The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 3:17-22, “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”

“How did you do that, Dad?” Many a small boy has asked that of his father, only to hear his father say, “It takes practice, son. Just keep watching how I do it and one of these days you’ll be able to do it, too.”
Fathers who demonstrate things to their sons are not boasting of their own abilities; rather, they are training their sons for things they will need in their adult lives.

Paul is not boasting when he says, “join in following my example”; he is preparing new believers for maturity in their Christian lives. Why is this necessary? It is vitally necessary because there are those who claim to be Christians, but are not! It’s sad to say, but they are “enemies of the Cross of Christ.” Believe me, they abound in our world today!! Television screens overflow with “preachers” of all kinds. Many are enemies of the Cross of our LORD Jesus. They are seeking and gaining wealth and self-glory at the expense of those who ignorantly follow them.

Paul replicates the “father” in our first paragraph above, when he notes clearly that our true citizenship is in Heaven, and that Christ Jesus will one day transform us into His own likeness. Right now, we are like the “little boy,” who longs to be like his dad. But soon, our Heavenly Father, by His infinite power, will mature us, “in the twinkling of an eye.” At that time, all things will be viewed as under His power. Do you want to mature spiritually? Do you want to understand the Scriptures? Follow Paul’s example! Follow the Scriptures! Trust only in the LORD! He is coming soon! Be sure and be ready! God bless you!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom