CONTEND means to maintain, keep up, or to sustain something. We are reflecting upon the Bible’s exhortation to us to contend for our faith in the Savior and Messiah.
We need to work diligently on holding tightly to our faith because life’s circumstances and the work of the enemy will try to separate us permanently from our faith.
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. (Jude 1:3 KJV)
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Tim 6:12 NKJV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim 4:7 ESV)
The only thing that matters is that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Messiah. then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I may hear all about you—that you are standing firm in one spirit, struggling with one mind for the faith of the gospel . . . (Phil 1:27 ISV)
So how do we ‘fight the good fight of faith’? There are a number of healthy, spiritual habits that we should form in order to stay connected to our faith and to the Word of God. Here are some ideas:
- Flee from sin: literally, fly away from sin! God will show you a way out of it. (1 Cor 10:13)
- Pursue righteousness. (Mt 5:6)
- Get to know God and lead a godly life. (2 Pet 3:11)
- Put your confidence [trust] in God and in His Word. (2 Cor 5:7)
- Operate in love. (1 Cor 13:13; Mt 22:39)
- Be humble and gentle. (Eph 4:2)
We must make choices every day of our lives to pursue God’s will, to obey Him, and to live by faith. This requires perseverance and steadfastness. God’s grace will supply us with His ability to hold fast to our course. God bless you.
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