Contend for Your Faith | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, October 13
Scriptures
Jude 1:3-8, 1:16-21, Judges 21:25, 14:1-3, 14:7, 16:1, 16:28, 2:19, Job 31:1, Psalm 101:3, Deuteronomy 6:7, 6:18, 12:25, 12:28, 13:18, 21:9, 12:8, Matthew 4:8-10.
Introduction
Welcome to today’s small group discussion! We are diving into a powerful message based on Jude’s call to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3-4). Jude’s message is not only a historical account but a timeless exhortation to stand firm in the truth of God’s word, especially in the face of false teachings and moral compromise.
Look around and you will see that we are living in a time when the Bible is called evil, and the preaching of the Bible is considered hate speech by many. You can’t sit on the sidelines and watch it happen; it’s time to contend for your faith.
- How have you seen the United States change in your lifetime? [Keep this at about 5-10 minutes.]
Objective
In today's world, where biblical standards are often dismissed, our objective is to equip Christians with the conviction and tools necessary to defend their faith against present-day challenges and false teachings.
Key Theme
This study will delve into the principles from Jude 1:20-21 and lessons from Samson's life, emphasizing how to build our faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and live righteously not by our own standards but according to God's perfect will, as we anticipate the mercy of Jesus Christ.
- What does it mean to "contend earnestly for the faith" in today’s world?
- Reflect on how societal pressures and cultural trends may challenge our commitment to biblical truth. How can we stay firm in our faith while navigating these challenges?
Diving Into Jude’s Letter
Let’s begin by reading Jude 3-7 and 16-21. In the church's early days, deceitful individuals emerged who distorted God's teachings and Jesus' authority. The created their own doctrines to amass power and wealth. In response, church leaders like Jude wrote warnings, encouraging believers to stay vigilant, understand the truth, and shun these false teachers.
“3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
5 Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 7 In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” Jude 3-7
- Why do you think Jude emphasized the importance of defending the faith against false teachings?
“16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 16-21
- Discuss how false teachings can subtly infiltrate our beliefs today. What are some ways we can safeguard ourselves and our communities from such influences?
The Rise of Subjective Truth and Its Cultural Implications
There has been a shift in our societal values. We no longer look to the Bible as the source of truth but have created a culture of relative truth – “your truth”. We see a similarity in the book of Judges:
“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” 21:25
In recent years a very popular phrase has arisen among celebrities. It is the concept of “your truth”. This term “your truth” developed from a way of sharing a life experience, your personal story but it has morphed into a justification for any lifestyle, based on your desires and whims. It justifies whatever immoral behavior that may be counter to God’s Word.
While issues like abortion and gender identity are prominent in today's political discussions, numerous other ungodly influences have subtly infiltrated our culture.
- What other things have you observed that are accepted by society that are contrary to God’s Word? How does the world justify them?
“…in his own eyes…”
The human eye is one of the most complex organs in the body. The eye is an important indicator of overall health. Eye doctors can detect high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of cancer by examining the eyes. It is interesting to note that the human eye can change its focus up to 50 times per second. Just as our eyes adjust focus rapidly, according to research, an average person experiences anywhere up to 70,000 thoughts per day, which means they could potentially "change their mind" many times throughout the day.
This could represent a shift in focus or perspective. If we do not look to God’s Word for Truth and we are left to our own, we are ‘building a house on shifting sand’. (Matthew 7:24)
The human eye also has a blind spot. The brain can fill in the missing information so that we are unaware of the blind spot. In same way, without the truth of God’s Word, we are unaware of our own blind spots and are susceptible to believing or accepting the world’s standards.
We can miss the Truth by depending on our own sinful and willful selves. We will find affirmation and acceptance by the world when we oppose the Word and do what is right in our own eyes.
- Is there any belief system that is ‘of this world’ that you have been tempted to agree with? Why do you think this belief system was appealing to you, and how did aligning it with God's Word change your perspective?
- Just as our eyes have blind spots that our brain fills in, what might be some spiritual or moral 'blind spots' in your life that you weren't aware of until looking through the lens of scripture? How can regular engagement with God's Word help in identifying and addressing these blind spots?
1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever.”
By trusting in the Lord and conforming to His Truth, we will meet with resistance from the world, but as God has promised ‘take heart for He has overcome the world’. (John 16:33)
- Reflect on 1 John 2:15-17. John names the 'lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life'. How does understanding that these are passing away, while God's will endures, influence your daily choices and long-term goals?
An Overview of Samson’s Life
Samson was the twelfth and last judge of Israel. His birth and destiny were foretold by an angel who appeared to his parents on two occasions, providing specific instructions about how Samson was to be raised (Judges 13:7). Samson was to be a Nazirite; no razor was ever to touch his head, dedicated to God from birth. He was destined to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5).
However, Samson was a man known for his temper and his womanizing ways. Despite these flaws, God chose him to be a deliverer and judge for His beloved people. Samson possessed incredible physical strength and resilience; the Spirit of the Lord came upon him many times, enabling him to kill a lion with his bare hands. Yet, he often did what was right in his own eyes, disregarding God's guidance, which later brought him tragic consequences.
From his attraction to the wrong women, marrying into the enemy camp, and revealing the secret of his strength—his uncut hair—to the enemy, Samson made choices that drastically affected his life. He was eventually captured by the Philistines, who gouged out his eyes, rendering him blind. While in prison, as he ground grain, his hair began to grow back. Alongside his hair, his covenant with God and their relationship were also restored.
When brought out to entertain at the temple of Dagon, their god, Samson prayed one last time for strength to take vengeance on the Philistines, who proclaimed themselves enemies of God.
Judges 16:28 ‘Then he prayed to the Lord. Samson said, “Lord and King, show me that you still have concern for me. Please, God, make me strong just one more time. Let me pay the Philistines back for what they did to my two eyes. Let me do it with only one blow.”’
Placing his hands on the pillars, with his regained might, he pushed with all his strength from a place of defeat. He not only triumphed but also pulled down the pillars and walls, destroying the entire place and killing many, including the Philistine rulers. Following this act, a sudden revival swept through Israel, setting the stage for the emergence of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets.
Samson led Israel for 20 years and ended up in the Hall of Fame, being mentioned as a hero of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven alongside many other great men and women of God.
- Samson was chosen by God for a specific purpose despite his personal flaws. Discuss how this reflects on the nature of God's use of imperfect individuals for His plans.
- Samson's physical strength contrasted sharply with his moral and emotional weaknesses. Talk about how people today can be good at some things but bad at others.
The Empty Promise of Earthly Splendor
Judges 2:19 shows how Israel repeatedly turned away from God, pursuing idols and earthly pleasures, only to fall into deeper misery. Their rejection of God's ways for temporary gains brought only spiritual ruin.
Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; ... But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their ancestors, following other gods and serving and worshiping them. They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways. Judge 2:18a-19 NIV
Both passages warn us that chasing after worldly gains, whether wealth or power, at the cost of our relationship with God, leads to destruction. True fulfillment comes from remaining faithful to God, not from the fleeting allure of what the world offers.
- In Matthew 4:8-10, Satan takes Jesus to a high mountain and shows Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor, offering them in exchange for Jesus' worship. Jesus firmly rejects this, quoting Scripture, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" How can you practically “worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only” in the face of daily pressures and temptations?
- Have you ever experienced moments where pursuing success or recognition left you feeling empty or distant from God? How does this realization shape your perspective on worldly achievements versus spiritual growth?
Conclusion
As we reflect on Jude’s message, it is evident that contending for the faith is not a passive endeavor. It requires intentionality, spiritual resilience, and a commitment to God's truth in a world filled with opposition. Like Jude’s warning against false teachings, we are called to be vigilant, grounded in the Word, and fervent in prayer. Don’t let the world blur or move the line the Word of God clearly draws. Timeless truths are needed in these truthless times.
Let us continue to build each other up in faith, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and resting in the love of Christ as we await His glorious return. In doing so, we become lights in a world that desperately needs the truth of the gospel.
Prayer
- For wisdom and courage to earnestly contend for the faith in these times
- That God would be a guide and shield against the waves of falsehood
- That your group would stand firm, rooted in God’s love
That your group would stand firm, rooted in God’s love
An Encouragement: Bring Heaven Down
When you pray, fast, worship, read the Bible, and go to church, you pull Heaven down into the Earth. But if you allow sin to run rampant, you invite Hell to be pulled up into the culture. There is a war between the world and the Word. Don’t let the world change your conviction about what the Word of God clearly says.
Resources
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