“Protecting & Defending”

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

BIBLE READING: Jude 1.3-4, 17-23; Acts 20.28-35; Acts 14.19-23; 1 Peter 5.1-5; Proverbs 31.8-9

There are many circumstances and people that can assault, discourage and deviate our faith. 

• Struggling with financial or health circumstances (Proverbs 30.8-9)
• Physical persecution against our beliefs (Acts 14.19)
• False teachers (even in the church!) with wicked motives (Acts 20.30)
• Ungodly people posing as believers (Jude 4)
• Scoffers who live by their passions and cause divisions among God’s people (Jude 17)

Frankly speaking, we are not always aware of danger or equipped to defend against it. If we were, there would be no need for fellowship with others. But God knows better, and we should too. Repeated admonitions in scripture are “do not be deceived” (see 1 Corinthians 6.9-10; 15.33; Galatians 6.7; Colossians 2.8), “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6.2) and “pay attention to yourself” (see Acts 20.28; 1 Timothy 4.16). Even those who charged with being defenders must observe this warning, because we are involved in spiritual warfare that is both powerful and persistent (Ephesians 6.12; Revelation 12.17). 

Protectors and defenders are a gift from God and a critical work in the body of Christ. We know that overseers, or shepherds are specifically appointed to fulfill this role (see Acts 20.28-ff). In his wisdom, God knew that if it was simply everyone’s job, it would easily become no one’s job. And so, we need to appoint men to watch over our souls (Hebrews 10.17). However, protecting and defending are works we all can do in some way.

Our relationships with one another should develop greater awareness of spiritual needs and improper influences.  We need to understand that this awareness creates responsibility. That means we need to hold each other accountable for wonky ideas. Sometimes we need to involve ourselves in a situation to keep another from destroying their faith. Sometimes we need to go out of our way to show compassion and love when someone is ready to give up. The enemy and the influences of this world are too much for us to handle on our own. And so, we must appreciate those with the courage and boldness to protect, defend and come to our aid. This work can be difficult, but it may be the work that keeps you faithful and saves your soul.

Not everyone has the personality to defend publicly, and that is why we need elders. But we must appreciate that in the body we must protect and defend one another if we are to build up the body to maturity and, ultimately, glorify God. As Jude would say, “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. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh” (Jude 20-23).

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