A Faith Worth Fighting For

Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we continue our series in Jude, looking at the heart of Jude's message.

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to “contend” for the faith? For Pastor Jordan, the image of Olympic athletes preparing for competition comes to mind with the word “contend;” what comes to mind when you think of the word “contend”?
2. What is one highlight from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. In Jude 3–4, Jude warns against the danger of taking advantage of God’s grace. Why is it a temptation to take advantage of the grace of God? Have you ever struggled with this temptation?
4. Read Jude 3; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:1–2. The Bible often uses powerful language to describe the effort we should exert in becoming more like Jesus. What do the above passages say about following Jesus?
5. Read Jude 3. There are several aspects of the phrase “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” Consider the following questions:
1. What does Jude mean when he says, “the faith”? Is he just referring to head knowledge or something more? (cf. Paul’s words in Romans 1:5).
2. Why is it significant that the faith was delivered “once for all”? Is the gospel open for revision?
3. Who are “the saints”? Why is it important to be reminded that we are “saints”?
6. There are two ways that people are tempted to revise the unchanging gospel—by adding to it (cf. Mark 7:3–4) or by subtracting from it (cf. Genesis 3:1–4). What are some examples of each of those today? Which error is a greater temptation for you?
7. Read Jude 4. Jude lists two perversions of the gospel. What are they? In what way are these two connected? 
8. Read Romans 6:1–4. Imagine that you encounter someone who says that “grace” in Jesus means that it doesn’t matter how you live. How would you respond? How should you respond when you are tempted to ignore obedience to Jesus because, “God will forgive me anyway”?
9. Read Luke 9:23–26. Within each of us is a war between God and self for who has the final say in our lives. What are some ways or some areas in which you ignore obedience to Jesus? What do Jesus’s words on discipleship in Luke 9 remind us of?
10. This Time Tomorrow: How does this passage transform your thoughts, actions, or interactions at this time tomorrow?