“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness,
and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Jude 1:4)
Contending for the truth is a believer’s commitment to be actively engaged in vigilant, spiritual warfare against deceit, delusion, and doctrinal error. Jude speaks plainly and urgently about such enemies, unnoticed by many but known to God. These men twist grace into a license for sin and deny the very Lord they claim to follow.
The charge in Jude is not addressed to apostles only, nor to ministers alone, but to every believer: “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” The truth of God must be guarded. It does not bend under pressure, nor can it be extinguished. But it must be held fast.
To contend for the truth is to contend for Christ, His Gospel, His honor, and His commands. This contention is not against flesh and blood, for it is fought with Scripture, prayer, obedience, and holy boldness. And it is won through endurance, humility, and unshakable allegiance to Christ.
Jude warns that false brethren are shrewd. Their motives are carnal and their effect damning. They turn grace into lasciviousness—a cloak for sin, a platform for rebellion, and a veil for ungodliness. They were “before of old ordained to this condemnation,” ungodly men whose fruits expose them.
They deny Christ, which means they reject His Lordship in practice, exalt their own authority, and elevate themselves above Scripture. This denial often comes with a pleasant demeanor, a title, and a seat in the church. But it is a betrayal all the same.
Truth must therefore be riveted in the soul of the faithful; fastened by Scripture, sealed by the Spirit, and confirmed by experience. Contending for the faith is a life-long commission that requires discernment, vigilance, and steadfast affection for the Lord Jesus Christ.[1]
This humble fidelity to the God of truth includes obedience, love for the brethren, zeal for the Gospel, and reverence for Christ the King. Where such godly contention prevails, error retreats, Christ is glorified, and souls are preserved.
Contemplations:
- God’s marvelous providence. How often, Lord, have I been amazed at the strange workings of Your providence in our everyday earthly affairs, and in them to see Your marvelous wisdom, power, and goodness bring good out of evil! Sin abounds, but grace abounds to Your people all the more!
- The beauty of redemption. Wretched men are prone to draw the worst of evils out of the greatest good. But how often have I witnessed You raising up children to Abraham from lifeless stones … transforming sinners into saints?
- Necessary obedience. You are the only Lord (Jude 1:3-4). And therefore to You alone our obedience is required. In You, Lord, we are to hear all things You command us, and Your commands are to be obeyed and not disputed. We are to hold forth the grace of God with joy and not turn it to an excuse to sin.
- Your sheep follow You. Lord, we must prove what is that holy, good, and acceptable will of Yours (Rom. 12:2). We are to consider that Your sheep hear Your voice, and a stranger they will not follow (John 10:4-5). For this explains why so many seem to wander aimlessly and follow false teachings when Your will is understood and known, and as our Lord we are duly bound to follow You.
Prayer (Adoration)
O Lord God Almighty, Most High and Everlasting King, I worship You as the God of truth. From the beginning, You have declared righteousness, and none of Your words have fallen to the ground. You speak, and it stands fast. You command, and none can stay Your hand. You are light without shadow, truth without mixture, perfection without end.
I adore You for sending Your Son, who is the Word made flesh, the Truth incarnate, and the final revelation of Your will. In Him is no lie, no error, no deceit. He is altogether faithful, altogether lovely, altogether worthy. I praise You that He came not only to save but to sanctify, not only to redeem but to rule, not only to forgive but to command.
Your Word is truth—sharper than any sword, pure as refined silver, enduring forever. I praise You that You have given us a faith once delivered, not evolving, and not unstable, but fixed and full. And I bless You that Your Spirit teaches all truth, comforts in truth, and keeps Your people from ruinous delusion.
You are a God who does not change, and Your truth stands in the heavens. Let the earth reel and roar, for Your Word remains. Let scoffers rise and rebels increase, for Your throne is unmoved. I give You praise that You hold all things in righteousness and will not allow falsehood to triumph forever.
I worship You, Lord Jesus, as the only Master and King. To You every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess. You are worthy to be obeyed, worthy to be believed, worthy to be proclaimed. I adore You for Your holy severity against deception and for Your tender mercy to the upright. Keep me fixed in truth, filled with Your Spirit, and faithful in my warfare. Let me never turn from the narrow way, never yield to flattery, and never be wearied in well-doing.
For You are my God of truth. You reign in holiness. You shine in clarity. You save in power. And I lift up my soul to honor You above all.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Jude 1:4:
2 Peter 2:1; Galatians 2:4; 1 John 2:22; 2 Timothy 3:6.
[1] Richard Younge, A Christian Library, (London: M.I., 1660), 6.
