August 12, 2013 Hold On

Read Philippians 3:15-16 Hold On Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. ARE you mature? Perhaps that question caused you to think of how you’ve changed from your childhood to now. Did you, too, think of your relationship with Jesus? What would it look like to be mature in Jesus’ teachings? One aspect of a mature faith is the essence of Philippians—joy. Everywhere you look in this letter, Paul expresses joy because of his faith in Jesus. He celebrates his salvation. He rejoices in the Philippi church caring for him. Paul is in prison, and yet he demonstrates the mind-changing power of the gospel as he matured to truly understand, “Jesus saves.” Yes, Jesus saves. You hear that often, don’t you? But are you grown up in that truth, changed from when you first heard of Jesus? Are you mature to believe he’ll save you from sin and Hell? If so, rejoice! Are you mature to believe obeying his commands will make your life better? If so, rejoice! Are you mature to believe Jesus can heal your diseases? If so, rejoice! As your heart, mind and soul “grow up” in Jesus’ gospel, you will find joy amid even the hardest circumstances. Maturity is a confidence that Jesus is who he says he is, and Jesus will do what he says he will do. You haven’t returned to your youth, have you? As you mature in Jesus, hold on to your faith. Know Jesus. Believe him. Rejoice in him. A Moment’s Thought: John 15:111 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”