“… I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith …” (Jude 1:3)
Jude exhorts his audience (us!) to contend earnestly for the faith. How do we do that?
1. PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Jude 1:20).
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” (v. 20).
Take responsibility to build up your faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. To pray in the Holy Spirit is to be full of the Spirit (Eph. 5:18), to be empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), to be led by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:14) and to pray in tongues (Acts 2:4; 19:6).
2. KEEP YOURSELF IN THE LOVE OF GOD (v. 21).
“keep yourselves in the love of God, …” (Jude 1:21; Rom. 5:5)
3. REACH OUT TO OTHERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR FAITH (Jude 1:22-23).
“And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23)
Be compassionate towards those who need compassion (v. 22).
Be confrontational towards those who need confrontation (v. 23; 2Cor. 5:11).
Contend for the faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, by keeping yourself in the love of God, and by reaching out to those who are struggling with their faith.