Do we contend for the faith or contend for our doctrine?

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Mar 4, 2013
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#1
Contend meaning “assert something as a position in an argument.”

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 1:3)

Jude was illustrating that it really does matter what you believe and we really do not have the
right to simply make up our own doctrine or to apply our own personal, private interpretation to
Scripture simply because that makes our own theology work out. But Jude and all of the other men
whom God used to pen down sacred Scripture taught that we must work very hard; we must be diligent; we must struggle in order to get the Gospel right.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2)

If we realize that being 'born again" is the beginning and we drink milk, the truth is that we should grow and mature enough to start eating solid food. Being "born again" is the start of a new life, not finishing point because we have our ticket punched for eternal life.


For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Hebrews 5:12)

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. (Galatians 6:4)

This thread is to prove our own doctrine in relation to all scripture by “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

So as we examine our faith in relation to our perceived doctrine we have been taught, do we contend for the faith, or are we earnestly contending for the doctrine?
Is our doctrine dividing the word of God or does our doctrine “rightly divide” the word of truth which leads to “contending for the faith?

 
K

KennethC

Guest
#2
I would say contending for the faith and contending for the doctrine is one and the same, for God's word says that we are to continue in sound doctrine and not be drawn away by every whim that does not align with the word of God.

A solid foundation in the faith in Jesus is shown by Him to be of those who stay in His teachings and keep His commandments.
Luke 6:46-49 speaks on this foundation of the faith and says those who do what He said have that foundation.
 
Mar 4, 2013
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#3
I would say contending for the faith and contending for the doctrine is one and the same, for God's word says that we are to continue in sound doctrine and not be drawn away by every whim that does not align with the word of God.

A solid foundation in the faith in Jesus is shown by Him to be of those who stay in His teachings and keep His commandments.
Luke 6:46-49 speaks on this foundation of the faith and says those who do what He said have that foundation.
I agree with you, but I might have not been very clear. I'll re-phrase.

I would ask..........
"Is the doctrine we live by of the true faith, or are we more concerned about living our own doctrine that might possibly be built on a misunderstanding of what faith really is?"

If there is a difference, in that we might believe some parts of God's words no longer apply because of faith, then our doctrine overrides true faith in God's Word. In this respect, which takes priority in our Christan walk with Christ?

I was addressing "our" doctrine, not God's doctrine, according to the thread title.
 
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A

atwhatcost

Guest
#4
Contend meaning “assert something as a position in an argument.”

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 1:3)

Jude was illustrating that it really does matter what you believe and we really do not have the
right to simply make up our own doctrine or to apply our own personal, private interpretation to
Scripture simply because that makes our own theology work out. But Jude and all of the other men
whom God used to pen down sacred Scripture taught that we must work very hard; we must be diligent; we must struggle in order to get the Gospel right.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2)

If we realize that being 'born again" is the beginning and we drink milk, the truth is that we should grow and mature enough to start eating solid food. Being "born again" is the start of a new life, not finishing point because we have our ticket punched for eternal life.


For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Hebrews 5:12)

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. (Galatians 6:4)

This thread is to prove our own doctrine in relation to all scripture by “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

So as we examine our faith in relation to our perceived doctrine we have been taught, do we contend for the faith, or are we earnestly contending for the doctrine?
Is our doctrine dividing the word of God or does our doctrine “rightly divide” the word of truth which leads to “contending for the faith?

I make it easy on folks. I'm still fine giving my opinion, instead of Bible, but I tell if I'm doing that. Or, if I break out of that into what the Bible says, I'll tell when I'm doing that.
 
K

KennethC

Guest
#5
I agree with you, but I might have not been very clear. I'll re-phrase.

I would ask..........
"Is the doctrine we live by of the true faith, or are we more concerned about living our own doctrine that might possibly be built on a misunderstanding of what faith really is?"

If there is a difference, in that we believe some parts of God's words no longer apply because of faith, then our doctrine overrides true faith in God's Word. In this respect, which takes priority in our Christan walk with Christ?

Well you will not find many to answer your questions because they do not want to face the fact that what another man has told them might not be correct by the word of God.

For instance I do not know how many people I have seen take and say salvation is ours right now and everything that follows is a result of that salvation. However there is only 4 scriptures in the whole NT that form of thinking can come from, but when applied and used with the other 25+ scriptures that show it is the ending result of our faith then the context in those other 4 can only be used as mental possession (assurance of receiving).

Yes peoples doctrines drive their faith instead of the faith in Jesus driving the doctrine.
 
Dec 1, 2014
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#6
A fellow CHRISTIAN brother or sister will automatically know if you are quoting the BIBLE or just your own opinion. You do not have to make your posts as if they were published in a "POSTING FOR DUMMIES" book.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,704
3,649
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#7
I make it easy on folks. I'm still fine giving my opinion, instead of Bible, but I tell if I'm doing that. Or, if I break out of that into what the Bible says, I'll tell when I'm doing that.
Was that your opinion or was that the bible? :rolleyes:
 
Mar 4, 2013
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#9
Yes peoples doctrines drive their faith instead of the faith in Jesus driving the doctrine.
A very good explanation of having ones priorities backwards. Amen!!

This verse (which I quote a lot) kinda explains what you said.

Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? Isaiah 29:16
 
Mar 4, 2013
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#11
A fellow CHRISTIAN brother or sister will automatically know if you are quoting the BIBLE or just your own opinion. You do not have to make your posts as if they were published in a "POSTING FOR DUMMIES" book.
Is this directed toward me, or just a general statement? Some posts do have dumb statements however. But usually it's on purpose attempting to be sarcastically facetious.
 
F

FreeNChrist

Guest
#12
We live by faith in Jesus Christ whom all proper doctrine points us to.
 
Mar 4, 2013
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#13
My faith and doctrine are the same thing.
Is yours different?
Mine is different from yours for sure, for you have shown me your doctrine, and you know very well what mine is. The doctrine I live by is that all of God's word applies for all Christians to date, right here and now, and forever. I think that is a true doctrine that is built on faith in God's word. All of it, not just some of it.
 
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Feb 9, 2010
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#14
I was addressing "our" doctrine, not God's doctrine, according to the thread title.
That question does not make sense,because of course we contend for the faith,and not our doctrine,that is not God's doctrine,because it is false,and that question does not make sense,because if we hold a doctrine that is of ourself,and not God's doctrine,we think it is the truth anyway.Our doctrine would be false,if it is not God's doctrine,but we do not know it,for we think it is God's doctrine,unless we are intentionally going against the Bible.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,170
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#15
we contend for the relationship with Christ. Faith is the action you do as the believer. biblical Doctrine = teaching from the Bible is what the Believer practices because he or she wants to please God. Faith is the driving force of the believer who is desperately seeking the face of God each day.
 
Mar 4, 2013
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#16
That question does not make sense,because of course we contend for the faith,and not our doctrine,that is not God's doctrine,because it is false,and that question does not make sense,because if we hold a doctrine that is of ourself,and not God's doctrine,we think it is the truth anyway.Our doctrine would be false,if it is not God's doctrine,but we do not know it,for we think it is God's doctrine,unless we are intentionally going against the Bible.
It makes sense if the question causes a person to think about who or what they are really serving. Are they serving themselves, or the truth, for Christ Jesus is the truth. Pursuing faith is following the "Who," which is God, through Christ Jesus, but if we pursue the "what" first, the "Who" takes 2nd place.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

follow (Greek) to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward.

We are to pursue faith along with righteousness, love, and peace. There are many doctrines that are called Christian doctrines but in actuality have been compromised with man made doctrines.
 
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YuriBrown1234567

Guest
#17
We follow what God says.

Matthew 5:17, 19:17
 
Dec 1, 2014
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#18
A fellow CHRISTIAN brother or sister will automatically know if you are quoting the BIBLE or just your own opinion. You do not have to make your posts as if they were published in a "POSTING FOR DUMMIES" book.
Hunh? ;););)
 
Dec 1, 2014
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#19
Faith in Christ brings salvation, doctrine doesn't. I contend for faith.
 
Feb 21, 2012
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#20
Contend meaning “assert something as a position in an argument.”

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 1:3)

Jude was illustrating that it really does matter what you believe and we really do not have the
right to simply make up our own doctrine or to apply our own personal, private interpretation to
Scripture simply because that makes our own theology work out. But Jude and all of the other men
whom God used to pen down sacred Scripture taught that we must work very hard; we must be diligent; we must struggle in order to get the Gospel right.

"earnestly contend for the faith" . . . let's look at this first "I . . write unto you of the common salvation"
What was the common salvation? common just means belonging to generality . . . so the common salvation was Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead . . . agreed so far?

We are to earnestly contend for the faith (the common salvation) that was once delivered unto the saints - so to ME (LOL) we are to contend . . . [to strive or to strive against; to struggle in opposition; to strive; to use earnest efforts to obtain, or to defend and preserve; to dispute earnestly; to strive in debate; to reprove sharply; to chide; to strive to convince and reclaim; to strive in opposition; to punish; to quarrel; to dispute fiercely; to wrangle] to defend and preserve the common salvation which is Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead.

<snip>
So as we examine our faith in relation to our perceived doctrine we have been taught, do we contend for the faith, or are we earnestly contending for the doctrine? Is our doctrine dividing the word of God or does our doctrine “rightly divide” the word of truth which leads to “contending for the faith?”[
/QUOTE]
I think that while we are contending for the faith of the common salvation . . . we get wrapped up in "doctrinal issues" that lead to all the other definitions of "contend" (not bolded) and in the process we forget - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (i.e. the common salvation). Gal. 6:10
It makes sense if the question causes a person to think about who or what they are really serving. Are they serving themselves, or the truth, for Christ Jesus is the truth. Pursuing faith is following the "Who," which is God, through Christ Jesus, but if we pursue the "what" first, the "Who" takes 2nd place.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

follow (Greek) to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward.

We are to pursue faith along with righteousness, love, and peace. There are many doctrines that are called Christian doctrines but in actuality have been compromised with man made doctrines.
Now concerning the definition YOU chose . . . pursue - to follow and try to catch or capture (someone or something); to try to get or do (something) over a period of time; to be involved in (an activity). Why would we want to try to catch or capture righteousness, faith, charity, peace . . . In Christ we have those things. But are we not to FOLLOW (stay with the simple meaning of the word) Christ and imitate God? . . . then those things will manifest in our christian walk so that others will see and want to follow (after) our example . . .

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. Phil. 3:17
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; Eph. 5:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1

I think sometimes we put too much effort in the looking up of words that we know and understand in the first place and then also some don't put any effort in understanding any words!!!!