I preached yesterday at Burks UMC. It was good to preach again. Last year I averaged about once a month. However, due to my schedule, I have needed to turn down some opportunities this year. I have preached about 8 times this year.
I enjoying preaching. It brings me joy. The things that bring us joy was part of yesterday's sermon. Preaching has always been something I've enjoyed and it was good to have the opportunity to practice my skills in studying, writing, and preaching. I am grateful for the opportunities to preach while on family leave of absence.
Here is the written sermon.
Philippians 4:1-9 (CEB)
October 11, 2026
Burks UMC
20th Sunday after Pentecost
Good morning! Before we jump into the sermon this morning, will you pray with me?
"God, open our hearts and minds so we can fully receive the Truth we need to hear today. Kindle your Truth in our hearts so others would see it revealed through our lives. Following Christ we pray. AMEN.". (Prayer for Illumination)
The first word in today’s passage is “therefore”. Whenever we see the
word “therefore”, it allows us to ask the question: ‘What’s it THERE FOR?”
Let’s look back to chapter 3, verses 20 and 21: 20 Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to
a savior that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform our humble
bodies so that they are like his glorious body, by the power that also makes
him able to subject all things to himself.
Paul is reminding the followers of Christ that their
citizenship is in heaven. In that context, Paul reminds Christ followers to “stand
firm” in verse 1 of today’s passage.
What does it mean to “stand firm”?
Merriam-Webster offers this definition: to refuse
to change a position, a decision, despite pressure, opposition, or difficult
circumstances.
In relationship to our faith, “stand firm” can
mean: holding your ground, showing resilience, keeping your integrity.
There are other references in the Scriptures of “stand
firm”. In fact, there are 34 references to “stand firm” in the NIV.
Here is one:
1 Corinthians 16:13-- Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
How DOES one stand firm, be steadfast?
First, let’s look at standing firm PHYSICALLY—take a stance about shoulder
width apart, ground one’s feet and legs, slightly put one foot above the other
(about a half a step), lower the center of gravity.
If we do these things physically to literally stand firm, what do we do to
spiritually stand firm?
We stand firm spiritually by cultivating practices that draw us closer to
God.
John Wesley spoke of these as “Means of Grace”, such as prayer, searching
Scripture, celebrating communion, engaging in worship, being in community, to
name a few.
Spiritual practices can be those things we think of traditionally. They
can also be whatever draws us closer to God, whatever helps us grow in our
relationship with the Creator.
Over the years, silence and solitude have been a big part of my spiritual
growth, as has spiritual direction, retreats, praying the labyrinth, spending
time in the woods, etc.
What spiritual practices draw you closer to God?
As you reflect on that, think about all the things that draw you closer
to God? Do you spend time in the garden? Do you hike? Does a beautiful sunrise
or sunset allow you to reflect on God’s goodness? These can be spiritual
practices, as they draw you closer to God and help you grow in relationship
with the One who created you.
Okay, we’ve spent time looking at “stand firm”. Now let’s look at “be
glad”.
Verse 4 in today’s passage says: “Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say,
be glad.” “Rejoice” is a synonym for “be glad” and may be the more familiar
word to you.
“Being glad” goes beyond our circumstances. It comes from our
relationship with God. We can rejoice/be glad a deeper level, no matter what we
are going through and no matter what we “feel”.
The words “joy”, “be glad”, “rejoice” are found numerous times in the Scriptures.
It’s a good word study to look up verses that have those words, study them,
even memorize them.
Two of my favorites:
Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that ‘the joy of the Lord is our strength.’
Psalm 118:24 tells us that ‘this is the day the Lord has made; let us
rejoice and be glad in it.’
Are you familiar with the kids’ song: “Rejoice in the Lord always”
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.
Rejoice, Rejoice, and again I say rejoice.
Rejoice, Rejoice, and again I say rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.
[SING. THEN SING IN A ROUND.]
When you sing that, do you feel the joy?
We can cultivate joy daily by taking notice and enjoying the small things in life, by offering gratitude for things, by slowing down.
What brings you joy? Think about that for a moment. Do you stop to think about the things that offer you joy?
What if we were to slow down, look around, take in our surroundings, and offer gratitude….. would we experience more joy?
Joy has an effect on us. It offers physical and mental health benefits. Better sleep, lowered stress are two benefits. That’s something we can all use, right? I invite you to look up more information on how joy is beneficial to us.
Today’s passage speaks to us about standing firm and being glad, having joy. They can help us grow in our relationship with God and others.
Our relationship with God and others is the essence of our faith, isn’t it? Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment and he said:
Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Jesus offered the 2nd greatest commandment:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
(Mark 12:28-32) is one of the accounts.
These “simple” instructions unpack to become a lifetime of learning and growing. It may even include UNLEARNING some things we picked up along the way that don’t really fit into our relationship with Christ.
In verse 9 of today’s passage, Paul says, “Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.”
As we continue to learn, grow, study, and allow God to change us, the God of peace will be with us.
May it be so.
Not everything in the transcript is in the actual sermon. Nor is everything in the sermon found in the transcript. So, you may want to watch the sermon in the video below. If for no other reason, it was fun to sing "Rejoice in the Lord always" as a congregation and as a round.
If you are so inclined, respond in the comments to one or both of these two questions:
What spiritual practices help you stand firm?
What brings you joy?
Peace,
Rev. Deb
