Key Verse:
But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Philippians 3:16 (NLT)
I know I told you we’d look at the shield and sword today, but I realized I needed to back up a tat. So…
Let’s talk about Major League Baseball standings. I have no idea who keeps them up to date, but I do know they are kept current. No matter the team you’re following, you can find their win-loss record, winning percentage, and how many regular-season games your team needs to win to participate in postseason play. **
For example, the Washington Nationals are an MLB team in the East division of the National League. Their current win-loss record is 49-56. Their winning percentage is .467. They’re 6.5 games back from the New York Mets who are leading the NL East division. They’re also back 10.5 games from having a place in the playoffs this season. ***
The Nationals are fourth in their division, but just barely six weeks ago they were second in their division. They did not hold their position and are not doing well.
What does any of this have to do with those of us who are Jesus-followers?
Nothing and everything!
Nothing to do with Jesus-followers because Christ Jesus has won the war against sin and death. That never changes. No matter what, our relationship with God has been secured through Christ Jesus. We will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
Everything to do with Jesus-followers because we are fighting a million little individual battles every single day. Skirmishes fought between our spirit and our flesh. Battles against our enemy’s schemes to destroy the life Jesus paid to give us here on earth. Our enemy cannot win the war, but he will escort us to a place of misery and despair if we are not self-controlled and alert; if we are not walking by the Spirit.
That’s why Paul told the church at Philippi to hold on to their progress. Look at what he wrote…
But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Philippians 3:16 (NLT)
That’s also why Paul told the church in Ephesus to stand firm against the enemy. Look at what he wrote…
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)
This is a big deal! I fully confess to not having achieved this, but I’m gaining clarity. I want to practice holding on to the progress. But how? We get a clue by backing up one verse. Read Ephesians 6:10.
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
This is key! Our strength and power must come from the LORD.
I don’t know about you, but this has been a great reminder. I will never again check the team standings without being reminded to hold on to the progress Jesus and I have made on your journey together.
Next week we’re going to look at what to do when we realize we’ve not held onto our progress. The week after, we’ll look at how to use our shield and our sword.
Between Then and Now…
1 Keep putting on your belt, body armor, shoes, and helmet. Be intentional about each piece.
2 Read your Bible every day. Ask Holy Spirit to give you understanding of the words you read and how to apply them. Remember not to get hung up on how much you’re reading. This is about understanding and using what you learn.
3 Pray daily. Ask Jesus to help you see the places in your life where you are not holding onto your progress and are no longer standing firm. Ask Him to help you depend on His strength and power instead of your own.
If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
** “Throughout the baseball season, the positions of the 30 MLB teams are tracked through the standings. Each team competes in the American or National League in one of three divisions — East, West or Central. In addition to its win-loss record and winning percentage, the standings indicate how many regular-season games a team needs to win to secure one of the eight slots available for postseason play.” https://www.sportsrec.com/337903-longest-winning-streaks-in-baseball-history.html