"Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation."
Philippians 3:1-2 NKJV
In verse one of this piece of scripture, Paul empathises the necessity of being repetitive. He wrote, 'In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard to you.' Preachers are often ridiculed for preaching 'the same old sermon'. However, it is important to reinforce some issues so that people are aware of certain points. And this is what Paul was doing here.
Dogs were classed as unclean animals and he related this to unclean teachers that went around misleading people. He had a perpetual problem with Judaisers. These were an early Christian sect which insisted that Gentiles needed to be circumcised before they became Christians (Acts 15:1). Paul denounced these statements insisting that believers were justified by faith alone (Acts 15:6-11). The Judaisers claimed that one must keep the Old Testament law to be saved and sanctified. They were trying to combine faith and works as a way of getting right with God.
We must beware of a system that says we must earn our standing with God. Jesus Christ came to set us free from the grip of the law. We are liberated in Him (Romans 8:1-2). Jesus has set us free from all of the things that kept people trapped in the jaws of sin. All addictions, whatever their name, must bow to the Name above all names - Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). He has given us a freedom that we could never have had without Him: 'Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed' (John 8:36), Jesus own words.
Many people today are bound in their own particular addiction. It can be anything, not just the big ones such as alcohol and drugs. Whatever, you can't live without and you crave for is an addiction. For some it is pornography or spending money that they just don't have but load up their credit cards. 'I'll just do this once more', may be the words they utter. However, once more turns into 'many more'.
If this is you, why not do something about it. Jesus doesn't lie; He can set you free. say this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus, your Word tells us that if You make us free, we will be free indeed. Lord, I bring my addiction of....................... to You right now. Please Lord, as I surrender this to You please set me free totally. In Jesus' name. Amen'
Now believe and receive this and if you need to, speak with someone who will support you with this.
Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE
Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle
Check it out
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message