Grace-Filled Greetings

LBC - Sermons

Sunday Service Grace-Filled Greetings Philippians 4:21-23 THEME: At first glance, these last three verses may appear to be just some incidental remarks similar to how Paul typically closed his letters. However, we need to remember that Paul was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who never wasted a single word in composing the Scriptures. In this case, the Spirit directed Paul to choose words that were purposely designed to reiterate the primary theme of this letter so it would leave a lasting impression on his readers.By passing greetings back and forth between individuals and churches in different locations, Paul was reminding them that they were linked together in a world-wide fellowship of the gospel. He subtly slipped in one final illustration of the progress of the gospel as a result of their collective efforts. He then ended by reminding them of their desperate need of God’s grace to carry out the Great Commission and bring the good news of salvation to those who have yet to hear and to live out everything else in this letter. In his closing comments to the Philippian church, Paul reemphasized THREE ELEMENTS of partnering together for the cause of Christ. 1. The REGARDS to partners in the gospel (vv. 21-22a) 2. The REASON for partners in the gospel (v. 22b) 3. The RESOURCE of partners in the gospel (v. 23) Thank God for the privilege of being included in the fellowship of the gospel. Ask Him to give you a greater burden to share the gospel with those who have yet to hear it and/or embrace it. Ask Him to grant you grace through your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ that will enable and empower you to live out all the life-changing lessons you have learned from the book of Philippians.