The Speciality, Generality, and Practicality of the Church Life

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by JJ

The second question I have is “what does contend for the faith mean?”

For reference the definition of the Greek word translated as “contend” is here https://biblehub.com/greek/4866.htm.

I’m surprised by the definition that it has more of an athletic team meaning than a warfare meaning.

I think your question here exposes errors in WL's ministry. He saw "contending" as a military battle, with himself as commander-in-chief fighting against all others. His way created loyal footsoldiers faithful to his program, us vs. them mentality. Thus WL regularly stated that our condition (in the faith) was far outweighed by our corporate standing (on the ground of oneness.)

Paul, however, saw this as a personal struggle, striving to remain in the faith, walking by faith, living by faith, striving for the reward. To Paul, personal faith was everything.