Message from Scripture: 10/09/2020

Our message from Scripture today is Phil. 4:1. “Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.”

Did your parents ever  refer to you  as the  "apple of  their eye?"  Perhaps  they used  the phrase "pride  and joy," or  some other  term  to indicate their  feelings  for  you.  Imagine, then , to know what it meant to the Christians at Philippi when Paul wrote to them and spoke of them as his joy and crown, his beloved. Not only they, but all those obedient to the gospel were beloved by Paul. He wrote the church in Thessalonica, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?  For you are our glory and joy" (I Thess. 2:19-20).

These brethren were Paul's joy, which is a striking way of saying that they are his source or cause of joy. People, not things, his fellow Christians, those who shared their faith and life in Christ with him, are what gave Paul this great gladness. His joy was in knowing these individuals had come to know, believe, and obey Him who is the source of eternal life. Truly, there should be no greater joy with anyone than receiving the salvation of one’s soul.

There are many “things” that can bring people pride and joy for a brief period of time, but there is something even better that lasts when the things of life fail. There is no greater pride and joy than in simply being a New Testament Christian, to know we have been saved by the blood of Jesus, and are recipients of God’s richest blessings. We have a future greater than the perishable things we can all too often focus on, because it is eternal in heaven.

John wrote, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 4). May it be our greatest joy, knowing God takes delight in us walking in His truth as well, a delight that will be embraced in heaven. May that thought help us have a great day. God bless.

Robert