Contending for the Faith

Introduction: The command to contend.

I. CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXAMPLES TO FOLLOW (vv. 10, 11a)
o What to consider:
o Their teaching/doctrine
o Their conduct
o Their purpose/motive
o The fruit: “faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings”
o Why does Paul mention Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra?
II. WILLINGNESS TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST'S SAKE (vv. 11b-13)
o Following godly examples (v. 11)
o Being like Christ will bring persecution (v. 12)
o Increased hostility (v. 13)
o Promised deliverance (v. 11b)
III. BUILDING STONG CONVICTIONS BASED ON SCRIPTURE (vv. 14, 15)
o The call to continue and remain viglilant (v. 14, 15 & 1 Timothy 4:16)
o The key to transforming the church and society (Colossians 2:8 and Eph. 6)