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Contending for the Faith Today, Courage, Conviction, and Christ Centered Love
Contending for the Word Q&A • September 30, 2025
Introduction
Over the past couple of weeks, we have answered questions about deconstruction, the Word of Faith movement, hyper grace teaching, open theism, contemplative spirituality, the occult, progressive Christianity, and more. So it is fitting that we close by asking how Christians can contend for the faith today.
This is not just an academic issue. Jude 3 calls us to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” That call is urgent in every generation, including ours.
What It Means to Contend
To contend does not mean being combative, arrogant, or harsh. It means to:
- Defend the truth of the gospel (Philippians 1:16).
- Expose false teaching (Titus 1:9).
- Stand firm in sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2–4).
- Do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Contending is loving because it protects God’s people and points sinners to the only Savior.
How Christians Can Contend Today
- Know the Word of God. You cannot defend what you do not know. Be a student of Scripture (Psalm 119:11).
- Cling to sound doctrine. Love theology, because right belief leads to right living (Titus 2:1).
- Expose error graciously. Name and refute false teaching, with compassion for those who are deceived.
- Live out the gospel. A godly life adorns the doctrine we proclaim (Titus 2:10).
- Pray for courage and wisdom. Boldness comes not from us but from the Spirit (Acts 4:29–31).
- Stay rooted in Christ. He is the foundation of our faith, and He has promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18).
Conclusion
Contending for the faith is not optional, it is the calling of every believer. In a culture filled with deception and compromise, Christians must hold fast to God’s Word, proclaim Christ with clarity, and live lives that display the transforming power of the gospel.
As Paul exhorted in 1 Corinthians 16:13–14, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” That is what it means to contend for the faith today, with courage, conviction, and Christ centered love.
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
