Philippians 1:3 (NKJV)

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you

MEMORIESPhilippians 1:3

Memories

Memories can be one of the most wonderful parts of our lives

That’s why we take pictures, shoot videos, and keep journals or blogs

We speak of going out and “making memories” with those who we love the most

Memories

Paul was no different than any one of us when it comes to memories

Paul wrote the book of Philippians while he was in prison

At that point, he had no idea whether he would ever be able to see those in Philippi again

Memories

So he began the book with these words:

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (v. 3)

Paul was certainly thankful for the memories God had blessed him with

God has blessed us with memories as well

Memories

There are certainly some things that God wants us to keep in our memories

He has told us in His word that there are certain things we need to remember, things that will help us get to heaven

Here is what God wants you and I to “remember”…

Memories

1. Remember God & His Commands

It can be easy to go through a day without giving God much thought or time

If we are not careful, it can become a habit to us

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth…” (Ecc. 12:1)

Memories

1. Remember God & His Commands

If God expects us to remember Him in our youth, should we not also remember Him as we get older?

God has even offered ways to remember Him

Numbers 15:37-41

Memories

1. Remember God & His Commands

We do the same thing today to help us remember important things

We have electronic reminders as a modern day version of tying a string around our finger

What about our wedding rings?

Memories

1. Remember God & His Commands

When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He remembered the word of God (Matt. 4)

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Ps. 20:7)

God needs to have a daily presence in our lives

Memories

2. Remember Jesus’ Sacrifice

“This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (Lk. 22:19)

Christ wanted to be sure that we remembered His sacrifice on, at least, a weekly basis

It should help us live more focused lives

Memories

2. Remember Jesus’ Sacrifice

It should help us to be more thankful for what was done on our behalf

It’s something we can think about on Sunday through Saturday

We ought to thank God everyday in our prayers for that sacrifice

Memories

3. Remember God’s Works

How often to we remember the mighty works of our God?

How often do we forget that God is in charge?

Deuteronomy 7:17-19 – God knew these memories would dispel fear

Memories

3. Remember God’s Works

Remembering what God has done for you is proof of His power, might, and love

Doesn’t God answer prayer?

Having these memories gives us the hope and confidence we need to face each day that lies ahead

Memories

4. Remember Lessons Learned

Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it

Deuteronomy 9:6-7

It’s not about putting anyone on a guilt trip

It’s to help us remember what not to do

Memories

4. Remember Lessons Learned

God also wants us to remember and learn from the mistakes of others (Rom. 15:4)

That’s also why Jesus told us to “Remember Lot’s wife” (Lk. 17:32)

We can also remember and learn from the good we’ve done (Rev. 3:3)

Memories

5. Remember the Source of Blessings

God, and God alone, is the source of our blessings

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (Js. 1:17)

Memories

6. Remember Others

“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31)

There are two things that I get from this

One is that we need to be mindful of the needs of others (Matt. 25)

Memories

6. Remember Others

We also need to be mindful of the things that others have done for us

Whether it’s our family, friends, elders, Bible class teacher or anyone else

We should be appreciative of their efforts and thank them often for it

Memories

7. Remember the Elders

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (Heb. 13:7)

We need to remember those who lead us and rule over us, the elders

Memories

7. Remember the Elders

We need to remember them in our prayers

We should remember what they are trying to do for us and do our best to give them our cooperation

We should follow their faith, “considering the outcome of their conduct…”