Jude 1.3 describes, I encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

Christianity is a manly business. It has always been embraced by the courageous, both male and female. Even today, those who love Jesus as their true God are suffering death, torture and abuse from ISIS wherever IS is in control.

It takes courage to live where you are despised. While suffering has been part of the Christian experience since its Author suffered on the cross for the salvation of all humanity, today’s verse is descriptive of what Christian’s should do offensively for their faith.

First, to contend well for the faith we must know well our faith. We cannot defend what we don’t know. Our ignorance of our Savior explains why so many remain ignorant of the One True God: Jesus Who is called the Christ. Second, to contend for the faith is to pray earnestly. Prayer is to be focused first on our own protection from that which would lead us away from God.

Second, prayer is to be focused on the people in our lives who have yet to recognize Jesus as God. We pray for people to recognize Jesus as Lord so that they become brothers in our faith rather than our persecutors for our faith.

Finally, we contend for our faith according to Jude by sharing the work of Jesus with people. The goal of our faith is the salvation of the world culminating in everyone, everywhere living eternally with God. The accomplishment of the will of God occurs when His children obey His command to go into all the world to make disciples.

To contend earnestly for our faith we must focus diligently on seeking God, prayer and sharing our faith. In this way we will show ourselves faithful disciples of our Lord Jesus.