“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved, and that by God. As a prisoner for the Lord, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (Jude 3; Philippians 1: 27, 28; Ephesians 4: 1-3; 1 Timothy 6: 12; Ephesians 6: 11, 12; Proverbs 24: 10; 2 Corinthians 12: 9, 10).
Faith means: belief, confidence, trust, security, assurance, certainty, conviction, persuasion. ‘The faith’ consists of the gospel proclaimed by Christ and the apostles. It is the fixed and unalterable truth, given by Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3: 14, 15) and embodied in the New Testament. However, ‘the faith’ is more than objective truth; it is a way of life to be lived in love and purity (Colossians 1: 9-14). In order to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, we must be strengthened by His power. It is a kingdom that comes in power to baptize all believers in the Holy Spirit, that they may proclaim the gospel to all nations (Mark 16: 15-18) with signs and miracles (Matthew 10: 1; 28: 18-20; John 10: 25; Acts 10: 38). It is an ongoing experience of receiving from God his own life; nothing else can enable us to overcome sin, Satan, and the world (Philippians 4: 13). Those of us who are faithful to Christ have a solemn obligation to contend for the faith (1 Timothy 6: 11-16).
Contend (Gk epagonizomai) describes the battle that the faithful believer must fight in defense of the faith. The word ‘fight’ is from the Greek word meaning “agonize.” Our Christian life is a fight, an intense struggle that requires persevering loyalty to Christ and it requires a personal defense of the gospel in whatever occupation or place that He has you situated in today (yes, even you mothers staying at home). Contending for the faith also means that we must take a direct stand against those within the visible church who deny the Bible’s authority or distort the ancient faith as presented by Christ and the apostles. It is important that the gospel message is NOT weakened by compromise of its authority, distorting its truth, or explaining away its power and promises. But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not ‘Yes’ and ‘No,’ but in Him it has always been ‘YES.’ For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him, the “Amen” (see Revelation 3: 14) is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is GOD who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, and set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1: 18-22). “Amen” is a proclamation that expresses confidence in God’s love and faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. It is the VOICE OF FAITH, reaffirming and identifying with the truth of Christ’s unshakeable gospel!
It is important that each of us honestly assess our “faith level.” There are several in people in the New Testament who are examples of faith and their faith is at various levels. I will leave it to you to check each of them out in Judges 6, Mark 8: 22-25, Matthew 14: 28-31, and Matthew 8: 5-13. Whether these people had little or great faith is relatively unimportant. If you exercise your faith (whatever amount) it is enough to please God and He will do what needs to be done and more! smile Jesus says, “…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. NOTHING will be IMPOSSIBLE for you” (Matthew 17: 20).
True faith is effective faith that produces results. It will move mountains. True faith is not a belief in “faith” as a force or power, but it is “faith in God” (Mark 11: 22-25). It is a work of God within each of our hearts as Christians (Philippians 2: 13) as it involves a divinely imparted awareness to our hearts that our prayers are answered. It is created within us by Holy Spirit; we CANNOT PRODUCE IT IN OUR OWN MINDS (Romans 12: 2, 3). Since true faith is a gift imparted to us by Christ, it is MOST IMPORTANT to draw near to Christ and His Word and to deepen our COMMITMENT (CONTEND) to, and confidence in Him (Philippians 3: 15-21). We are dependent on Him for EVERYTHING; “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-8; Hebrews 4: 14-16). We MUST SEEK HIM FIRST; He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12: 1-3). His close PRESENCE and our OBEDIENCE to His Word are the source and secret of true faith. Faith is under God’s control and it is given on the basis of His love, wisdom, grace, and for His kingdom purpose. It is given to accomplish His will and to express His love for us; not to be used for our own selfish agenda (James 4: 1-8).
The reality of all I have written is that it is not always easy for us to be faithful to Him. UNBELIEF negates His ability to do much in our lives; it actually neutralizes His ability to work within our lives (Matthew 9: 27-30; Mark 5: 25-36). A good example of this is recorded in Matthew 13: 53-58. I am contending for faith in Christ’s Word and in Mark 9 He outlines our need for personal recognition of our unbelief and need for Him. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into the fire or water to kill him. But, IF you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If You can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; HELP ME OVERCOME MY UNBELIEF” (vs. 21-24)! I give Him praise that He understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4: 14-16). We MUST CONFESS our lack of faith and pray that He would give us the faith that is needed to move our personal mountains. Hallelujah!
Dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Study God’s Word and make a determined effort to know the truth and teachings within the Scriptures; pray in the Spirit for He will inspire, guide, energize, sustain, and help you do battle in your praying; be faithful in your obedience to God’s Word; and finally and most importantly, stay IN LOVE WITH HIM; stay close to Him and bask in His presence for as long as you possibly can each day. For then you WILL SEE GREAT FAITH ARISE IN YOUR HEART and your strength to stand WILL BE SURE.
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