Hold Fast
We are new blog friends. If you started connecting right at the beginning, we still have known each other for a bit over a month. Since we are new friends, I think it is only fair that you know that I have longings.
I long for the fullness of God’s presence and blessings. I long for the power of the resurrection to be manifest here and in my life. And without sounding too selfish or presumptuous, I don’t just want a little blessing, a little power, a little love and hope. I want it all. I want all that God has set aside for me my family, my friends, my church. There is a name that I have for this blessing; a One Hundred-Fold blessing. Does that sound self-absorbed? Yea, kinda I guess . . .
What I mean to say is, if there is more of God to have, then I want all of Him. I am willing to put myself to the test for God’s fullest divine manifestation and blessing that God has for me and those I love.
However, this is an impossible hope if my citizenship and allegiance is to this world. A fruitless pipe dream. This fallen set of lies, death, broken promises and false gimmicks that promise happiness is a disaster to align with! If our soul is somehow attached, even a bit to this world, our blessings found in the Kingdom of God will be compromised, even lost forever.
I long to be that fertile heart that gives rise to a hundred fold blessing on behalf of King Jesus. I want all his glory to be manifest, not just some of it, not just 30-fold, not just 60-fold – Jesus deserves 100-fold of every possible blessing and so I long for that.
So, returning to where we left off last time. I long to hold fast. I strive to hold true as the good book tells us so that I might yield this blessing . . . Let’s read our passage for this morning . . . and watch for that 100 Fold blessing . . .
I want to take a bit of a rabbit trail because I don’t really think it is a rabbit trail. I think Paul has a verse in this passage that is a theme in many of the letters of Paul – that is to Hold True.
He says “Only let us hold true to what we have attained” in verse 16. In other places in this letter and his other prison letters he says Hold True, Press On, Walk Worthy, Hold Fast, Stand Firm!
We find Paul is prone to offer these kinds of encouragements. This theme of endurance, persevering, finishing well – seems to be very important to Paul and we should not miss the implications. Other passages of the New Testament say much the same thing . . .
The writer of Hebrews says much the same thing;
So, when a Christian says to you, “Hang in there” – and means it – it really is a call to a very great hope in Christ. Sometimes in the relentlessness of life our very best course is to simply stand firm, turn to face the waves of life and brace yourself for the next one. To hang in there – it is a very Christ-like character trait.
Watch this thought in looking back at our passage from Philippians 3, verse 17. Paul seems to segue to an example of what he is talking about in this persevering theme. He first brings to mind those who did not persevere. He calls them quite forcibly enemies of the cross.
Paul calls out others who have let the cross down by abandoning their faith and thereby become those who create hardships for the church. We see Paul writing about it pretty often. He is clearly concerned;
With minds set on earthly things . . . that is exactly what I was speaking of early in this blog.
So, what does it mean to be an enemy of the cross? First, let’s rescue the word “enemy” from too narrow an understanding. In modern American English the word tends to be associated with a distant foe, perhaps one with missiles aimed at us or armies ready to conquer us. It is often reserved for those who threaten our life or are opposed to us in the most extreme ways.
‘Enemy’ comes from the Latin ‘inimici.’ (pronounced: Enamee key) And while inimici is best translated “enemies,” its roots are in which in Latin means not + amicus which means friend. So our enemies are those who are not our friends, who oppose our values, who do not wish us well and stand against the things that we stand for.
This understanding helps us to grasp that enemies may be very close to home, not merely on distant shores. Enemies are not just those who plot the most serious hostilities against us. Thus, when Jesus tells us to love our enemies He has more in mind than just a distant group in some foreign land. He is also referring to those who are near—even within our own families—who are not friendly, who oppose us or the things and people we value.
Early in my ministry, leaving behind an academic path that was headed toward being a lawyer, I decided to go into a home-based evangelistic ministry. I had to raise support to secure a salary for this ministry. My dad was livid! He felt I was giving up a meaningful occupation to beg for money and work with teens who could never support me. My dad loved me – he just didn’t understand my desire to serve Christ, no matter the cost. I did that ministry for 22 years.
So when Paul speaks of those who are enemies of the cross of Christ, he is not just referring to those who go around tearing crosses off walls or demanding that crosses be removed from public property. It is not even mostly the political or extremist persecutors. It is the lovers of this world.
In a world that tells us we need to grab as much happiness as we can from this world, it teaches us to be takers. Jesus on the other hand tells us that there is going to be a cross of self-denial and of trusting God, who teaches us that we are made for more than mere passing trinkets – like silver and gold and digital facsimiles. The world and the devil promise pleasure now and then send you the bill later. The Lord speaks to sacrifice and discipline now and points to the fruits and blessings that come later.
Better to set our eyes on things above rather than things that are on earth.
In verse 20 of our passage in Philippians 3, Paul goes on to make his point on perseverance by contrasting those who are enemies of the cross who have set their eyes on the things of this world with those who are citizens of Heaven . . .
Citizens of Heaven? Wait a minute, what is that again??
Citizens of the Kingdom of God, enjoying the gospel of the Kingdom – RIGHT NOW! Present tense!
Let’s pick up this subject in our next Backyard Conversation.
I long for the fullness of God’s presence and blessings. I long for the power of the resurrection to be manifest here and in my life. And without sounding too selfish or presumptuous, I don’t just want a little blessing, a little power, a little love and hope. I want it all. I want all that God has set aside for me my family, my friends, my church. There is a name that I have for this blessing; a One Hundred-Fold blessing. Does that sound self-absorbed? Yea, kinda I guess . . .
What I mean to say is, if there is more of God to have, then I want all of Him. I am willing to put myself to the test for God’s fullest divine manifestation and blessing that God has for me and those I love.
However, this is an impossible hope if my citizenship and allegiance is to this world. A fruitless pipe dream. This fallen set of lies, death, broken promises and false gimmicks that promise happiness is a disaster to align with! If our soul is somehow attached, even a bit to this world, our blessings found in the Kingdom of God will be compromised, even lost forever.
I long to be that fertile heart that gives rise to a hundred fold blessing on behalf of King Jesus. I want all his glory to be manifest, not just some of it, not just 30-fold, not just 60-fold – Jesus deserves 100-fold of every possible blessing and so I long for that.
So, returning to where we left off last time. I long to hold fast. I strive to hold true as the good book tells us so that I might yield this blessing . . . Let’s read our passage for this morning . . . and watch for that 100 Fold blessing . . .
- Philippians 3:16-21
Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
I want to take a bit of a rabbit trail because I don’t really think it is a rabbit trail. I think Paul has a verse in this passage that is a theme in many of the letters of Paul – that is to Hold True.
He says “Only let us hold true to what we have attained” in verse 16. In other places in this letter and his other prison letters he says Hold True, Press On, Walk Worthy, Hold Fast, Stand Firm!
We find Paul is prone to offer these kinds of encouragements. This theme of endurance, persevering, finishing well – seems to be very important to Paul and we should not miss the implications. Other passages of the New Testament say much the same thing . . .
- Galatians 6:7-10
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
The writer of Hebrews says much the same thing;
- Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
So, when a Christian says to you, “Hang in there” – and means it – it really is a call to a very great hope in Christ. Sometimes in the relentlessness of life our very best course is to simply stand firm, turn to face the waves of life and brace yourself for the next one. To hang in there – it is a very Christ-like character trait.
Watch this thought in looking back at our passage from Philippians 3, verse 17. Paul seems to segue to an example of what he is talking about in this persevering theme. He first brings to mind those who did not persevere. He calls them quite forcibly enemies of the cross.
Paul calls out others who have let the cross down by abandoning their faith and thereby become those who create hardships for the church. We see Paul writing about it pretty often. He is clearly concerned;
- Romans 16:17-18
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
- 2 Timothy 4:9-10, 14-15
Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
- Philippians 3:18-19
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
With minds set on earthly things . . . that is exactly what I was speaking of early in this blog.
So, what does it mean to be an enemy of the cross? First, let’s rescue the word “enemy” from too narrow an understanding. In modern American English the word tends to be associated with a distant foe, perhaps one with missiles aimed at us or armies ready to conquer us. It is often reserved for those who threaten our life or are opposed to us in the most extreme ways.
‘Enemy’ comes from the Latin ‘inimici.’ (pronounced: Enamee key) And while inimici is best translated “enemies,” its roots are in which in Latin means not + amicus which means friend. So our enemies are those who are not our friends, who oppose our values, who do not wish us well and stand against the things that we stand for.
This understanding helps us to grasp that enemies may be very close to home, not merely on distant shores. Enemies are not just those who plot the most serious hostilities against us. Thus, when Jesus tells us to love our enemies He has more in mind than just a distant group in some foreign land. He is also referring to those who are near—even within our own families—who are not friendly, who oppose us or the things and people we value.
Early in my ministry, leaving behind an academic path that was headed toward being a lawyer, I decided to go into a home-based evangelistic ministry. I had to raise support to secure a salary for this ministry. My dad was livid! He felt I was giving up a meaningful occupation to beg for money and work with teens who could never support me. My dad loved me – he just didn’t understand my desire to serve Christ, no matter the cost. I did that ministry for 22 years.
So when Paul speaks of those who are enemies of the cross of Christ, he is not just referring to those who go around tearing crosses off walls or demanding that crosses be removed from public property. It is not even mostly the political or extremist persecutors. It is the lovers of this world.
- I John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
In a world that tells us we need to grab as much happiness as we can from this world, it teaches us to be takers. Jesus on the other hand tells us that there is going to be a cross of self-denial and of trusting God, who teaches us that we are made for more than mere passing trinkets – like silver and gold and digital facsimiles. The world and the devil promise pleasure now and then send you the bill later. The Lord speaks to sacrifice and discipline now and points to the fruits and blessings that come later.
Better to set our eyes on things above rather than things that are on earth.
- Colossians 3:1-4
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
In verse 20 of our passage in Philippians 3, Paul goes on to make his point on perseverance by contrasting those who are enemies of the cross who have set their eyes on the things of this world with those who are citizens of Heaven . . .
Citizens of Heaven? Wait a minute, what is that again??
- Philippians 3:20-21
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Citizens of the Kingdom of God, enjoying the gospel of the Kingdom – RIGHT NOW! Present tense!
Let’s pick up this subject in our next Backyard Conversation.