“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).
Tedious: too long, slow, or dull;
tiresome or monotonous.
Paul, as an apostle and preacher, continually exhorted Christians to faithfulness, and was committed to instruction in the ways of righteousness. As such, he often repeated himself, even to the same congregations. This was not irksome to him. It was a labor of love. It was important. He told the Ephesian elders, “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God… Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:27,31).
Two certain motivations for Paul in the repetition were:
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The sense of debt he felt toward God and man because of the grace shown him, cf. Romans 1:15-16.
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As stated in our text, because such repetition was “safe” for those who heard and read him.
Being constantly reminded of God’s will for man provides Christians with security. It equips us “for every good work” (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). For the faithful preacher, it is never tedious to declare any aspect of God’s will, though it may have been preached thousands of times before. He knows its importance, and its benefit to God’s people.
The question for you… is it tedious for you? Or is it, (as it should be), appreciated, because of the security it provides?
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