Defend and Contend for the Faith

By Alfred Shannon, Jr

Solomon instructs us that those who keep the law contend with the wicked.

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them. Prov 28:4

Jude wrote that we should not only contend for the faith, but to earnestly contend for the faith.

"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." Jude 3

Paul wrote that we are to provoke one another unto love and good works.

"Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works;" Heb 10:24

How often when the truth of God isn’t on our side we will  attack the manner of how one teaches. Jesus taught not as the scribes and Pharisees, for he taught them as one having authority. He verily had authority, for it came from God the Father. Not only did Jesus have authority, but so did his Word. Such authority that it will judge all of mankind come the day of judgment. Mt 7:29; Jn 12:48

Is it judgmental to say believe and be baptized or be condemned. Yes it is! But it’s not our judgment, and it’s not our power, or authority that will punish them, it’s God!

When we earnestly contend, and defend the Word of God we have to be prepared to be accused of judging someone when we tell them the error of their ways. We must be prepared to be attacked as the carrier of bad news just as Jesus said we would. If they falsely accuse Jesus, will they not also falsely accuse us. Jn 15:20,21

As preachers and teachers of God’s Word, we must boldly teach God’s Word even as the world boldly teach false doctrine, and that without blushing. Jer 6:15

Debate is defined as a verbal study, answer, defense, discussion. Paul was “set for” it. Peter said to be “always ready” to engage in it (Phil, 1:17; 1 Pet. 3:15). Most people today believe it is not right for the Bible to be debated. We hear gospel preachers should avoid it all costs. We hear Christians should stay away from all debates. Men say that debating is not approved by the meek and mild, Christ and the Apostles do not authorize it, and that true Christian attitudes forbid it.
Paul said such a day this would come that men would seek soft speaking preachers. Don’t look for it anymore, it’s here.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables” (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

People’s ears are itching for easy, soft, smooth teaching. Plenty of preachers supply the compromised, watered-down, lenient teaching necessary to tickle itching ears.

As in the days when Israel mixed human teaching with divine law, the preachers today say,
“Peace, peace; when there is no peace,” and “the people love to have it so”.  Jer 6:14

A “gospel preacher” is no longer expected to challenge error, and is considered a bully or a mad mad for standing up for the truth. Instead, he is expected to grin and play dead like a possum, in the face of sin and error. It’s “unchristian” and not in “vogue” to debate. So we must either pretend that issues between truth, and error doesn’t exist, or else that they don’t matter very much. Ignorance is considered bliss to the people, and silence is considered golden by the preachers.

Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
Prov 17:28

How audacious Jeremiah was to write that God’s people were foolish. A people who were wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

“For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge.” Jer 4:22

Preachers (all Christians!) who are concerned for the truth and who want to obey the word of Christ, are neither ashamed nor afraid to discuss and debate religious issues honorably. Most preachers today are weak-kneed to preach the unadulterated uncut version of God’s Word. Some have no real convictions, while others don’t have the courage to match their convictions.

Let us plead for a return to simple New Testament Christianity without human heads and headquarters, human creeds and clergies, human traditions and theologies. Let us oppose false doctrine of every kind, and regard all doctrine not revealed in the New Testament as false. Let us be willing to be examined. If we are practicing things not found in the bible, or failing to practice things commanded there, we must make corrections. The Bible is the final authority for every religious question. It is perfect, all-sufficient, and inerrant as the inspired Word of God (1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:3). “For the truth’s sake,” Christians must not be afraid or ashamed of public review, discussion, debate, or examination. Rom 1:16  It’s better we be wrong on earth, and correct our mistakes, than to stand before God at the judgment with no such option to change. 1 Cor  11:31,32; 2 Cor 13:5

Pardon me if I offend you, but it’s not your feelings I seek to hurt, but your soul I seek to save. And this all Christians must do to sinners, saints, and even themselves. We must earnestly contend for the faith, and warn all who will hear of the penalty if we get it wrong.

Elijah was considered a trouble maker, Jesus spoke with authority, and Paul’s speech was rude, but they all spoke the truth. 1 Kings 18:17; Mt 7:29; 2 Cor 11:6 Some will call it arguing; Some will call it insulting. Some will call it abusive; but if it’s your soul that’s in danger, who do you want to come to you? One that speaks softly and agrees with your error, or one that speaks boldly, and points out the error of your ways?

See http://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/contend-and-defend-the-faith-boldly/