“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.” (Philippians 3:1)
Look around and you will see safeguards everywhere. Grocery stories have little signs to guard us against slipping on newly-mopped aisles, tablesaws have stops to guard against kickback, we put guard rails on bunkbeds, safety barriers are in high traffic areas, and security guards are in our schools. In normal life, you will never need these safety measures.
Safeguards only exist for the worst-case scenario. They protect against what might happen in the worst-case scenario. They exist because accidents happen, bad people do the wrong thing, and life isn’t always normal.
Paul told the Philippians that it was worth the effort to write to them and remind them of things they already knew. That’s another way of saying it is worth the effort for us to read things we already know. Refreshing our minds with a return to well-worn passages is a safeguard against complacency and distraction.
A psalm a day keeps the devil away… or something like that. Regular meditation on the Word is a safeguard for the soul.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Philippians 3:1-11
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision