Sermon for October 5, 2008 

                                 Scripture: Philippians 3:4a-14

                                     Rev. Christopher Fazel

As most of you know, I have for several years been involved in a Christian/Muslim dialogue that has long been established here in Anoka County. It takes place at the Islamic Center in Fridley. I have made many friends there, and although I don’t make it every time, I consider the dialogue extraordinarily valuable for myself, for our community, and for the world. 

One of the most important things I’ve learned at the dialogues is that there is a similar range of thinking in both the Islamic world and the Christian. In both worlds, there are those who consider the holy book to be the word of God -- literal, inerrant and unchanging for all time. And there are those in both worlds who understand that the texts were written at a point in history in a specific culture, and that the spirit of God continues to pour forth guidance and enlightenment in each generation. 

I remember one dialogue in particular when Achmed, a professor of engineering from Egypt was tracing the statements in the Qu'ran concerning slavery. And he was demonstrating that there was a development of thought in the reconstructed chronology of these statements. In other words, Achmed was arguing that over time, Muhammad’s revelations became less and less comfortable with slavery. And he argued that if Muhammad had lived longer, the Qu’ran would include a prohibition of slavery. 

And my hand shot up, and I asked, “Does that mean, that beyond the boundaries of the book, God’s revelation of truth…” And he finished my sentence for me, “It continues,” he said. And I just sat back in gratitude and amazement. I had heard from the mouth of a well-educated Muslim that God is still speaking.

Now, not everyone shares that view either in the Muslim world or in the Christian. Some say God is still speaking and others say God has spoken, and it’s hard to know just where the curve is, on how many believe what. I’d kind of like Gallop to take a poll on that question, because frankly, I believe that the future of the human community will be determined partly on how that question is answered. 

Personally, I have trouble believing that a “Living God” would have no more guidance for me today than what was given two thousand years ago. And I was very delighted to find in our reading today that Paul makes room for continued guidance from a living God.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians has been a favorite for Christians from the beginning. It is warm and friendly and contains some of the most beautiful passages in all of Paul’s writings. Just listen to this, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8-9) Don’t you just love that!

But the statement that spoke to me this week follows directly on the heals of our reading today. Right after Paul talks about pressing on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, Paul says this, "Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.”

Now, I think Paul says a lot in these two sentences, just as he has said a lot in the entire passage. The whole section is about growth. Paul understands that we are in a process of spiritual growth. All of his letters attest to this. And this section is among his most eloquent. He talks of leaving certain things behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, pressing on to the ultimate prize – the transformation of one’s soul into the nature of Christ. Paul realizes that such transformation does not happen in an instant, but rather is a long, long race. 

And he allows for the fact that as we develop, we will encounter new understandings and insights. And Paul’s only concerns are that those insights come from God, and that the good that has been achieved be not destroyed. In other words, just because an idea is new, that makes it neither good nor bad. Rather, we must develop a discerning mind to determine whether the new thing is in keeping with the spirit of God, as we understand it, and whether or not it builds on the good that we have achieved. 

Now, I wish there were some authority that could evaluate for us all new ideas and insights and tell us which ones to follow and which ones to avoid. But, in point of fact, there is none. As Paul tells the Philippians, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” I swear, the more I read Paul, the more he sounds UCC to me. 

Our God is a living God who walks with us into whatever future lies ahead. If we learn to listen -- if we learn to follow, the way will be shown. God does not promise that the future will be easy or painless. God does promise that whatever the future brings, God will meet it with us bringing us the strength and guidance to see it through. Thanks be to God. Let us pray.

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