Definition and Context:
Contending, in a biblical sense, refers to the act of striving, struggling, or fighting for a cause, often in the context of defending the faith or standing firm in spiritual battles. It involves a commitment to uphold the truth and righteousness as revealed in Scripture, often in the face of opposition or false teachings.

Biblical References:

1. Jude 1:3 :
"Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints."
· This verse highlights the necessity of contending for the faith, emphasizing the importance of defending the core doctrines of Christianity against false teachings and heresies. Jude urges believers to be vigilant and proactive in maintaining the purity of the gospel message.

2. 1 Timothy 6:12 :
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses."
· Here, the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to engage in the spiritual battle, describing it as a "good fight." This contending involves perseverance, courage, and a steadfast commitment to the truth of the gospel.

3. Philippians 1:27 :
"Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel."
· Paul exhorts the Philippian church to unity and steadfastness in their contending for the faith. This collective effort underscores the importance of community and solidarity in the spiritual struggle.

4. Nehemiah 4:14 :
"After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes.'"
· In the Old Testament, contending often took a literal form, as seen in Nehemiah's call to defend the community against external threats. This passage illustrates the broader principle of standing firm in the face of adversity, relying on God's strength.

Theological Implications:

Contending for the faith is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reflecting the ongoing spiritual warfare that believers face. It requires discernment, courage, and a deep commitment to the truth of God's Word. The act of contending is not merely defensive but also involves advancing the kingdom of God through evangelism, teaching, and living out the gospel in daily life.

Practical Application:

Believers are called to contend for the faith in various ways, including:

· Apologetics: Defending the faith through reasoned arguments and evidence, addressing challenges and misconceptions about Christianity.
· Personal Holiness: Living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ, thereby serving as a witness to others.
· Community Engagement: Supporting and encouraging fellow believers in their spiritual journey, fostering unity and strength within the body of Christ.
· Prayer and Intercession: Engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer, seeking God's guidance and protection in the battle against spiritual forces.

Contending is an essential aspect of the Christian life, requiring believers to be vigilant, prepared, and steadfast in their commitment to the truth of the gospel.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Contend.1018. brabeuo -- to act as umpire
... 2307 ). See 1017 (). 1018 ("decide as an umpire") means to , ie "making the call"
in "a between contending forces" (Souter), used only in Col 3:15. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1018.htm - 7k

This Affection the Martyrs of Christ Contending for the Truth did ...
... 10. This affection the Martyrs of Christ contending for the truth did overcome?
10. This affection the Martyrs of Christ contending ...
/.../augustine/on care to be had for the dead /10 this affection the martyrs.htm

But Whether Keenly Contending, that we be not Overcome...
... Section 32. But whether keenly contending, that we be not overcome? 32.
But whether keenly contending, that we be not overcome ...
/.../augustine/on continence/section 32 but whether keenly.htm

Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin?
... of speech may be looked at in two ways: first with regard to the intention of the
contentious party, secondly, with regard to the manner of contending. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether contention is a mortal.htm

The Narration
... It is sometimes the case with two contending sides, either that they have no exposition
to make, or that agreeing on the fact, they contest only the right. ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/the narration.htm

Antecedents of Permanent Christian Colonization --The ...
... Over against it were framed the decrees of the Council of Trent. Thus the lines
were distinctly drawn and the warfare between contending principles was joined. ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chapter iv antecedents of permanent.htm

The Welter, 1415-1434.
... in the flesh, he was able to command the loyalty of the people; but now that his
tongue was silent for ever, his followers split into many contending factions. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the welter 1415-1434.htm

The Revelation of Sons
... that is deeply moved. Contending principles successively sway every personality
and thwart each other's expression. For these, and ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the revelation of sons.htm

Wesley and the American War
... And I see many pouring oil into the flame, by crying out, 'How unjustly, how cruelly,
the King is using the poor Americans who are only contending for their ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley and the american war.htm

Antony, However, According to his Custom, Returned Alone to his ...
... were led to Alexandria, Antony also followed, leaving his cell, and saying, Let
us go too, that if called, we may contend or behold them that are contending. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 45.htm

Letter i. (AD 386. )
... 2. In that age the studies of contending schools of philosophers were pursued with
such ardour, that the one thing to be feared was the possibility of error ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter i a d 386.htm

Contending (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Contending (9 Occurrences). Matthew 22:23 On the same
day a party of Sadducees came to Him, contending that there is no resurrection. ...
/c/contending.htm - 9k

Contends (6 Occurrences)

/c/contends.htm - 8k

Terms (25 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 But Michael the Archangel, when contending with the Devil and arguing with
him about the body of Moses, did not dare to pronounce judgement on him in ...
/t/terms.htm - 13k

Railing (9 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about
the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but ...
/r/railing.htm - 10k

Reviling (47 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing
about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation ...
/r/reviling.htm - 21k

Evil-speaking (5 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 yet Michael, the chief messenger, when, with the devil contending, he was
disputing about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring up an evil-speaking ...
/e/evil-speaking.htm - 10k

Dared (9 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing
about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation ...
/d/dared.htm - 9k

Durst (9 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about
the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but ...
/d/durst.htm - 9k

Dare (19 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing
about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive condemnation ...
/d/dare.htm - 12k

Disputed (10 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about
the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but ...
/d/disputed.htm - 9k

Who was Athanasius? | GotQuestions.org

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Contending: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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