Jude 4; Acts 20:29-30
Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after
themselves (Acts 20: 30).

Continuing from where we stopped yesterday, we will look at more reasons why we need to contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered unto the saints.

The next reason is that the enemies we are fighting are within. Jude told his audience, “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).

In this case we are dealing with something that is very dangerous. They gather with us in our fellowships. They worship with us and pretend to be like us. Some of them are leaders and founders of churches yet their doctrines are focused on selfish interests and not Christ’s. Some of them use the church as cover up for the evil they teach and do.

According to John Piper, “The biggest enemy (of the church) is not paganism or secularism. They are the people within the church.” These are called inside threats.

We must follow the admonition of Jude to fight and not allow them to convert others to their way. We must shun their satanicinspired arguments and not allow their words to become like cancer in the church at large.  Think on these things. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Do you know anyone or a group of people who teaches what Christ and the Apostles have not commanded in the  word of God? If yes, pray that their work will not   prosper.
• Pray for the church to be alert to these enemies within.

Hymn: Christian, seek not yet repose.  

Further Reading: Mark 13:9-13.