COMMON BUT NOT CHEAP

TEXT: JUDE 1-6

Key Verse: “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 which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3)._

There is always the tendency to want to look down on common things and consider them as cheap and unimportant. But not all common things are cheap. In fact, there are so many common things around us that we cannot really do without. Air, for instance, is one of the most common things we have around us. Yet, we cannot do without it. Those whose lives have to be sustained by oxygen in the intensive care units of hospitals know how much they have to pay for that supposed common things.

In this epistle, the writer wants believers to understand and fully appreciate the free gift of salvation they have received through Christ. Though it is common like air, yet it is not cheap. It must not be taken or handled carelessly. This free salvation cost God the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus. Therefore, it must not be considered cheap. Believers must beware of those who make light of and are careless with their salvation. They take God’s grace for granted and see it as a license for careless and ungodly living. Once saved is not forever saved. Examples abound of those who were once redeemed but perished because of disobedience.

This common salvation should be appreciated and guarded by all who have come into it. Many failed to acknowledge it is not cheap and thus, fail to place the right value on their faith. They handle the Christian faith loosely and it slips from them.

If it cost God so much to purchase this salvation for us and it is still costing Him so much to get the gospel around the world through the ministers, then we must not toy with it. We must do everything possible to defend and keep it. It is our sacred call to earnestly contend for the faith.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: This great salvation must be guarded by all who have come into it.

COVER to COVER: PSALMS 5; 38; 41-42.

####PONDER: How to contend for the faith

1. They preached it to the point that the knowledge and experience of salvation became common in their world.v3 Today we have many professions but few possessors of salvation. Are you doing your part? Never assume those church goers know the real salvation truth.
2. Jude had earlier written an epistle before this one v3. What will you do with your education and career to preserve and contend for the faith?
3. Jude "gave all diligence" into his apologia to make sure he could not be faulted.v3 How diligent are you in the things of God?
4. He was diligent to warn the saints of the possibility of loosing salvation permanently v5,6. Do you take time to warn the saints or you only "mind your business"?
5. He did not shy away from condemning false brethren within the Church v4.
6. Today, many don't want controversy or argument regarding their faith, yet the Bible says contend for the faith v3.
7. Today many avoid preaching to people of other religions, and yet the Bible says contend for the faith if you don't want the true faith to die.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, I ask for Holy Ghost boldness to be contending for the faith.
2. Lord, I ask for faithfulness and diligence in preserving and contending for the truth.
3. Preserve me from loosing my faith but rather be deepening it.
4. Lord, awaking your Church to her responsibility of contending for the faith without compromise.