Striving for the faith is a central tenet of Christian conduct, emphasizing the believer's commitment to uphold and defend the core doctrines of Christianity while living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament and is essential for maintaining the integrity and purity of the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians, exhorts believers to "stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). This passage underscores the importance of unity and collective effort in defending the faith against external and internal challenges. The call to "contend" suggests an active and vigorous effort, akin to an athlete striving for victory, highlighting the seriousness with which Christians are to approach their faith.

Jude also addresses this theme, urging believers to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). This verse emphasizes the historical and unchanging nature of the Christian faith, which has been entrusted to believers as a sacred deposit. The term "earnestly" indicates a sincere and zealous effort, reflecting the high stakes involved in preserving the truth of the gospel.

Practical Implications

Striving for the faith involves both doctrinal fidelity and ethical living. Doctrinally, Christians are called to adhere to the teachings of Scripture, resisting false teachings and heresies that may arise. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy to "guard the deposit entrusted to you" (1 Timothy 6:20), highlighting the responsibility of believers to protect the integrity of the gospel message.

Ethically, striving for the faith requires living a life that is consistent with Christian values. This includes exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, and maintaining a lifestyle that is above reproach. Paul instructs the Corinthians to "be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13), indicating that moral fortitude and spiritual vigilance are essential components of striving for the faith.

Challenges and Opposition

Believers are often faced with challenges that test their commitment to the faith. These can come in the form of persecution, cultural pressures, or intellectual challenges. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the trials they would face, stating, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This assurance provides believers with the confidence to persevere in their striving, knowing that ultimate victory is secured in Christ.

The Apostle Peter also addresses the reality of suffering for the faith, encouraging believers to "rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ" (1 Peter 4:13). This perspective transforms suffering into an opportunity for deeper fellowship with Christ and a testament to the believer's unwavering commitment to the faith.

Community and Support

Striving for the faith is not a solitary endeavor but is meant to be pursued within the context of the Christian community. The early church serves as a model, as described in Acts 2:42, where believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" . This communal aspect provides mutual encouragement, accountability, and support, enabling believers to stand firm together against the challenges they face.

The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24), emphasizing the role of the community in fostering spiritual growth and perseverance. Through fellowship, prayer, and the sharing of resources, the body of Christ is strengthened, and individual believers are equipped to strive for the faith with renewed vigor and determination.Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:3
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Third Sunday after Easter
... Thus, mark you, should every Christian conduct himself here on ... Holy Spirit, for true
faith," etc., when ... and ungrateful, meanwhile constantly striving after our ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after easter.htm

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... Gospel and to regulate his words and conduct by God's ... introduces this and another
that, each striving for first ... On the other hand, the Christian life, the life ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... The Christian ought, indeed, to be so trained and disposed as ... But Scripture, to conduct
us to this, reminds us ... in any other way than by striving earnestly for ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... spiritual dominion had taken the place of "striving for the ... God to be exhibited but
under the conduct of some ... faintly impressed at that day on Christian minds. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the date of.htm

American Congregational Declarations of Faith.
... Christians are directly responsible in faith and conduct; and that ... Faith: We believe
in God the Father, infinite in ... We are united in striving to know the will ...
/.../american congregational declarations of faith.htm

Introduction
... conception which has been constantly striving for realization in ... If the early Christian
teachers had given their ... regulating their life and conduct, there might ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brittain/women of early christianity/introduction.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... The Christian ought, indeed, to be so trained and disposed as ... But Scripture, to conduct
us to this, reminds us ... in any other way than by striving earnestly for ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

The Higher Faith.
... the answers to these questions, but my conduct itself must ... may be the voice of the
Spirit striving with his ... enough for a Pagan, but for a Christian a miserable ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the higher faith.htm

Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday.
... They pretend great virtue and Christian love. ... They ingeniously contrive to make their
conduct appear good ... answer but dying to vice and then striving after what ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter wednesday also suited to.htm

Parting Words [Footnote: Preached Prior to a Long Absence in ...
... and prosperous subscription lists and Christian work ... and perpetuated by righteousness
of conduct and character ... in one spirit, with one mind striving together for ...
/.../parting words footnote preached prior.htm

What does the Bible say about sexual harassment? | GotQuestions.org

What is Confucianism? | GotQuestions.org

What was the biblical role of the high priest? | GotQuestions.org

Conduct: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus