Preparing for the Lord's Day
This Sunday, the Rivermont pastors welcome to our pulpit, Pastor Todd Erickson, the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee. Please be in prayer for Pastor Todd as he leads our Men’s Retreat this weekend and prepares to bless us in worship. He writes…
We will be looking together at Philippians 1:3-11. In these opening verses of Philippians, Paul sets a tone of gratitude and joy that resonates deeply with us today. Writing from a place of confinement, likely under house arrest, he begins not with complaints or despair, but with thanksgiving: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). This is no shallow optimism; it’s a deliberate choice to focus on the goodness of God and the faithfulness of the Philippian church. Paul’s words remind us that even in life’s hardest moments, there is power in reflecting on the people and purposes that God has placed in our lives. His affection for this community shines through, rooted in their shared partnership in the gospel—a partnership that began when they first believed and continues as they grow in faith.
As Paul moves forward, he offers a prayer that is both a blessing and a challenge: he prays for their love to abound more and more, with knowledge and discernment, so they may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ (Philippians 1:9-11). This isn’t just a warm sentiment; it’s a call to maturity, to a faith that doesn’t stagnate but deepens and bears fruit. Paul’s confidence rests not in their perfection, but in God’s promise: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). For us, this passage invites reflection on our own journey—how are we growing in love, in wisdom, in readiness for Christ’s return? It’s a reminder that our faith is not a solo endeavor but a shared story, sustained by God’s relentless grace and the encouragement of one another.
To prepare your heart for worship, please be in prayer and take time these next couple days to read and reflect on Philippians 1:1-11, Psalm 86:1-17, and Psalm 133:1-3. Look forward to singing “All Praise to God, Who Reigns Above,” “Man of Sorrows! What a Name,” and “Hast Thou Heard Him, Seen Him, Known Him.” On this fifth Sunday of Lent, we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon Him and all His benefits. Come this Lord’s Day, ready to have the Gospel poured into our lives!
Sermon Text: Philippians 1:3-11
Sermon Title: "I Thank God For You!"