Contending for the Faith: The Way and the Power to Contend

We have seen in the two preceding posts that Jude urges believers to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (v. 3). The question arises: How exactly do we to contend? Is our response to spiritual infiltration one of confrontation and judgement, or is there a deeper, gospel-shaped way of fighting for truth? Jude offers not only warnings but guidance—showing us how to engage in spiritual resistance in a way that honours Christ and preserves his church.

We might assume that contending for the faith means confronting others head-on—calling out error, condemning heresy, and publicly rebuking those who distort the gospel. Jude presents a different model. Referencing the Archangel Michael’s dispute with the devil, he reminds us: “The archangel Michael, contending with the devil … did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgement, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you’” (v. 9).

Michael, though powerful, did not take judgement into his own hands. Likewise, Jude teaches that judgement belongs to the Lord (cf. vv. 6, 13–15). God alone is the final judge of the ungodly, and he has already reserved judgement for those who pervert the faith. While church discipline has its place (see 1 Corinthians 5:11; Matthew 18), Jude’s primary emphasis is different. Contending is not about being contentious but about faithfulness.

Jude’s instructions on how to contend (vv. 17–23) centre on remembrance and perseverance.

“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions’” (vv. 17–18).

Jude tells believers to recall the apostolic warnings. The presence of scoffers and false teachers should not surprise us. These individuals foster division, promote worldliness, and resist the Spirit (v. 19). To contend well, we must be grounded in Scripture, vigilant, and spiritually aware.

This is the heart of Jude’s exhortation: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life” (vv. 20–21).

Contending begins with us. The battle isn’t first about confronting others—it’s about remaining rooted in the gospel. Jude gives three ways to do this.

First, build yourself up in your most holy faith. This involves spiritual maturity and edification. Instead of causing division, we edify; instead of scoffing, we encourage. We strive to grow in godliness, not gratify the flesh.

Second, pray in the Holy Spirit. This is not a reference to ecstatic speech or tongues. Rather, it means praying in submission to God’s word and in line with the Spirit’s will. It is humble, Spirit-led dependence that helps keep our desires aligned with Christ.

Third, wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. An eternal perspective sustains us. Instead of indulging worldly desires, we live in anticipation of Christ’s return and the fullness of his mercy.

Are we striving for godliness, or have we grown numb to sin? Do we take God’s grace for granted, presuming forgiveness while living unchanged lives? Jude reminds us that grace is not cheap—it calls for our whole lives.

Contending Includes how we treat others, especially those struggling in faith. Jude gives three postures of mercy.

First, have mercy on those who doubt (v. 22). Not all questions or errors are heresy. Some doubters are on a journey to belief. Show them the patience and kindness of Christ.

Second, save others by snatching them out of the fire (v. 23a). Jude’s fire imagery is likely a call back to the judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah. Some people are on the brink of destruction. We are called to intervene—not with condemnation, but rescue.

Third, show mercy with fear (v. 23b). Helping others can be risky. We must remain alert to our own temptations. Mercy does not mean tolerate sin or compromise truth. Mercy without discernment can lead to compromise. But mercy rooted in fear of God can snatch souls from danger without losing its footing.

After instructing us to contend and persevere, Jude ends with a powerful reminder of our ultimate hope: “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever” (vv. 24–25). While we are called to “keep ourselves in the love of God” (v. 21), our keeping is grounded in God’s power to keep us. We are safe not because of our effort, but because of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This is a recurring theme in Jude—bookended by vv. 1 and 24. We are “kept for Jesus Christ” and kept from stumbling by the one who sustains us.

The confession rooted in this doxology centres our eyes not on ourselves or our efforts, but on the sovereign grace of God.

Jude’s strategy is subtle but brilliant. He alerts us to the danger of false teachers but refrains from naming names. Why? Because he wants us to examine ourselves, not just others. His letter is not a magnifying glass to scrutinise others but a mirror to reflect our own lives.

Are we following ungodly passions, or walking in obedience to Christ? Are we building others up or sowing division? Are we living in submission to God’s grace or taking it for granted?

The invitation is clear: Whoever you are, wherever you’ve been, God’s mercy is available. You can be kept in the love of God. And through his power, you can contend for the faith—not in fear or anger, but in love, prayer, and eternal hope.

Let us live lives that reflect the mercy we have received, contending not to destroy but to build, rescue, and glorify the one who holds us fast.