Philippians 3

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— …

This is the search result in my bible app for the word priorities. The word priority does not appear but the sentiment does.

“To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.” What I sought was a safe place to speak about priorities without putting a burden on anyone for the decisions they have had to make based on circumstances. Health can be a huge factor in making decisions. We often have to make that as our first priority. Then there are financial concerns. In these uncertain times financial concerns can influence our priorities.

We who believe in Jesus Christ want to do the right thing. That is where the subject matter is identified in this section of Philippians. Right decisions based on faith cannot be made without involving God.

Matthew 26:39

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Knowing what we should do according to the will of God leaves us with the problem of placing His priority before our own. In the Garden Jesus knew the will of the Father and yet He asked that vital question, “I am not sure”. 

Serious problems must take into account a level of trust we might not find in ourselves. Doubt is a human condition and if we still have doubts at the moment when we need to make important decisions, who do we turn to for answers?

There will always be a reluctance to ask God about every detail of life where we have to make decisions. The question we should not ask ourselves in those moments; “is He the Lord of my life or not?”

Matthew 13:32

It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

We planted our faith in Christ to find a place to make a home and find rest. Let it grow.

Revelation 21:5

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

What does our Lord mean when He says “all things”?

I don’t know and I am not sure anyone else does either. The important part for me is that He is still making changes. What those changes might be are hinted at in the Word of God. It is His Word that is trustworthy and true.

As we discuss His Word we find that we do not all agree on the meaning of some of the verses of scriptures.

James 4:3

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

Perhaps my question itself was asking wrongly. I admit I have a passion for studying His Word to extract as much truth as possible. How else can I help anyone to come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior if I cannot answer their questions with truth?

This one thing I do know about making things new, I have changed. My changes came about through the will of God in my life and not because I decided anything. 

John 6:63

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Galatians 3:3

Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Galatians 5:17

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Try as I might to make sure the Spirit leads me in truth I must admit to myself and to everyone that I am not yet perfected and my priorities are often set by my fleshly desires.

Knowing that causes me to be cautious about what I do. How can I serve my God if I allow my passions to lead my rational thought process?  Thank God for faithful friends that will tell me the truth as they see it so that I can temper my passions in serving my God.