Sermon: Joy in Proclamation — Embracing God’s Call

Preacher: Venerable Dr. Jeffery Anyeneh

Good morning, Beloved in Christ! Gathering together in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ is a blessing. Today, we will explore the profound truths contained in Philippians 1:18 and Jeremiah 26:3-8, 12. These passages remind us of the transformative power of proclamation and the necessity of standing firm in our faith, even amidst opposition.

Let’s first read Philippians 1:18:

Next, let’s look at Jeremiah 26:3-8, 12:

Perhaps they will listen and turn—each from his evil way of life—so that I may relent from the punishment I plan to impose because of their evil deeds. Say to them: This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to Me and follow My law, which I have set before you… then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city an object of cursing for all the nations of the earth.” The priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the Lord. When he finished addressing all the people, the priests and prophets seized him and said,

and all the people crowded around Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.

(Verse 12): “Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard.”

In Philippians 1:18, the Apostle Paul expresses a remarkable attitude: “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

Despite being in prison and facing trials, Paul finds joy in the simple yet profound truth that Christ is being preached. This is a lesson for us today—our happiness should not be contingent upon our circumstances but upon the advancement of the Gospel.

When you share the love of Christ, whether in your workplace, your family, or your community, there is no greater joy than knowing that you are part of God’s redemptive plan. Paul’s viewpoint encourages us to rejoice in the proclamation of Christ, even when that proclamation is met with resistance or misunderstanding.

Now, let’s shift our focus to the passage in Jeremiah. Jeremiah was obedient to the call God placed upon his life, a call that led him to deliver a difficult message to a resistant audience. God directed him to proclaim a warning to Israel: “Perhaps they will listen and turn—each from his evil way of life.”

Notice God’s heart here; He desires repentance over destruction. His longing is for His people to turn back to Him so they might experience His mercy. Yet, the response Jeremiah received was hostility: “You must die!

This begs the question: Are we willing to speak the truth of God’s Word, even when it may lead to opposition or rejection? In today’s culture, standing firm in your faith and proclaiming God’s truth often invites criticism, but like Jeremiah, we are called to be messengers of His Word.

When faced with hostility for proclaiming God’s Word, we may feel fear or doubt. However, we must remember that our call to obedience and truth lies beyond the reactions of others. In Jeremiah 26:12, he boldly states, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words that you have heard.”

This declaration reveals a profound understanding that his mission is ordained by God. When we recognize that our mission is not based on our strength but on God’s calling, we can face opposition with courage.

Even the early church faced persecution yet continued to proclaim the Gospel. Acts 5:41 tells us: “They left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Their joy was rooted in the honor of proclaiming the name of Christ, even when it came with a cost.

As we think about our lives today, we must ask ourselves: How can we cultivate this same joy in our own lives? The answer lies in our willingness to be obedient to God’s call.

When we align ourselves with God’s purpose, joy naturally follows. Philippians 1:18 encapsulates a mindset that rejoices in Christ’s proclamation over personal comfort.

Friends, our focus should be on celebrating the ways God is at work. Every testimony we share, every Gospel conversation we initiate, every act of love we show—these are moments of joy because they glorify God.

Even in the face of opposition, we can emulate Paul and Jeremiah by proclaiming Christ boldly and joyfully. So, how are you proclaiming Christ in your life? Are you seizing opportunities to share His love with others?

As we wrap up, let us reflect on these two powerful reminders:

The necessity of bold proclamation and the joy that comes from our obedience. Let the words from Philippians and Jeremiah resonate within us:

Let us pray for courage and joy as we go forth to proclaim the good news of our Lord in a world that desperately needs to hear it. Amen.

Now, as we bow our heads, I encourage anyone feeling the weight of disobedience or fear of sharing their faith to come forward in prayer. Let’s ask God for renewed strength and joy as we seek to proclaim His truth in our lives. May we never forget the mission we have been given and the joy that comes from faithful service in His name. Amen.