Jude’s letters right before the revelation of Jesus Christ, is a stirring read. Jude’s letter begins and ends with words of comfort. Jude's letter begins and ends with very comforting words to Christians. In verse 1 it describes us as "those who are called, (sanctified) loved in God the Father and (preserved) kept for Jesus Christ." All three verbs are passive. They stress the action of God. God calls, God loves, and God keeps. We are called, are loved, and are kept.

Then at the end of his letter in verse 24 he says, "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God . . . be glory."

Notice, in verse 1 we are kept by God for Jesus Christ. And in verse 24 God is able to keep us from falling. Jude begins and ends the letter by assuring believers that God exerts his omnipotence to keep them from falling away from the faith.

That is how Jude begins and ends his letter to the church, between those words of comfort, Jude strikes a different tone altogether. Jude isn’t trying to bring the focus of the believer into contentment, rather he speaks of remaining vigilant and contending for the faith, despite the dangers that are present. Jude tells them to fight for the faith. Jude is telling us that even though the church is assured victory through Jesus Christ, we still must fight, contend, and remain vigilant.

Jude brings our attention to the victory we have, now go fight for it, contend for it, be vigilant about your faith.

a. Our common Salvation
i. When the faith is at stake, salvation is at stake.

b. Keep by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:14)

i. Pray in the Holy Spirit
ii. Study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15)

iii. Meditate (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 19:14; 1 Timothy 4:13-15)

iv. Build (Jude 20-21, 1 Timothy 4:11-15)

v. Stir (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

When it comes to contending for the faith, Jude provides us with valuable
insights in verses 22-23. Jude emphasizes the importance of intellectual engagement by urging us to "convince some, who doubt." This implies that
contending involves a thoughtful effort to challenge and change someone's
perspective.

Secondly, Jude highlights the need for moral reclamation. He encourages us to go after those who have been led astray by their perverse ideas and snatch them out of the fire, even while hating their sinful actions. This demonstrates that contending for the faith is not solely an intellectual exercise but also involves actively pursuing individuals trapped in destructive beliefs.

In reality, these two aspects are intertwined. Changing someone's mind often requires addressing both their intellectual doubts and their moral choices. Contending for the faith is a comprehensive endeavor that recognizes false doctrine as stemming from prideful hearts rather than mere intellectual weakness.

Before delving into how we should contend for the faith, Jude reminds us to
grow spiritually, pray fervently, abide in God's love, and rely on His mercy. The way we live our lives as believers becomes a powerful argument for our faith. As Peter advises in 1 Peter 3:15: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." However, this defense should be done with gentleness and reverence because how we contend is just as important as what arguments we present. It is possible to win debates with logical reasoning but lose souls if our lives do not reflect Christ's love.

You may win the argument with your logic but lose it with how you live your life. (2 Corinthians 3:2-3)

The scripture is clear that we must operate in love, gentleness, grace, and
through our own transformed life.

Hold fast to the profession of your faith. Hebrews 10:23

Acts 2:42 – they continued steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine.