Philippians 3:1
“If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times!” Have you ever heard that from your mother or father? You know, usually connected to your name including your middle name. It’s in those moments where you know you’re in big trouble. I have two middle names. So, when my mom spoke all four of my names, I was on the verge of extinction ?!
There’s something to be said about repetition. It has the power to drive home a point or remind us of an obligation not yet met. It has the wisdom that we need as we tend to forget important facts and responsibilities. It has the impact of action that is born from it. It is often necessary for our personal growth.
We remind our kids to do their chores. We remind our co-workers of an important meeting coming up. We remind our friends of the big game this weekend. We remind our spouses that we are right, and they are wrong. Ok...don’t do that one ?! I want you alive for next Sunday! I think you get the drift. Repetition is really important.
The Apostle Paul took advantage of this teaching technique with the Philippians. The theme of Philippians is joy, and he wanted them to live in that place of dependence on God with the right spirit no matter the circumstances. He also wanted them to realize that there were enemies of the truth that they needed to overcome. Sometimes, we have to be reminded of the threats that we tend to underestimate.
I remind my kids all the time of my concerns. “Wear your seatbelt!” “Look over your shoulder when you change lanes!” “Always pay attention to your surroundings!” “Hang around kids who love Jesus!” I say these things over and over, and I know that my kids get annoyed with me. You know what – I don’t really care! We ALL must be reminded of the threats that are out there “lurking in the dark” to ruin us.
Peter literally called Satan a “lion looking to devour us” (1 Peter 5:8)! He prowls around waiting for the perfect moment when we’ve let our guard down to come in and deceive us away from the truth. His tactics are usually centered on our pride and pleasure. For the Philippian church, there were those who were so connected to “good works” that they lost their understanding of the Gospel. Their goal was to manipulate people into following their “rules and regulations” while missing the grace of God. Ultimately, they were more interested in a “list of do’s and don’ts” than following Jesus with their hearts and minds. They were a threat to the true Gospel which is salvation by grace alone through faith alone for the glory of God alone.
Just like me warning my kids over and over about physical threats, Paul warned the Philippians yet again about the spiritual threats of these false teachers. He saw this as part of his spiritual responsibility as a leader in their lives. How often are we taking the time to “warn” those who we love the most? Below are a few warnings that we should incorporate into our families and friends:
•Hang around with “bad” people, and you’ll become “bad.”
•Loving prosperity more than purpose will steal your impact.
•Doing what “feels good” often leads to “what isn’t good” later.
•Taking “shortcuts” instead of working hard usually leads to failure.
Of course, there are a hundred more warnings that I could speak of in this devotional. I think you get the point. We need to make it a constant habit to “warn” those we love of impending doom and danger. Paul saw the spiritual threats that were facing the Philippians, and he wanted to make sure that they were fully aware and equipped to overcome them.
Don’t be afraid to “warn” your children, even if they are getting annoyed with you. You’re the one with life experience, wisdom, and a parent’s love. Say it. Say it again. Keep saying it. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll eventually be listening to it. It’s worth it. If you truly care, you won’t hold back! Take a minute and read Psalm 136 and be “reminded” ? of how important repetition was and is to God. We need to be reminded.
“If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times!” Have you ever heard that from your mother or father? You know, usually connected to your name including your middle name. It’s in those moments where you know you’re in big trouble. I have two middle names. So, when my mom spoke all four of my names, I was on the verge of extinction ?!
There’s something to be said about repetition. It has the power to drive home a point or remind us of an obligation not yet met. It has the wisdom that we need as we tend to forget important facts and responsibilities. It has the impact of action that is born from it. It is often necessary for our personal growth.
We remind our kids to do their chores. We remind our co-workers of an important meeting coming up. We remind our friends of the big game this weekend. We remind our spouses that we are right, and they are wrong. Ok...don’t do that one ?! I want you alive for next Sunday! I think you get the drift. Repetition is really important.
The Apostle Paul took advantage of this teaching technique with the Philippians. The theme of Philippians is joy, and he wanted them to live in that place of dependence on God with the right spirit no matter the circumstances. He also wanted them to realize that there were enemies of the truth that they needed to overcome. Sometimes, we have to be reminded of the threats that we tend to underestimate.
I remind my kids all the time of my concerns. “Wear your seatbelt!” “Look over your shoulder when you change lanes!” “Always pay attention to your surroundings!” “Hang around kids who love Jesus!” I say these things over and over, and I know that my kids get annoyed with me. You know what – I don’t really care! We ALL must be reminded of the threats that are out there “lurking in the dark” to ruin us.
Peter literally called Satan a “lion looking to devour us” (1 Peter 5:8)! He prowls around waiting for the perfect moment when we’ve let our guard down to come in and deceive us away from the truth. His tactics are usually centered on our pride and pleasure. For the Philippian church, there were those who were so connected to “good works” that they lost their understanding of the Gospel. Their goal was to manipulate people into following their “rules and regulations” while missing the grace of God. Ultimately, they were more interested in a “list of do’s and don’ts” than following Jesus with their hearts and minds. They were a threat to the true Gospel which is salvation by grace alone through faith alone for the glory of God alone.
Just like me warning my kids over and over about physical threats, Paul warned the Philippians yet again about the spiritual threats of these false teachers. He saw this as part of his spiritual responsibility as a leader in their lives. How often are we taking the time to “warn” those who we love the most? Below are a few warnings that we should incorporate into our families and friends:
•Hang around with “bad” people, and you’ll become “bad.”
•Loving prosperity more than purpose will steal your impact.
•Doing what “feels good” often leads to “what isn’t good” later.
•Taking “shortcuts” instead of working hard usually leads to failure.
Of course, there are a hundred more warnings that I could speak of in this devotional. I think you get the point. We need to make it a constant habit to “warn” those we love of impending doom and danger. Paul saw the spiritual threats that were facing the Philippians, and he wanted to make sure that they were fully aware and equipped to overcome them.
Don’t be afraid to “warn” your children, even if they are getting annoyed with you. You’re the one with life experience, wisdom, and a parent’s love. Say it. Say it again. Keep saying it. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll eventually be listening to it. It’s worth it. If you truly care, you won’t hold back! Take a minute and read Psalm 136 and be “reminded” ? of how important repetition was and is to God. We need to be reminded.
Posted in Devotional