During World War II, as allied armies marched into Germany on their way to Berlin, retreating German soldiers often switched road signs and destroyed landmarks in an effort to confuse their enemy. And, to an extent, it worked, for many a GI followed a false marker only to end up in the wrong place. Also, today, those giving spiritual wrong directions are abundant. There is a need for godly people to challenge and oppose those giving incorrect directions.
The book of Jude is one of the more obscure epistles to many. Though only one chapter, it contains powerful truths. Jude is a letter, written in response to teachers, who came along within the church and set up false markers, leading people astray by distorting the Christian faith. The result was that many were influenced to accept false doctrines and were led away from God.
Jesus spoke of blind guides leading others into spiritual destruction (Mt. 23:14; 23:24). Sometimes it is ignorant teachers who lead others in the wrong way. Far more tragic are false teachers who know better and still lead some along the broad way.
How are we to react to those who give wrong spiritual directions? Jude calls for us to “contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”.
To earnestly contend means to strive for, to struggle for the faith. Albert Barnes wrote, “The reference here, of course is only to contention by argument, by reasoning, by holding fast the principles of religion, and maintaining them against all opposers.” The tense of this participle in the Greek indicates we are to take a stand and to continue firmly against all opposition.
All members of the Lord’s church should be able and willing to defend the truth of God. Situations often present themselves as opportunities to take a position consistent with God’s truth. We must defend the teaching of the Bible, not only on doctrine but also morality.
- Ancil Jenkins; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
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