Steve emphasizes the privilege of being called "companions of Christ" and urges believers to "contend earnestly for the faith," as stated in Jude 3. He highlights the importance of this call, especially in light of the opposition faced by the church, including false teachers who distort the grace of God. Steve references various scriptures, including 1 Timothy 4:1 and Acts 20:28-31, to illustrate the dangers of apostasy and the need for vigilance. He explains that contending for the faith involves not only defending it but also striving to embody the character of Christ, which he refers to as "sonship." Steve discusses the meaning of "contend earnestly," noting that it requires effort and determination, akin to running a race. He encourages believers to lay aside distractions and sins that hinder their spiritual progress, focusing instead on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to grow in obedience and to run the race of faith with endurance, aiming for the eternal reward of reigning with Christ in His kingdom.
3 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. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: