Jesus is Coming Again

“…Which also said, ‘ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:11)

Someone has said that there are three-hundred and eighteen references in the New Testament declaring the second coming of Jesus. Others have declared that there are more verses in the Old Testament referring to His second coming than there are concerning His first coming. I have not counted them, but I do know there are enough references in the Bible concerning the second coming of Christ to make any serious-minded person believe it.

Forty days after our Lord’s resurrection, when He ascended to heaven in a cloud, the disciples heard the reassuring words that the same Jesus is coming again. These are assuring words to His followers in all generations that this world is not all there is. He is coming again.

Jesus said, “Be ye also ready for in such an hour as you think not, the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44) Are you ready? Don’t put it off.

Therefore My Beloved Brethren

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 
(I Corinthians15:58)

It is impossible and impractical for an unsaved, lost person without Christ to be faithful. But it is both, possible and practical as well as expected for a saved person to be faithful.

The word, “therefore,” stands out again. Everything in the first fifty-seven verses of I Corinthians 15 is the reason we can and should be faithful. Beginning with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and going all the way to His return and concluding with our resurrection are why we can be faithful.

We can be faithful, steadfast and abounding in the work of the Lord because our labor is not in vain in the Lord. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Be faithful.

Therefore

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof  roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3)

We must pay attention to the word “therefore” in the Bible, used many times in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word “therefore” ties what went before to that which follows. It answers the question, “So what?”

God is our refuge, strength and present help. Consequently, so what, or therefore we will not fear. He is our hiding place from danger. He is our strength in calamitous situations and He is our constant, ever present help. The word, “Selah” means, “stop and think about that.”  I think of the words of the old song, “Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.”

There will always be trouble in this life. God does not always remove the trouble but He is always there to see us through whatever the troubles and trials are. “Therefore,” trust Him through the storms of life.

Every Day with Jesus is Sweeter than the Day Before

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (I Corinthians 4:16)

We face many trials in this life, just as Jesus said we would. Paul the apostle had his trials, his thorn in the flesh, his shipwreck, his stoning and his beatings. But he knew, as we should know, that the One who raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus. These facts and our faith remove the Christian from fear.

Our outward man is perishing. Old age takes its toll on our bodies. We cannot think as we did in younger days. Our steps are slower, our eyesight is dim and our hearing is dull. We live in a tabernacle, a tent, a temporary dwelling. It is decaying and passing away. The outward man is perishing. The Christian’s outward man may or may not perish as a martyr, as did Paul, Stephen and others. However, the outward man is perishing.

But, the inward man of the Christian is renewed and made stronger every day, especially as he spends more and more time with the Lord in prayer, the reading of the Bible and living by faith. All of mankind needs Jesus both for the inner man as well as the outward man.

The Purpose of God’s Word

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

Do you ever wonder why the Bible includes some of its contents? There are many stories that have an excellent meaning for us. Even an obscure text about a man named “Jabez” who prayed and His prayer was answered, gives the rest of us “nobodies” confidence in prayer.

The story of Joseph’s mistreatment by his older brothers verifies the truth of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good, to them who love God to them who are called according to his purpose.”

The apostle John, who wrote the Gospel bearing his name, said, “But these (miracles) are written , that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” (John 20:31)

Read the Bible through. Read it over and over again. Don’t dismiss any of it as unimportant. Memorize it. Study it. Meditate upon it. You will be richer for having done so.

Who's that Old Person?

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor
the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say: ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”    ( Ecclesiastes 12:1)

I wrote the following poem several years ago before old age started keeping permanent
company with me. I hope you find it useful to share with young people.

WHO’S THAT OLD PERSON?

Hey, young person, listen to me,
     Things aren’t now like they’re gonna be.
Down the road in a few more years,
     will walk an old person with aches and fears.

He’ll look like you to some degree,
     But will have store teeth and perhaps a bought knee.
He’ll walk like you, only bent and slow,
     And talk like you too, except kinda low.

There’s an old person who’s coming along,
     to take your place with a different song.
A song about days that used to be,
     About running around and being free.

He’ll look back at youthful days,
     And see through eyes with darkened rays.
He’ll wonder how things might have been,
     If today’s wisdom he’d had back then.

As he wipes a tear with a trembling hand,
     He feels a tug to a better land,
Where memories are sweet and no one gets old,
     And everyone is well, healthy and bold.

So, listen, young person to this old sage;
     Life’s book is filling, page after page.
Take Christ as your Savior and to Him be true,
      That old person coming is nobody but you.

-- Jim Doyel

Amazing Grace

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” (Philippians 4:23)

The word “grace” means unearned or unmerited favor. God’s grace is the unmerited favor of God to man. The Bible tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)  When Paul was struggling with his “thorn in the flesh,” he prayed three times that God would remove it. God responded by saying, “My grace is sufficient for thee…” (II Corinthians 12:9)

In all thirteen of Paul’s letters the word “grace” is used in the first verse or near the first verse. In this epistle he extends his desire for grace upon them in 1:2 and then again here in verse 23. He excludes no one from his desire for God’s favor to be upon them.

Indeed, none of us is excluded from God’s grace and favor. I look all around and I see His grace abounding toward me. I look back and I see His grace at work saving me, keeping me and calling me into the ministry. As you and I look toward the future we see His grace in abundance preparing us for heaven and then taking us to be with Him.

Dear Reader:  We hope that you have enjoyed reviewing the study in Philippians that has been running daily since June 9.  These blogs were used as Bro. Jim was recovering from some health issues. We are thankful that he is continuing to get stronger each day and all new devotionals will return beginning tomorrow.  Join us in thanking and praising God for His faithfulness and healing!

Greeting the Saints

“Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.” (Philippians 4:21-22)

There are no second class citizens in the Kingdom of God. Every believer, every Christian, every saved person, every person who has received the New Birth is classed as a “saint.” The word, “saint” comes from the same word as “sanctify” which means, “to be set apart.” Believers are set apart from the world system to the Lord. Paul addresses the Philippian letter in 1:1, “to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi.”

In the closing verses of this letter all the saints back home in Philippi are to be greeted. None are excluded. The brethren with Paul in prison are saints. They send their greeting along with the saints in Caesar’s household. Saints in Caesar’s household would be the slaves, servants, prison guards, cooks, field hands, dignitaries and anyone in Caesar’s employment who had received Christ as their Savior.

One can see God’s hand upon the great imprisoned apostle as, from his cell, he leads one, then another and another to Christ. And those won to Christ tell a fellow servant and he tells another, and he tells another and another and another…

Hard times, difficulties, imprisonments and threats cannot stop the spread of the gospel.

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

“Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:20)

Many times the singing of the doxology in the Sunday morning worship service is a meaningless ritual performed with little or no thought or enthusiasm. Not so with Paul’s doxology recorded in our text.

It is part of the inspired text along with the entire epistle to the Philippians. The theme of the letter has been the joy of knowing the Lord and the joy of loving one another. God has called us to rejoice in the Lord always. Then we are reminded that no gift, however large or small, will go unnoticed by the Lord. Finally, we are told that God through His abundance will supply our need as we serve Him.

This doxology comes from the pen of one who cannot contain himself as he thinks of the overwhelming goodness of God. May that be our attitude and exuberant praise the next time we sing the doxology.

God Is Not Bankrupt

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

There is a big difference between “needs” and “wants.” Jesus had no earthly possessions of His own, even though He created all things. "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."  (Luke 9:58 NIV)  When He died on the cross He had no tomb or grave of His own, but was buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb.

The context of our Scripture verse is that Paul had been thankfully acknowledging the Philippians’ sacrificial gift. They had given beyond their ability. (II Corinthians 8:3) He now assures them that God would supply their need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

God always knows what we give. He also knows what we need. You and I cannot out-give God. He will be debtor to no one. When we sacrificially give and serve Him, He will supply our needs and many times even our wants. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He is not bankrupt. Walk in faith trusting Him to supply your needs.

Let Your Giving be a Sweet Sacrifice

“Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate (share) with my affliction.” (Philippians 4:14)

Many times as a pastor when offering time comes on Sunday morning I made it a point not to call attention to the bills as a reason for giving. Rather, I encourage folks to give because they love Jesus. I believe that raises our giving to a much higher and nobler purpose.

Paul had said that he could live on meager fare but that they did well in sending their gift. In the next verses through verse eighteen he lets them know that they were the only church that shared with him.  “Your gift to me was as a sweet sacrifice to God,” he said.

When you and I give to our churches or to a legitimate ministry, we should give it as if it is a gift to God.

Strength for Living

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

This verse, when taken out of context, has been interpreted to mean that if one is a Christian he can do as was said of the fictitious character Superman in the comic books. He was “able to leap tall buildings with a single bound.”

In its context, which is the way all Scripture should be interpreted, the verse is saying, “I can face both fullness and hunger through the power of Christ living in me. I can face whatever comes my way through Christ.”

Any child of God, living in the will and purpose of God, can do whatever God calls on him to do in the will of God. He can withstand Satan’s temptations to do evil. He can live a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith (faithfulness), meekness and temperance.” (Galatians 5:22-23)  He can rejoice in difficulties, trials and hardships in the power and strength of the indwelling Christ. The secret is to be surrendered to Christ Jesus and to walk with Him at all times.

Contentment

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:11-12)

Experience is an excellent teacher. Paul had learned from experience, not a little study course, how to be content. We are told that “godliness with contentment is great gain,” and, “having food and clothing let us be content.” (I Timothy 6:6, 8) 

Paul’s words to the Philippians were not to be taken as a further appeal for help from them. Our deprivation in the lean times as well as our abundance in the good times can teach us how to be content with God’s provision, however large or small it may be.  The lesson is that we must learn to lean on Jesus in the best of times and the worst of times. “Give us this day our daily bread,” is a genuine prayer of faith.

A Worthy Jail Ministry

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but you lacked opportunity.” (Philippians 4:10)

A jail ministry is not necessarily a dozen or so people with an electronic keyboard going to the local jail and singing and preaching, although that is a legitimate jail ministry. In Paul’s case jail ministry was provided by the church of Philippi sending a gift to sustain him. Apparently they had helped him before but the opportunity to help had changed.

One wonders where was the assistance from the other churches the great apostle had helped?  Where was the Jerusalem church in particular? When the opportunity came again, there were the saints of Philippi giving beyond their means.  (See also II Corinthians 8:1-5) Their help was seen as “flourishing.”

I am reminded of the Biblical admonition which says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)  Opportunities to help fellow believers are all around us. We need not wait for a special autographed invitation to lend a hand to saints in need.

Invite the God of Peace to Dwell Within

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise think on these things. Those things, which ye have learned, and received, and heard and seen in me do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

What we are witnessing today on our televisions, on social media, in magazines and the movies is comparable to backing a garbage truck up to our front door and inviting the driver to dump the entire load of filth and garbage on our living room floor and then asking him to, “bring us another load of your worst filth each day from now on.”

If you don’t want to think about garbage, don’t load your mind with it. One does not stop thinking evil, sinful, lustful and terrible thoughts by saying, “I’m not going to think about that anymore.” He is then thinking about what he is trying to avoid thinking about.

The Bible gives the formula: think the good thoughts and don’t allow room for the bad thoughts.

Our text lists eight areas where we should let our thoughts dwell. The only way to keep the thoughts of "garbage" out of our minds is to dwell on the good things about which Paul speaks here. Walk with the Lord today and be a blessing.

Are You Full of Care?

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Someone said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: a whole lot of action but you get nowhere.” Instead of being “full of care,” we are encouraged to turn everything over to God in prayer while thanking Him. An old hymn says, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”

When we cease worrying and turn our cares over to Him we will have peace beyond understanding.

Elizabeth Cheny wrote:
                        Said the robin to the sparrow:
                        “I should really like to know
                        Why these anxious human beings
                        Rush about and worry so.”

                        Said the sparrow to the robin:
                        “I suppose that it must be
                        That they have no heavenly Father
                        Such as watches you and me.”

The Lord is Near

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5)

The word “moderation” in the KJV used here, means “gentleness” or “graciousness.”  Here are two Christian women, Euodias and Syntyche, in the same church, dedicated to the Lord and to His work. Apparently they are expressing the opposite of gentleness and graciousness, just as many believers today are capable of doing in unguarded moments.

The writer reminds all who read these lines that “the Lord is at hand.” Two truths are evident here. First, the Lord’s return is near or imminent or at hand. Secondly, “the Lord is at hand” means that He is always present in the believer. What better way to draw us to our senses and to cease bickering with fellow believers than to remind us of these two basic Christian beliefs. He is always near. Let us live that truth.

Rejoice in the Lord Always

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

It’s easy to rejoice when all is going well, when we are on the mountain top, when the children are well, all the bills are paid and the car is running correctly. But, what about when our health is failing, the children are sick, you can’t pay your bills and it just seems as if life is falling apart?

Our text admonishes us to always rejoice in the Lord. The Psalmist said he “rejoiced at God’s word as one who finds great treasure.” (Psalm 119:162) Jesus told His followers to, “rejoice because their names were written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20) When King David’s joy was gone because of his sin, he confessed it and asked God to, “restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.” (Psalm 51:12)

When you feel there is nothing about which to rejoice and you don’t feel like rejoicing, follow the command and rejoice in the Lord. Give Him praise always.

Clement who?

“And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:3)

Often times we need help doing the Lord’s work. I am reminded of the four unnamed men who carried their paralyzed friend to see Jesus. Unable to get to the door of the house, they lifted the man up to the roof, broke a hole in it and lowered the man into the presence of Jesus. The man was healed, thanks to their unified faith effort.

The “yokefellow” mentioned in our text was probably his real name. His name described his workability. The women were Euodias and Syntyche, who although at odds with each other now, had labored with Paul in the gospel. “The women” perhaps include some women from Lydia’s household, the first converts in Philippi. There is Clement who is mentioned nowhere else in the Bible, but a co-laborer just the same. And then there were those whose names we will not know until we get to heaven. Their names are written in the book of life.

You may have strong opinions about how the Lord’s work and the church should be done. But remember, there are some dear precious saints who love the Lord as much as you do. We must enlist their help in the gospel effort.

The Ripple Effect

“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2)

In my memory there is a large farm pond as clear as crystal, which is unusual for a farm pond. In those days there were dead, sun-bleached chestnut trees standing around the edges of the pond. Buddies of mine and I arrived there one day for a swim and we all noticed how smooth the surface of the water was until someone skipped a flat rock across the surface. The ripples went all across the pond.

The church of Philippi, when heeding the Biblical writer, had the same placidness as that pond. But two women had an unnamed problem between them, not important enough to mention in the Bible, and the ripples had reached the attention of Paul in prison in Rome. Through their differences they were threatening the fellowship of the church and it had to stop. Left untended people would start taking sides in the conflict.                                                                          

We tend to make our differences with fellow church members of more importance than they are. We’ve all heard them, what color should the new carpet be? What should the new lights look like? And so on.

Hopefully, the admonitions and directives in this letter brought an end to their dispute. The directives in this letter can bring peace to any church - be of the same mind in the Lord.

Therefore

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” (Philippians 4:1)

The word, “therefore,” ties the first eighty-one verses of this epistle to the last twenty three. The word answers the “so what” or “why” of that which came before.

The apostle has told us that he thanks God for every remembrance of the Philippians (1:3).  He has reminded them that God began the work of redemption in them and that He will complete it (1:6) He admonishes them to stand firm and to be united in the church (1:27).  He reminded to let the mind of Christ be in them (2:5-8).  He told them of the Lordship of Jesus Christ (2:8-11).  He encouraged them to put the past behind them (3:4-10).  Paul tells them of the enemies of the cross of Christ (3:17-19).  Finally, in chapter three He reminds them that our citizenship is in heaven and that we are looking for the return of the Lord Jesus (3:20-21).

The labels he uses here in our text tell us how deeply he loved these saints in Philippi. With more yet to be said, and on the basis of what he has said to them in the first three chapters, he tells them to stand fast or firm in Christ. Loving someone, be it a family member, a friend on the job or a fellow believer, does not excuse lax living for them or for us. The admonitions of Paul to the believers in Phillippi are just as important to all believers today.

When He Shall Appear

“…we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

Everyone on earth, since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, lives in a cursed and corruptible body, or as our text says, a “vile” body. We are subject to sickness, disease and all sorts of infirmities of the flesh and mind. But we are looking for and anticipating the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. John says, “When He shall appear we shall be like Him.” (I John 3:2)

It will be wonderful to “be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immortality. (I Corinthians 15:51-53)

What ailments are plaguing your body? It’s going to be much better when Jesus returns. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.

Citizens of Heaven in a Sinful World

“For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

This past Tuesday was “Independence Day” in the United States of America, the time when the nation’s citizens celebrate our independence from Great Britain. I am proud to be an American Citizen.  As citizens we are to abide by the laws of the land, pledge our allegiance and carry out that allegiance in daily living. Independence Day gives us a chance to wave our flags, shoot our fire-works and have our picnics. It’s a time to celebrate.

Paul has declared that the enemies of the cross have destruction awaiting them. (Philippians 3:19) On the other hand, our text says that we Christians are already citizens of heaven even while living here. Someone said “Our citizenship is in heaven, but we still have to live down here.” We have a “dual” citizenship. Just as an American citizen owes his allegiance to America, so we citizens of heaven owe our allegiance to heaven. We are not independent from God. Our King is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We anticipate His return to this earth to claim His own. The Christian’s life, unlike the life of the enemy of the cross, does not end in destruction. Our lives continue in heaven. Live as a friend of Jesus.

Where is your Leader Leading You?

“…The enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” (Philippians 3:18-19)

The Bible is a book of contrasts. There is the contrast of darkness and light, of good and evil, of peace and war, of heaven and hell. The Bible contains contrasts that are too numerous to mention here.

The Bible also contrasts examples of people who have followed Godly leaders and of others who have followed ungodly leaders.  The Apostle Paul encourages his readers to follow him as he follows the Lord. On the other hand, there are the enemies of the cross of Christ that folks may follow. But he declares up front the final outcome of the lives of the enemies of the cross of Christ. Hell awaits the enemies of the cross of Christ and those who follow them.

He gives descriptions of the enemies of the cross of Christ. First of all, their God is their belly or fleshly appetite. They live to satisfy the flesh. And secondly, whereas Paul said in Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…,” these enemies’ glory is in their shame, their licentious lifestyle. And third, their attention is given to earthly things such as houses, lands, money, fame, entertainment and sports events rather than heavenly things.

Enemies of the Cross

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Philippians 3:18)

The most horrendous execution by which any thief or murderer would ever be put to death was that of crucifixion on a Roman Cross. It was the choice of the enemies of the Son of God to rid themselves of Him once and for all. It was the means which God chose to let the world know how much He was willing to give to save sinners from hell.

That someone would be the enemy of the love shown at the cross and the price God was willing to pay for man’s salvation and redemption is beyond all comprehension and understanding. Paul said that telling his readers about those enemies of the cross brought weeping. He said there were “many” who were enemies of the cross. The descendants of those first century enemies of the cross abound today.

Leaders and Followers

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.” (Philippians 3:17)

In another place the great apostle told his readers, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” ( I Corinthians 11:1)  Whether or not we realize it, there are people observing us and following our example.

A “shade tree mechanic” friend of mine was working on his car in his front yard. Every time he went under his car his four year old son did the same. When he went to his tool box to look for a tool the son went also. An old Christian man was observing this from across the street. The old man went over and greeted his neighbor and said, “Your little boy wants to be just like you and is taking every step you make. You have a responsibility to be saved and live for Christ in front of the little fellow.”  That was more than forty years ago.  Today the dad and his son are actively involved in the church.  The old neighbor is now with Jesus.

Paul says, “As long as I am following Christ, follow me.”  Where is your example taking others who follow you?

Oak Trees and Squash

“Let us therefore as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” (Philippians 3:15-16, NASB)

As has been said before, some Christians are farther along the path to Spiritual maturity than are others. Looking up the path to those who are ahead of us, we may think of them as “having arrived.” Our Scripture text admonishes the believers that, wherever our path to Spiritual maturity may have advanced us, we must “keep on keeping on.” We are further admonished to continue to abide by the same standard that brought us this far, staying faithful to the Lord in our walk with Him.

A businessman had successfully grown his business using tried and true methods and principles of operation. Someone suggested that he should change his methods for newer techniques and cut some corners. His response was, “I am sticking with what brought me here.”

If you are a growing, maturing Christian, stay with what brought you to where you are. And if God wants you to change He will reveal it to you. There are no “short cuts” or “quick fixes” to spiritual maturity. Christian maturity takes place more often in a “slow cooker,” rather than in a “microwave.” You can grow a squash in six weeks. Growing an oak tree will take a lifetime.

A Good Testimony

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

The assessment of many scholars and commentators is that Paul the apostle was the greatest Christian that ever walked the earth. But his assessment of himself was that he had not yet arrived. He stayed focused on “one thing” which would be good for us to do. He was like a runner in a race, nearing the finish line, straining forward with every ounce of energy and determination. If I could write his testimony it would be the following:

     I’m not what I ought to be, and
     I’m not what I want to be, and
     I’m not what I’m going to be, but praise God,
     I’m not what I used to be.

Is that your testimony?

A Fugitive Apprehended

“…but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I am also apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians3:12)

The picture before us is that of a fugitive running from his pursuers and finally being apprehended or caught.

Paul was the “fugitive” running from the Lord. The Holy Spirit “pricked” him many times with conviction (Acts 9:5). He is now caught or apprehended on the Road to Damascus.  

So, now the former fugitive has a desire to, “apprehend,” or catch that which caught him. He has been saved, born again and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. No longer a fugitive running away from God, now he is running toward God. He wants to grow. He is like a tree that my son planted in my front yard twenty-five years ago. It was a tree then, but not mature. It is still much smaller than the more mature trees in the yard, but it is a tree, much larger than it was when it was planted, and is growing and maturing.

If you have genuinely repented and turned to Christ in faith and are saved, you surely want to grow toward maturity, not becoming more saved, which is an impossibility, but knowing more about the God who saved you.  

Not Yet Mature

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect…” (Philippians 3:12)

I once heard evangelist, Billy Graham say that he did not know any mature Christians, and he included himself. I agree with that statement and add myself in the, “not yet mature” group. Billy Graham also added, “There are some Christians who are more nearly mature than others.”

If we have reached spiritual maturity there is no more room for growth.  The Bible clearly commands that we are to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 3:18)  Paul saw himself as not yet mature but continued to work on becoming mature.