Jude 3 (NIV) Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.

Flesh-led life

Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV) The heart is deceitful above all things…

Proverbs 14:12 (ESV) There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 29:11 (NKJV) A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.

Romans 8:5-6 (NIV) Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

A.  You can have emotions and not be led by them

Ephesians 4:26 (ESV) Be angry and do not sin;...

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Spirit-Led Life

A.  Contend

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

B.  For our faith

Jude 20-21 (ESV) But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV) The secret things belong to the Lord our God,…

Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT) When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight,…

Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT) Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Help those who are weak

Jude 22-23 (NLT) And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

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