THIS SMALL BOOK COULD HAVE BEEN THE GOSPEL OF JUDE, BUT HE CHANGED TO WARN AGAINST THE APOSTATES

1. There are sweet passages here, but also the most dynamic denunciation of libertines
2. Unless we are careful we today contend over words, and excuse terrible sins, Satan's worst
3. We need to Study the Bible, Pray in the Spirit, & be true to God- or Satan will trick us into fighting the brethren and forgiving the apostates

I.- NOTE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONTENDING & CONTENTIOUS

If you want interesting Bible Studies- take up a good Greek word study-Contend, Contending, & -ious

A.- THE MESSAGE OF JUDE IS THAT WE EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED

1. 3 Jude was a threat to the purity of the Gospel by v.4 men who denied the Lord God & His grace
2. 9 Jude told how Michael the archangel contended with Satan-Short- sharp- & Final- Quick War
3. If Satan can get you arguing you can be right in Doctrine & wrong in Attitude

B.- THE APOSTLES FACED DIFFERENCES OF OPINIONS, AND HAD STRONG WORDS ABOUT IT - BUT WERE APOSTLES

1. Acts 11:2 Peter won Cornelius, a Gentile - then had to race the Judaizers re Circumcision-
2. III John 7 John praises Gaius for taking nothing from Gentiles- Jews were very clannish
3. Paul took up a collection from Gentiles-Rom 15:27 & scolded Peter for hypocrisy-Gal 2:11

C.- PAUL PREACHED THE GOSPEL WITH CONTENTION, BUT AGAINST CONTENTIOUSNESS, & WE ARE SO JUDGED

1. I Thess 2:2 He preached with contention- & Phil 1:16 rejoiced when Christ was preached
2. Concerning what place a woman is to hold I Cor 11:16 -he forbade contentions -
3. He warned Titus to avoid any who would contend over words-& questions- Titus 3:9

The world of problems is so big, & so many fights- we must be careful not to love fighting

II.- WE MUST AVOID CONTENTIOUSNESS & YET CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

Greek Word- Titus 3:9 is Heris- Harassment; but in Jude 3 it means to agonize against-

A.- THERE ARE CONTENTIONS ABOUT WORDS, DOCTRINES, PERSONALITIES, AND WE NEED WISDOM TO KNOW DIFFERENCE

1. The Political-Communist infiltrated world is crowded with wrestling people-Watch close-get hit.
2. Natl. Assn. of Evangelicals -was going along with Key 73, tell they heard Catholic Bishops joining- Wow
3. Moody Bible institute- Founder's Week -had 15 speakers- 4 from Billy Graham Assn.- Wow
4. Back to Bible Broadcast- bought add in TWA magazine-for evangelism - Jesus people approach
5. Rice, & BJU have fallen out over secondary separation- Rice published Dr. Bob-Serm-Cooperative Evangelism.-
6. There are great battles to be fought- & our influence must be felt-for God. -careful.

B.- BUT CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS MUST SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE CONDENDING WITH CARE NOT TO HURT INNOCENT

1. G. Campbell Morgan-points out danger of contending for right things with wrong spirit "There is an anger against impurity which is impure" All Zeal for the Master that is not an outgrowth of love to Him is worthless- some have become so narrow and self centered that the very principle for which they contend has been left from their life and service.-
2. Sometimes older heads stimulate young idealistic minds to carry the torch for them-fire
3. If you see someone always contentious- Rom 16:17- avoid him-lest you be infected

Someday Giants of faith disagree as gentlemen-but their followers fight as troublesome kids

III.-  WE MUST YET CONTEND FOR THE FAITH!

Super cautious does not serve Christ- in day of demoralization we must stand for Christ -Truth

A.- SOFT WORDS AND KIND THOUGHTS WILL NOT DEFEAT THE APOSTATES DESCRIBED IN JUDE 8-10.

1. Satan has infiltrated some churches- to demoralize, neutralize, & use church for Common goals
2. Moral values have been smitten, Cult religions from East have invaded, spirituality pushed back
3. Where will you stand?  How high the hemline? Is marriage sacred? Is any doctrine of value?

B.- WE MUST SET UP OUR BATTLE LINES, AND DIG IN FOR A BATTLE UNTIL JESUS COMES - HE TOLD US SO

1. Our Church is Orthodox- Same doctrines of the Word as old line Methodists, Presby, & Catholics
2. Our church is Conservative-Conserving old truths- they never change- Morality, Honesty, Love
3. Our church is baptistic- Distinctives- Salvation-Security; Priesthood, Immersion, Separation

C.- BUT FIGHTING A DEFENSIVE BATTLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN NEGATIVE, AND DANGEROUS! LET'S GO GET 'EM!

1. Instead of hiding at church- let's carry our faith wherever we go- Witness & win to Christ-
2. Our youth are better equipped today to discuss "religion"-openly, and bluntly! But study!
3. Adults find more opportunities today to witness & win to Jesus than ever before!-

Best way to destroy an enemy is to love him to Christ before he gets hardened in his sin!
But it cannot be done without dialogue, and confrontation! -takes prayer & courage

WITHOUT BEING CONTENTIOUS, WILL YOU CONTEND FOR THE FAITH ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS?

1. unless you have it- you can't preach it-
2. Unless you stand for truth- you will fall.