10/30/2020
Do we wave the banner of Christ, and contend for our faith on this spiritual battlefield where we find ourselves engaged? Do we recognize the enemies of our faith that have crept in and are now coming against us? If we are not careful, and don’t enter into the ongoing battle dressed in the full armor of God we may find our souls defeated, and enslaved.
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Jude 1:3 ESV
Do not be dismayed at the sight of the enemy, and his boldness, because his arrival has been anticipated from long ago, and nothing he does surprises our Lord. Today is the day for us to stand firm in our faith, and glorify our Lord Jesus as we trust in God’s Word, and the promise of our salvation. The very presence of those who deny our Lord Jesus proves that God’s Word is true because He announced their coming long ago.
“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Jude 1:4 ESV
In the face of spiritual opposition we are to stand strong and tall, praising God, and telling all who would listen of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a great moment in our faith, and will not be won by the forces of darkness. They claim to be unbelievers, and yet instinctively know that God is True, and Jesus Lord... else they would not struggle against it so mightily.
“But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.”
Jude 1:10 ESV
So we recognize them when they come, because they have been described to us, and we also know that angels will be sent to destroy them.
“It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.”
Jude 1:14-16 ESV
So we know of their coming, we know that they will be overcome, and we know that we are to keep our faith as we contend against them, but most of all we know that they are not to be feared, and that as Christians, who are strong in faith, we are to show mercy towards those who doubt, and pray for the redemption of their souls.
“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.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 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. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”
Jude 1:17-23 ESV
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for telling us of those who were coming, and against whom we would need to contend in spiritual warfare. We thank you for revealing the victory of your angels over them, and that in the midst of this battle we would need to be strong in our faith, and ever vigilant as we watch for the return of Jesus Christ. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whom we love with all our hearts, souls, mind, and strength. Great are you in your mercy as you ask us to pray for those who doubt, and greater yet is your grace that flows over us through Jesus. We praise your name Father for every forgiven sin, and each blessing you bestow upon us. Hear our prayers for the sinners we encounter during our struggle to maintain our faith, and grant them mercy and grace Lord as their lives are transformed. Open their eyes, even as you have opened ours, to your Son Jesus, and save their souls as you have saved ours... seating us side by side at your table where we can praise and dine with you forevermore.
Rich Forbes