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Morning Thoughts

Philippians 3:1, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe."

This morning, folks are always looking for something new. They want to hear something that they have never heard before, and do not bring them something that they have already heard. Today, many of our preachers are facing criticism because they preach too much grace, or that they spend too much time in Romans 8, or that they make some of the same points that they already have made. These are some of the same criticisms that Paul, Peter, and the other apostles faced as well.

Paul says in this verse that it is not a grievous thing to repeat something. In fact, it is of necessity so that one actually learns what is being taught. Things must be affirmed constantly (as he exhorted Titus) so that the congregation may learn them. We have weak minds that forget things very easily, and we need to hear these things again and
again. Paul also said that it is safe. Not only is it not grievous, but it is safe. That means it is for the good and benefit of the people.  

Many times, I am asked why preachers preach the same things. I reply why do you feed your children the same things? It is really no difference. Since a child has already eaten potatoes before, that does not mean that they never should eat them again. The spiritual food is the same. Stir these things up for remembrance, affirm them constantly, stand in the old paths and ask for the good way. These are safe, and that does not mean cowardly. That means for our protection and well-being. The Lord never gave us anything in His word that was for our harm and detriment. These things are all for our edification and are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16-17)