Upcoming Sunday Epistle Readings
Sunday 24 September 2017
Philippians 1:21-30
To me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well-- since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
This Epistle finds Paul in a conundrum. The apostle wrestles with what is best for him and what is best for those entrusted to him. His desire is to be with Christ and to be free from hardship. But his commitment to those entrusted to his care and the sharing of the Gospel drives him to continue on for their good. And having come to that point, he is able to articulate the truth that Christ is alive in him, using him for the good of all the people of God. From that place, he seeks to draw all who hear his message to be so committed to Christ that they feel his life in them reaching out to others, sharing the joys and the burdens of life, pointing to Jesus, who gives us the strength to endure all things.
–––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– –––––––––––– ––––––––––––
Father Timothy Alleman
No comments:
Post a Comment