I was deeply encouraged this past Sunday by Pastor Charlie’s message in Philippians 1: 6-8. The two short verses are so packed with awe-inspiring, gut-wrenching truth, that I felt it necessary to reflect on the reality of God’s steadfast faithfulness in completing His work. I know that if we could catch just a small glimpse of the glory of this reality, we would be more emboldened to live our Christian lives with more fervency and passion. Why? Because, “Who can bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” Romans 8:34. Pastor Charlie reminded us on Sunday that God is for us and not against us.
He (Satan) has tried to drive us into the pit of despair, making us inwardly focused, and incapable of outwardly loving others.
In the past, Satan has attempted to destroy our confidence in God’s ability to sustain our faith through his accusations. Driven by his hatred towards the saints, he has constantly reminded us of every fault, every shortcoming, and has magnified every evil inclination. He has tried to drive us into the pit of despair, making us inwardly focused, and incapable of outwardly loving others. He has attempted to shatter our assurance in the God who redeems and justifies the ungodly. Therefore, sisters remember, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” Ephesians 6:12-13
When Satan attempts to drive you to self-condemnation, behold our crucified Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who bore the wrath towards your sin. Behold Him upon the cross, releasing you from His condemnation. “Look 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.” Hebrews 12:2
When the enemy recounts to you your sins one by one, hear the voice of our Lord that declares “Paid in full, and It is finished”.
Whenever you hear the voice that declares that you do not measure up, remember that it is “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8 Root and anchor yourself in the reality that your sin has been atoned for, and you are now reconciled to a holy God.
When the enemy recounts to you your sins one by one, hear the voice of our Lord that declares “Paid in full, and It is finished”. Know that our Father has not crushed His only son for us to wallow in condemnation, self-pity, and despair. Jesus came so that we may have life and life abundantly. (John 10:10). Do not despair in your wavering, but rejoice in His faithfulness Christian! Behold the glory of the Lord in the face of Jesus Christ, and “be sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
May we remember the cross, our salvation...
May the gospel enable us to break through the chains that have robbed us of our security and joy, and look to God as He rejoices over us with singing and quiets us with His love. May we remember the cross, our salvation, and walk as women who have been purchased for God’s glory. Let us know that He will never leave us or forsake us.
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
Joy Dudley loves Jesus Christ with a passion to point other to the heart of the gospel