspect of our lives. May this exhortation inspire us to keep the faith, not just with words, but with actions that demonstrate Christ’s love, justice and holiness.
Preaching Outline on Jude 1:3 – “Beloved, when I sought to write to you with all diligence concerning the common salvation, I had need to write to you, and to exhort you to contend for the faith which was once given to the saints.”
More Preaching Outlines
- Sketch about the lost drachma – Luke 15:8
- eat, friends, drink abundantly, beloved –
- The four horsemen of the Apocalypse – Revelation 6:1-8
- Envy, greed and rebellion – Jude 1:11
