Contending and Enduring

In our study of the book of Jude this summer, I learned that we are to contend for the faith (Jude 3). I am also learning that contending for the faith takes lots of energy, as well as lots of time in the Word. What I mean is that so many people around us do not have a firm grasp on what they believe, which means that they ask questions about all sorts of things. I have to be prepared to answer. So how can I do that, especially when learning and standing firm takes so much energy? Especially when at times I am discouraged and just want to give up? The way is to persevere and run with endurance by the grace of God. God gives us the endurance and ability to run the race that He has set before us. Here are some verses that John Piper recently pointed out in a promotional regarding the upcoming Desiring God Conference (or some conference that he is putting on):

“rooted and grounded” (Ephesians 3:17)
“having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13)
“stand firm thus in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1)
“not carried away with the error of lawless people” (2 Peter 3:17)
“we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9)
“love . . . bears all things, . . . endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7)
“suffering produces endurance” (Romans 5:3)
“stay awake” (Matthew 24:42)
“the one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death” (Revelation 2:11)
“keep alert with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18)
“the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13)

We are called to endure! Contending requires endurance, and endurance requires training, so keep training in the Word of God!