Daily Reading // Jude 1
(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog
S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
Jude 1:3 (NKJV) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
Jude talks about two connected but distinct things: salvation and contending earnestly for the faith.
He is talking to those who have received salvation, encouraging them to contend earnestly for the faith.
Salvation is a gift bought and paid for by Jesus on the cross. It’s a done deal and it is none of my doing. No contending required.
Connected yet distinct from salvation is how I live out my faith. It is how my faith affects my life, my actions and my thinking. I always want my faith to be growing. Not because it changes my salvation but because it changes me.
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
I wonder what is involved in contending earnestly for the faith.
One thing I think it means is that living a life of faith won’t be easy. It will have to be contended for. I shouldn’t expect it to be easy. A strong, robust faith will take determination on my part.
There may even be opposition. Expect it. Don’t be caught off guard.
My faith can be as strong as I want it to be. I won’t sit back on my secured salvation. I will contend most earnestly for the faith I’ve been given.
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Jesus, I will seize opportunities today to build up my faith. Amen.