Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Philippians 3:1 In our day, people will write a letter and they'll just wrap it up saying, "I'm running out of paper. See ya later!" Whoosh! But back when God was motivating people to write the Scriptures, they were, of course, led by the Holy Spirit, and everything was very thoughtful. In fact, what is said at the end of the Epistles isn't rushed. Instead, it's generally a concentration or reiteration of what was already said, or it's something that was meant to linger with the reader.

This week, as we draw near to the Lord by considering His Word, let's re-read some of the "finally" statements in the Epistles. These are strong statements. The Holy Spirit means to draw our attention to some things through them:

Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.
Be strong in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord. Dwell on the good things which are from our Heavenly Father. Excel still more in Jesus.

And, press on.
Pastor Jeff


fin - al - ly
adverb
>> as the last in a series of related events or objects;
>> used to introduce a final point or reason;
>> in such a way as to put an end to doubt and dispute.
Source: Oxford American Dictionaries.


© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.