Devotions

Contend for the Faith

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When Jude says “contend for the faith”, he doesn’t mean be contentious. Jude adds this admonition, “keep yourselves in the love of God”. There is a truth we have been given that Jude describes as “the faith delivered once and for all to the saints”. There is a part of our calling that requires us to “stand firm” as defenders of the faith against those that would present some other way of salvation. However, there is a more important work, certainly for elders as they are to take on the character and nature of God and “shepherd the flock of God”. But Peter suggests that all of us “make your calling and election sure” by taking on the fruit of the Spirit. 

Shepherd the Flock of God Among You

1 Peter 5:1–11
This is an open letter to Christians of the dispersion so we can also take much of this as general instruction to the Church. In particular, Peter writes here to the elders, and not privately to them. It is important for Church leaders and “the flock of God” in 1 Peter 5:2 to know the responsibility of the elders and the behavior that is expected from godly “shepherds”. First, they are to take this position willingly, they must want it. Second, they must not expect greedy gain, but to live the lifestyle of their sheep. And last, they are to be eager about the work, I think because people can wear you out.

In the world, people take authority through force of will, “lording it over” as it says in 1 Peter 5:3. But elders in the Church are “being examples for the flock”. So, “When people enter the eldership, no small honour is conferred upon them, for they are entering the oldest religious office in the world, whose history can be traced through Christianity and Judaism for 4,000 years; and no small responsibility falls upon them, for they have been ordained shepherds of the flock of God and defenders of the faith”.1

This is the True Grace of God

1 Peter 5:12–14
Peter, like Paul, knew those that labored in different churches and commends here Silvanus, and “She who is in Babylon”, and Mark making them also known among all of the churches. But more importantly in his close he encourages them to “stand firm in it”, “the true grace of God” in 1 Peter 5:14.

Jude Introduction

 

Contend for the Faith

Jude 1:1–4
We not only have an obligation to be heralds of the gospel as Paul called himself in

1 Timothy 2:7 for which I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am speaking the truth, I am not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

but we are also to contend for the faith “not intimidated” as Paul said in

Philippians 1:27–28 Only lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent I hear your circumstances, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not letting yourselves be intimidated in anything by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction to them, but of your salvation, and this from God,

Because what we call “our common salvation” in Jude 3 is “the faith delivered once and for all to the saints”, we now are “ambassadors” in 2 Corinthians 5:20 “on behalf of Christ … imploring … be reconciled to God.

These Persons Blaspheme All That They do not Understand

Jude 5–16

Keep Yourselves in the Love of God

Jude 17–25

2 Peter Introduction

You May Become Sharers of the Divine Nature

2 Peter 1:1–7
God has not only revealed himself to the world, he has provided everything we need in

2 Peter 1:3 because his divine power has bestowed on us all things that are necessary for life and godliness, through the knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence of character,

Through his promises in 2 Peter 1:4 “you may become sharers of the divine nature after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire”. 

Make Your Calling and Election Secure

2 Peter 1:8–15
Peter says in 2 Peter 1:8 “if these things are yours and are increasing …”. Then in 2 Peter 1:10 “if you do these things, you will never ever stumble”. And in

2 Peter 1:11 For in this way entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied for you.

But what things is he talking about? He is talking about 2 Peter 1:4 “sharers of the divine nature” and all of the attributes listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 beginning with diligence, including godliness, and ending with love. This is what Paul called the fruit of the Spirit in

Galatians 5:22–23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self control. Against such things there is no law.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • 1 Peter 5:1-14
  • Jude 1-25
  • 2 Peter 1:1-15

References

  • 1. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters of James and Peter (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, pp. 305–306). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.