Devotional Teaching Based on Jude 1:3, 1 Peter 3:15, Ephesians 4
Jude 1:3
“It was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
Faith is not man-made — it is a divine gift
The faith that we are called to contend for is not a product of human will or emotion. It is not a decision made in a moment of inspiration. It is the gift of God, planted in the hearts of His children by grace. As Paul wrote:
“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
This faith was given by Christ, as part of the measure of gift He distributes to His body:
“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:7)
Because it comes from Him, it is precious. It reflects His own perfect trust and obedience to the Father — the faith of Christ (Galatians 2:16 KJV).
This faith is eternal and imperishable
What is given by Christ cannot perish. It is incorruptible, just like the living hope it produces. Peter writes:
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7)
When the fire comes — the trials, afflictions, and testings — it is not to destroy our faith, but to purify it. The impurities are removed; the vessel is refined. In this process, we are being made useful for the Master’s service — sanctified and fitted for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21).
This faith produces a grounded and living hope
Because it is God’s own work in us, this faith results in a hope that is sure — not wishful thinking, but confident expectation based on God’s unchanging promises.
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
This hope isn’t just doctrinal — it is living, present in the heart, producing endurance, joy, and obedience even in suffering. It is Christ Himself, formed in us.
Why contend earnestly?
Because this faith — this living, eternal, Christ-given faith — is being attacked, distorted, and redefined in every generation. Jude saw it in his day and urgently wrote to the saints to earnestly contend:
– Not to fight with pride,
– But to defend what God has given,
– And to walk worthy of it in humility and boldness.
We contend not because we made the faith, but because we have been made by it.
Without Him, we can do nothing
Jesus said clearly:
“Without Me, ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Faith — true, saving, enduring faith — is not our achievement. It is the continual work of Christ in us, and without Him, we have no strength, no righteousness, no fruit, no perseverance.
But with Him, and through the faith that is in Him, we become vessels for God’s glory.
Closing Reflection
What a marvelous and eternal faith —
Given by Christ,
Purified in trial,
Anchored in hope,
And preserved for glory.
Let us treasure it, walk in it, and earnestly contend for it, not as owners, but as stewards of a holy gift, pointing always to the Giver — our Lord Jesus Christ.
The One Who Preserves Us
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,” (Jude 1:24)
Jude begins his letter by urging believers to contend for the faith, but he ends it by lifting their eyes to the One who ultimately preserves that faith in them — God Himself.
This closing doxology is not merely a benediction; it is a powerful reminder that the faith we contend for is safeguarded by the One who gave it. God is not only the Author of our faith — He is also the Finisher (Hebrews 12:2).
He alone is able to keep us from falling — not merely from stumbling in small ways, but from falling away entirely. In the midst of apostasy, false teaching, and pressure to compromise, the believer’s confidence is not in his own strength, but in the preserving power of God.
And more than just keeping us from falling, He will present us faultless before His glory — not by overlooking our sin, but by the perfect righteousness of Christ applied to us. He does this with ‘exceeding joy’ — both His joy and ours. This is the final goal: our faultless standing in His glorious presence, as His work brought to completion.
So, as we contend, we do so with humility and assurance — knowing that the One who began the good work in us will finish it. He planned it, He called us, He gave us faith, He purifies us through trials, and He will glorify us in the end. To Him alone be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 1:25)