Steadfast

Philippians 3:1-3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.
 
KING David prayed in Psalms 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Out of deep sin, David spoke a beautiful prayer of humility, submission and love to receive and live God’s truth. This is a prayer of faith to trust God’s redeeming power to wash us clean of temptation. Stop for a moment and pray this for yourself. We all need this confession and trust in our hearts. Based on Paul’s words to the Philippians, I believe Paul often prayed that kind of prayer for himself. With Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! Paul recognized God’s power to redeem, protect and renew.
    The church then and now needs to often be reminded God’s power to save. As Paul encouraged them, “It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again.” he demonstrated a steadfast spirit to repeatedly teach the gospel. He did so joyfully because the gospel is about cleaning our hearts and renewing our spirit forevermore. Foremost in Paul’s mind is not drudgery of ministry but joy in ministering. Even amid many challenges against the gospel, we all  must constantly learn, know and speak the Bible’s truth with such joyful confidence.  
    For the Jews, one significant change from the Old Testament to the New Testament was baptism replacing circumcision as an outward sign of faith in God. Paul tells the Philippians to ignore those who insisted on circumcision. It was no longer a covenant mark but a mutilator of flesh. Jesus had declared his mutilated body was the final example of flesh to be sacrificed in faith. Faith in Jesus is the New Testament.
    How does the church repel false teachings? Of course, it must be steadfast to continue teaching the truth. Paul knows the truth. He is joyful to steadfastly repeat it, so the church will remain firm for the gospel.
    Defending the truth can be wearisome. Perhaps your children or friends reject Jesus’ faith ways. Perhaps you are tired of speaking the gospel to those who continually deny Jesus.
    Be faithful, and be joyful in Jesus. Stand with confidence and peace. Know the Lord’s power. His reign is sure. Trust the Lord will clean hearts and renew spirits to his righteousness. 
 
Joy Link: Be consistent and persistent to speak of Jesus.