Philippians 4:20-23
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
What a beautiful ending to a beautiful and encouraging letter. Paul closed his letter to the Philippians much the way he opened it, with words of greeting and blessing. He also included here a doxology, a statement of glory-giving to God. These three proclamations – doxology, greeting and blessing – show us what the church is all about and remind us why we will keep the church going strong, even during our time of physical separation.
First, the church exists to glorify God, specifically through Jesus our Savior. We worship God. We sing his praise. We announce his goodness and love. We celebrate what He has done for us. We rejoice in his great promises. Our doxology is the same as Paul’s and the same as that of every believer for 2,000 years: to God be the glory for ever and ever.
Second, the church shares greetings with brothers and sisters in faith. We love each other. We show compassion toward each other. We stay connected with one another, even when it’s difficult. We send greetings through cards and phone calls and emails and social media. We greet each other because we believe that faith is a shared experience and following Jesus happens best when we walk alongside other believers.
Third, the church blesses each other and the world around us. We invite the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with people we love. We pray for God’s best to be given to our church family. We also bless our neighborhood and surrounding community, asking God to be gracious to them as well, even those who don’t yet know Jesus as their Savior.
To God be the glory, now and always. Greet one another in Jesus’ name. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.Father, may You be glorified and praised forever! Thank You for Jesus and for all my brothers and sisters in faith. Bless Your church with protection, strength and faith. Help me to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
