Sharper Iron — Advent with the Apostles: Rejoice in the Lord Always

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Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs, professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 4:4-7.

St. Paul’s joy comes through loud and clear even from prison as he draws his epistle to the Philippians to a close. The joy of the Christian is more than inward happiness that fades with sadness. The joy of the Christian comes from the outside and is found in the Lord, so that even during times of suffering, grief, and complaint, Christian joy remains. This joy shows forth in gentle reasonableness that does not lash out at others, but seeks to respond to others according to the mind of Christ. His coming is near; therefore, our anxiousness is relieved as we take all our prayers to Him in thanksgiving. The peace that He gives us with God is beyond all understanding; by this peace He guards us our entire beings from every enemy that threatens us.

“Advent with the Apostles” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle readings for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance and joy focuses on the coming of Christ. As the apostles write to us concerning Christian doctrine and life in light of what Christ has done in His first coming in the flesh, they strengthen us to live and wait in hope for His second coming in glory on the Last Day.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Philippians 4:4-7

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

Philippians 4:5 Or gentleness