Contending—found twenty-five times in twenty-four verses
Variations: contend, contended, contendest, contendeth, contending
First usage: Deuteronomy 2:9 (contend)
Last usage: Jude 9 (contending)
Defined: to fight, debate, or strive
Interesting fact: Throughout church history, those who espoused the Judeo-Christian faith have been deemed by those in power as unworthy to live. The world pays little attention to the men and women who have died for the faith. For instance, the Bible mentions Antipas, God’s “faithful martyr” (Revelation 2:13). But what else do we know about him and others? Those who suffered horrific torture, imprisonment, and martyrdom for their faith remain unnamed (Hebrews 11:36-37). And yet, the Bible says that it is the world who is not worthy of such men (Hebrews 11:38). Thankfully, the scripture declares that “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love” (Hebrews 6:10). The world may have a short attention span, but God does not!
Bible study tip: The Bible contains many absolutes. For instance, sin is wicked and God is righteous. Yet, there are many matters mentioned in scripture that remain neutral unless one considers the context of the issue or the motive behind an action. Be careful not to generalize the nature of any subject without first considering its context.
Sunday, Day 64—Church Day (no devotional)
Monday, Day 65—Earnestly Contending for the Faith
Tuesday, Day 66—Contending with God’s People
Wednesday, Day 67—Church Night (no devotional)
Thursday, Day 68—Valiant for Truth
Friday, Day 69—Contending with the Wicked
Saturday, Day 70—Contending till Death
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.