Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Saturday after the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity Sunday

Posted on August 22, 2015 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: Philippians 4:8-23 (NKJV)

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Devotion

What are these “true” things? They are set out in the Gospel: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He suffered and died for mankind after fulfilling the Law perfectly, so that all who believe on Him may have forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation. When your thoughts concerning the Gospel are “true,” it follows that they will be “noble.” What is true is not corrupted, which means that it is noble. What is not corrupted is true. Then what is true and noble will also be “just,” for it is made just, or justified, by faith in the truth. And what is made just is “pure” since it receives sanctification from God on account of faith in the truth.

All that is just, noble, true, and pure is lovely and also of a good report. For who does not love these saintly virtues? Who does not speak and think well of them? Who does not consider them praiseworthy? Therefore, we should meditate on these things. For when we meditate on these things, the God of peace will be with us.

To meditate on these things means to have faith. Now, faith is not something you have to drum up or create, nor is it something you have to do. It is a gift of God, given through the means of grace: Holy Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Absolution, the preaching of the Gospel, and the mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren. Through these means the Holy Ghost works to create and sustain faith in you, so that whatever sins you have committed are not credited to you, but are credited to the One True Savior, Jesus Christ. It is our faith in Him and His works that give us peace with God.

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