Saturday, September 19, 2026
Philippians 1:21-30
21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better, 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 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, 26 so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me. 27 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 28 and in no way frightened by those opposing you. For them, this is evidence of their destruction but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well, 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Hearers of my sermons will quickly learn about my love/hate relationship with Paul’s writings. Sometimes Paul’s words of wisdom and support to the young and confused Christian communities are simple and super helpful. But other times, his words seem cryptic and confusing. Unfortunately, today’s excerpt from the first chapter of Philippians falls into the latter category.
But in the context of the whole letter and a basic understanding of Paul’s theology, his words can be summed up by the call to never give up with the tension we all struggle with in this life. The pull of Christ over the pull of the flesh. But this is no easy task and one that everyone struggles with in one way or another. So, we are called to lean into our grace-filled relationship with Christ through daily prayer where we seek forgiveness and strength to try again.
What are we trying for, you may ask? Not to save anyone, ourselves or otherwise. Christ has already done that for all. Our attempt should be to live our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, exactly as Paul describes. The good news of Christ is about more than just salvation, it is the way of life that we get to live in love and service because we can, not because we have to. The gospel of Christ is so unbelievably amazing that living a bold life of love and service to our neighbors seems like the least we can do. So, let’s do it!
– Pr. Kyle
Great Counselor, we have been given the most amazing gift in the life, death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. Inspire us to live our lives in manners worthy of this good news every chance we get. Amen.