Contender: Jude’s call to fight for the faith

This 4-part sermon series was preached at Peace Church in February 2025. It’s a study and walkthrough of the second to the last book of the Bible, Jude, looking at Jude’s call for Christian to contend for the faith. Below you’ll find a link to each full sermon, plus a quick reference for each sermon’s main idea and outline.

This was the series promo video for Contender: Jude’s Call to Fight for the Faith

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Jude 3
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

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What is This Call to Contend?

From the first sermon, The Fight is Now:

“…let’s ask the obvious question: “What does it actually mean to contend for the faith?” The answer lies in the word “contend.”

Despite seeing this English word a few verses later in Jude, the original Greek verb Jude uses (ἐπαγωνίζομαι) is a word we only find once in all of the Bible… and here’s a definition:

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “over”) and the verb ἀγωνίζομαι (agonizomai, meaning “to struggle” or “to contend”). The Greek verb Jude uses for “contend” describes a vigorous and determined effort, a struggle or contest. It conveys the idea of striving with intense focus and dedication…

OK Christians in the house, let me challenge you – do any of those words describe how you live out your faith? “Vigorous”? “Determined?” “Striving with intent focus”?

I think it’s both safe and sad to say that many Christians are not contending for the faith, we’re just comfortable in our faith or worse, we’re complacent…” 

Christians are not called to comfort or complacency – we are called to contend. This is Jude’s call, and that is what this series was all about.

May these messages both challenge and encourage your faith.

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Contender Sermon 1 of 4:
THE FIGHT IS NOW

JUDE 1-4 

Sermon 1 of 4 Main Idea:
Contend for the Faith Because the Fight is Now

Sermon Outline:
1. The fight is now,
so be unified (vv1-3)

2. The fight is now,
so be holy (v4b)

3. The fight is now,
so be aware (v4a)

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Contender Sermon 2 of 4:
THE JUDGEMENT IS REAL
JUDE 5-16

Sermon 2 of 4 Main Idea:
Contend for the Faith Because the Judgement is Real 

Sermon Outline :
1. The judgment is real
upon all creation (vv5-7)

2. The judgment is real
so be on guard (vv8-13)

3. The judgment is real
because so is justice (vv14-16)

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Contender Sermon 3 of 4:
THE PURPOSE IS PERSONAL
JUDE 17-23

Sermon 3 of 4 Main Idea: 
Contend for the Faith Because the Purpose is Personal

Sermon Outline :
1. The purpose is personal,
so it will affect you (vv17-19)

2. The purpose is personal,
so stay in God’s love (vv20-21)

3. The purpose is personal,
so remember your mission (vv22-23)

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Contender Sermon 4 of 4:
THE GLORY IS FOREVER
JUDE 24-25

Sermon 4 of 4 Main Idea:
Contend for the Faith Because the Glory is Forever

Sermon Outline:
1. The glory is forever, so contend because
God is your strength (v24a)

2. The glory is forever, so contend because
joy is your hope (v24b) 

3. The glory is forever, so contend because
Heaven is your future (v25)

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Jude 24-25

Jude’s Closing Doxology

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.

Amen.

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