|
Saturday,
September 5, 2009
Earnestly Contend
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all
diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, 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. (KJV)
Jude 1:3
[When I gave all diligence] This phrase,
pasan (NT:3956) spoudeen (NT:4710) poioumenos (NT:4160), is a Grecism for
being exceedingly intent upon a subject; taking it up seriously with
determination to bring it to good effect. The meaning of the apostle seems
to be this: "Beloved brethren, when I saw it necessary to write to you
concerning the common salvation, my mind being deeply affected with the
dangers to which the church is exposed from the false teachers that are
gone out into the world, I found it extremely necessary to write and exhort
you to hold fast the truth which you had received, and strenuously to
contend for that only faith which, by our Lord and his apostles, has been
delivered to the Christians." (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)
Strong’s definition for ‘contend’:
NT 1864 epagonizomai
(ep-ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee); from NT:1909 and NT:75; to struggle for: KJV -
earnestly contend foreign
Hebrews 12:3-4 For consider him that
endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied
and faint in your minds. (4) Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving
against sin. (KJV)
Consider our Lord Jesus Christ and all
that He did to earnestly contend for the faith and lay hold on eternal life.
He did not let it go but He fought the good fight of faith and received His
crown of glory and is seated at the right hand of our Father. He is the
forerunner who made the way, by giving us the truth that sets us free and
keeps us free, giving us life and life more abundantly.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good
fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (8) Henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto
all them also that love his appearing. (KJV)
So fight, earnestly contend; keep the
faith.
|
