The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
October 6, 2024
(Philippians 1:27–30, NIV84) “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.”
As you read the first chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, you realize that he sees God’s blessings while he is imprisoned for Jesus Christ.
He ends the first chapter of this short letter with an admonition and encouragement to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
God will permit us to “stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” There are many ways God’s Word – and even the world – speak of joining together to accomplish something. When believers are united in one spirit, when they are uniting to share and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they will accomplish what God wants. And remember that God our Savior “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3–4, NIV84) Our mission in life as Christians is to share that Gospel.
The only way to be saved is through Jesus Christ, who assures us “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NIV84)
Prayer
Let Thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of Thy humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please Thee. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord. Amen
