Apostle Allison Smith Conliff preaches on the biblical book of Jude, urging the congregation to persistently fight for their faith against spiritual distractions and false doctrines. She emphasizes the necessity of humility and vigilance, warning that modern believers must be as alert as a homeowner protecting their property from a thief. Using metaphors like the narrow gate and stories of personal recovery, the Apostle encourages the audience to remain focused on eternal rewards rather than worldly status or temporary pleasures. The message also addresses practical church matters, including an upcoming three-day fast and the importance of moral purity in one's personal life. Ultimately, the message serves as a call to spiritual maturity, reminding the faithful to rely on the Word of God to navigate a world filled with deceptive influences.

Key Points:

The mandate to contend for the faith is a call to constant vigilance and spiritual discipline that fundamentally reforms a believer's character by aligning it with "Jesus's plan and purpose". This mandate shapes character in the following ways:

A believer who contends for the faith must be constantly vigilant and alert, living life in a way that allows them to hear and see spiritual dangers. This character trait is likened to a homeowner staying on guard because they know a thief is on the prowl; the believer must be "armored up" and ready for instructions from above at all times. This vigilance extends beyond the spiritual realm into practical areas, including responsibility for one's family, health, finances, and personal life.

Contending for the faith requires an orderly mindset and deep humility. Drawing from the example of Jude, who identified himself as a "servant" rather than highlighting his status as the brother of Jesus, believers are encouraged to avoid seeking fame or becoming "too full of themselves". This humility is balanced with firmness; the sources note that Jesus’s character was one of both humility and the strength to offer correction and rebuke.

The mandate requires a lifestyle that is clean, pure, and set apart 24/7, rather than just on religious holidays. Shaping a character that "contends" involves:

• Rejecting worldly distractions: Staying focused on the "narrow road" rather than being swayed by the "wide gate" of destruction and the sights of the world.
• Disciplining the flesh: Walking in holiness and righteousness while crucifying "self" so that Christ can live through the believer.
• Maintaining moral boundaries: Avoiding "strange flesh," fornication, and adultery, as the body is considered a temple.

One cannot contend for the faith without a deep knowledge of the Bible. This shapes a character that is:

• Discerning: Able to identify "false teachers" who "wormed their way in" to twist the doctrine of grace into "lasciviousness".
• Mature: Moving from the "milk stage" to the "meat stage" of the Word to avoid being "swallowed up" by deceptive doctrines.
• Scripture-focused: Learning to "grab hold of scripture" and pray the Word during trials, such as sickness or mental challenges, rather than reacting emotionally.

Contending for the faith does not mean "boxing down people" or engaging in physical "fist fights". Instead, it shapes a character that understands how to fight the "good fight of faith" through spiritual means. This involves rebuking negative influences and "jumbies" (evil spirits) in the atmosphere rather than attacking people.

Contending for the faith means a believer’s character must be "on par with the God of heaven,"characterized by a passion for the Word, a heart for service, and a refusal to rebel against God’s established truths.

Rec. Date: 3rd December, 2023