Moments of Grace
Living in the Moment
Children enjoy the present like very few of us do. Too often the Adult in us reminds us of all the things we need to be doing, so we move on, or become preoccupied with where we are going - which means "occupying" some point in the future before you get there - and so we miss being fully present in the moment we are in. Experiencing the present for what it is is not always easy for us.
Paul speaks about what it means to truly live in the moment. Not just survive the moment, but to actually live in the moment. "Rejoice" Paul says. That is what characterizes the way he is alive in the moment. The only problem was, the "moment" he was in was not one he would have chosen. Neither would we. Paul was under house arrest, awaiting a trial, and it was not at all certain that the outcome was going to be his release. Yet, Paul still found reason to rejoice. Interesting.
Perhaps, as Pastor Pablo suggests, one of the reasons for this was that Paul had discovered how to live in the moment in a way that was truly life giving, even though the circumstances themselves were not that encouraging on many levels. Paul says,
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
How is it that Paul was able to live with such joy in the moment? What is that all about? That is what Pastor Pablo invites us to consider as he reflects with us on Paul's words in Philippians 4. If you would like to listen to the sermon again (or perhaps for the first time) you can access our sermon library by clicking here. Or, if you would like to see the live stream version of the service, you can access that by clicking here.
Philippians 4
(TNIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.