Contending for the Faith

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

A Latent Stumbling Block – Part II

In light of the statistic concerning Christian students losing their faith, whether in secular college or otherwise, pastors and Christian leaders need to really hear and practice Jude’s admonition: “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…” (Jude 3)

Why? Four vital reasons support contending for the faith by persisting in edifying young believers. First, the world system is dominated by Satan… to tempt even Jesus! “…the devil…showed Him all the kingdoms of the world… said to the Lord Jesus, “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it” (Luke 4:5, 6).

Second, satanic slavery must be broken.“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2). “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil… ” (1 John 3:8; Heb 2:15)

Third, victory only comes through struggle. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). Luke 9:23-25 describes the daily need for the disciples to carry their cross and follow Jesus.

Fourth, the ever present dominance of human reasoning in our society requires political correctness and conformity. Believers have a crying need to “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men” (Col. 2:8, NASU). It doesn’t matter if it is the empty secular atheism or idealistic Christian philosophy, only the clear exposition of God’s Word will sustain faith. Only “thus saith the Lord” is permanently established in Heaven and declared to endure on earth.

Implementing Christ’s attitude concerning the straying, in this case, ungrounded college students, is crucial. “How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine , and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” (Matthew 18:12 KJV) In this, the weapon of spiritual warfare is the correct exposition of God’s Word (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5; 2 Tim 2:15; 3:16, 17).

Related reading:  A Latent Stumbling Block (Part I)