1 Corinthians 15: 57-58; Philippians 1: 2-6
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
November 10, 2019
Stewardship Commitment Sunday
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. -1 Corinthians 15: 57-58 (NIV)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1: 2-6 (NRSV)
If you read Paul’s New Testament letters to all the churches he planted, you will see he holds a special affection towards the Philippians. The church in Philippi, Greece was the first church that Paul planted on European soil during his second missionary journey.
The Philippians were very near and dear to Paul’s heart, bringing him great joy. The women and men had struggled beside Paul in the work of the gospel (Philippians 4:3). Therefore, in his letter Paul gave thanks for all God was doing among the Philippians. And Paul gave thanks to the Philippians for sharing in the gospel with him. The Philippians gave themselves fully to the work of the Lord with their prayers, worship, efforts, and financial gifts (Philippians 4:15-16). Paul and the church partnered with God; they were sharing in the gospel to spread the good news.
My commentary on Philippians says this: “The Philippians’ readiness to share in the work of the gospel is not seen as “a good work” for which they are responsible, but one God began in them and one that Paul is confident will be brought to completion by the day of Jesus Christ (verse 5)” [1].
It is God’s faithfulness that was at work within the Philippians and Paul and is now at work within us. God’s faithfulness makes it possible for us to share in the gospel. The gospel is that the triune God creates, redeems, sustains, rules, and transforms all things and all people [2].
Jesus Christ’s victory through his saving death and resurrection gives us the gift of faith. As this precious gift impacts our lives, God’s work begins in us. Holy Spirit kindles within us a love for God’s dear name and moves our hearts and minds in gratitude to respond to God’s amazing grace.
Like the partnership that Paul shared with the Philippians, you and I are called to partner with God and share in the gospel. Our common calling is to participate and contribute to making the love of God known. God’s love unites us in worship, prayer, spiritual fellowship, service, and giving.
One of our disciples shared with me this week:
I enjoy being a part of the committees on which I serve. It is always good to see our church enjoy times of Christian fellowship together, having fun at one of our seasonal events or a meal that has been planned for them.
I feel very blessed to be a part of our Mission Team when we provide assistance to those less fortunate, knowing they are so grateful to be remembered and reminded of God's love. Our church’s care and love for them gives me a feeling of gratitude to have helped in some way.
I recently read in Galatians 6:10: Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
I give thanks to God for the intimate bond that unites Van Wyck Presbyterian Church as the body of Christ. What I love more than anything about this church is that you all know our strength comes from our relationships with God and one another. Each of you inspire me with your commitment to pray for one another, to pray for God’s guidance, and to do good to everyone. I give thanks for the good work the Lord began in this church 135 years ago. God’s faithfulness continues to bless this body of Christ to be a blessing to others.
Last Sunday I shared with you that the session and I have been prayerfully considering where God is leading us in this new year of 2020. We want to continue flourishing in God’s grace. Therefore, our vision for the upcoming year is to “Give Ourselves Fully.”
In this new year God is leading us to give ourselves fully to prayer, to God’s mission, and to godly goals. We will be praying for God to open our eyes and notice what God is doing in our community. We will be praying for God to reveal what God’s mission is in Van Wyck and Lancaster County and what our church’s unique role is within it. We will also be prayerfully planning godly goals to reach towards – that includes discerning together how God is calling us to use our beautiful acreage for God’s purposes.
As we return our pledge cards today, we are making a promise to partner with God and with one another to share in the gospel. God has already given us the victory in Jesus Christ. God has already blessed us with the abundance of God’s grace. And God is presenting you and me an opportunity to respond to the good work that the Lord began in you and in me.
Jesus Christ desires to harness our collective energy, imagination, and resources for the sake of accomplishing God’s mission in our community and world. In order to live into God’s vision in 2020, the Lord is calling each and every one of us to prayerfully participate and contribute to make God’s love our goal.
Will you join me in giving yourselves fully to the work of the Lord in this new year? Will you?
I pray that gratitude will continue to guide you and me to share in the gospel.
In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.
Sources Referenced:
[1] New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary Volume X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015), p. 118.
[2] The Book of Order, The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Part II (Louisville: The Office of the General Assembly, 2019), p. 1, F-1.01
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