Sharper Iron — Advent with the Apostles: God Will Bring His Good Work to Completion

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Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Churches in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Philippians 1:2-11.

Although St. Paul wrote this epistle from prison, he overflows with joy. He begins with the grace and peace that are given by God to the Christians in Philippi. His thanksgiving overflows in all things for this congregation that has partnered with him in the gospel. He knows that God will begin to completion the good work He began in them as they wait for Jesus Christ’s Day. As they wait for that day, St. Paul prays that their love would grow and that they be kept safe in the true Christian faith until Jesus returns, all to the glory and praise of God.

“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 1:2-11

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace,[a] both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

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Footnotes

Philippians 1:7 Or you all have fellowship with me in grace