Amen.
Summary: The word “Amen,” is handy to know for several reasons. In our closing meditation, we look at a few things Paul mentions in his letter.
As we come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it is worth taking a few minutes to look back over Paul’s words to us. (He is, after all, a messenger of God to you and me.)
What would you pick out as something to say, “Amen!” to? Here are a few things Paul wrote that caught my eye:
1. “[He] who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:4b)
To that I say, “Amen! So be it!”
God is not a quitter. No matter how inadequate we feel as children of God, he is patient, loving, and persistent. He will see that we make it all the way home.
2. One of my favorite lines in the whole letter is where Paul writes, “But what does it matter?” (Phil 1:18). He is clearly frustrated by people who preach Christ out of “false motives.”
What I hear in Paul’s words is a proclamation that “the important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached,” and to that I say, “Amen!”
3. When it comes to getting along with other people, unity in Christ is important (John 17:22-24). Paul doesn’t back away from this issue. In Philippians 2:5, he gives us this instruction:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus …”
While this may not always be easy, I wholeheartedly agree. This is another point that I can say “Amen!” to.
4. One of the things I like about Paul’s writings is that he doesn’t shy away from the tough topics. When it comes to salvation, people want to hear that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).
Paul challenges our thinking with words like — “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12b). This might challenge our thinking, but once again I say, “Amen!”
5. Finally, while there are dozens more “favorites” we could talk about, let’s close with this one:
“Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!”
I hope that is something we can all say “Amen!” to.
Application: Practice shouting “Amen!” out loud in church after everything the pastor says. (Trust me. He’ll love it! 🙂 )
Food for Thought: As you look back over Paul’s letter to the Philippians, what passages make you want to shout out, “Amen!”?
*Philippians 4:20b – “Amen”
Interesting take on “amen,”. I like it. It is hard to pick one passage or verse to say amen to in this great book. But if I had to chose one, I think I would go with:
Philippians 2: 5 – 11: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature a God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature b of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Thank you, Rich!
That is a great verse and a worthy goal!
Good devotion this morning; I liked the passages you picked and the format of the devotion.
As you look back over Paul’s letter to the Philippians, what passages make you want to shout out, “Amen!”?
Philippians 1:9-10 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
I like this passage because it is a prayer for believers, a prayer to grow in Christ, grow in our relationship with Him, allow Him to work through us, and a prayer for what it is we are ultimately striving for: to be more like Christ.
Thank you, Chris!
I say “Amen!” to that! Paul takes Jesus seriously, and so should we!
As you look back over Paul’s letter to the Philippians, what passages make you want to shout out, “Amen!”?
Philippians 1:6, Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:13, For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 3:14, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
In the power of the Holy Spirit God has called me, given me life, opened my eyes, given me my faith, and is the power to see and live according to His will over my own in all situations. My calling is to slowdown, listen, observe His will being done around me, and act as He directs me.
Thank you, Ron!
Great words of advice! Slow down, listen, and observe. Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean charging off on our own, does it?
Great verses, too! I want to shout out a special “Amen!” to the last one you referenced. So true!