IF YOU WERE ON TRIAL . . . ?" Jude, verse 3

Our subject is contending for the faith. Our text is: "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 you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."

(1) Jude was diligent (hasty) in writing about this important matter.

(2) "it was needful".

(3) the purpose was to exhort (call near, or urge) them.

(4) the action to follow compliance, was "ye should earnestly contend for the faith".

(5) this faith is the one "once delivered unto the saints."

(6) the implication is 'once for all'.

There was contention needed because of the evil men as described in vs. 4.

Now, back to the question someone has poised: "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?'

Well, you know yourself. What would you say? Do you do the things a Christian should do, according to the Bible? Do you say the things you should, at an appropriate time? Do you attend the services of your church so as to be considered a Christian? Is your speech pure and clean so as to denote your relationship to Christ? Do you read appropriate books and view appropriate programs--the kind a Christian should? Is the Bible a center piece in your life?

We are most fortunate to live in a place,and in a time in history where we can openly show ourselves a disciple of Jesus. We have no need to fear corporal punishment for being Christian. It is somewhat unlikely we will get much ridicule. What doth hinder us from being more open with our faith? DDH