Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1)
We need all of the reminders that we can get to rejoice because our flesh gets weighed down too easily with the cares of this temporal world. To have a reminder to rejoice everyday is but a safeguard for our focus.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
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)
Just a few verses prior is exhortation to rejoice always (vs. 4), be careful for nothing (vs. 6), pray with thanksgiving (vs. 6)—those are the standard for our living, whether it be in times of abundance or poverty, satisfaction or need.
Sometimes, the issue is not about us holding fast sound doctrine, but in *how* we are holding fast. We can do so in pride and an attitude that is unloving toward other believers, or, by Christ Jesus, we can do so in love and faith.
Two types of people are displayed in the latter half of 2 Timothy 3: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof… Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. These also resist the truth…” (2 Timothy 3:5, 7, 8)
All of these handled God’s truth one way. Compare to how others handled God’s truth:
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)
Instead of resistance, there was continuance.
Instead of denying God’s power, they were made wise to salvation.
Instead of “ever learning” without fruition, there was learning, assurance, and knowledge.
Into which category do we fit?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
What verse(s) encourages you in you Christian walk?
Amanda Tero Books 