Eighth Sunday after Trinity

Author: The Revd Dr Peter Toon

Collect

O God whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and on earth: We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect Commentary

Christians believe, teach and confess that God is in final and ultimate control of everything that occurs in the cosmos and in the heaven of heavens, where are the angels. There is no space or time which is not governed by his will. ìHeís got the whole wide world in His hand.î

Since God is the sole Creator of the universe, of things visible and invisible, it follows that he is the Sustainer and Governor of the same. This is not to say that the world we know is without problems and pain. God governs it together with its sin and shame and does so according to his own pure and wise purposes and plans. In the End the whole cosmos will freely submit to his Authority, after which his providence will not need to take into account human and angelic rebellion, evil and sin. Then the whole created sphere will be filled with his glory.

If God the Father by the working of his Spirit is truly governing all things and working events for the long-term spiritual good and salvation of his elect people, then it is appropriate that these same people should cooperate with him as far as in them lies. They should ask of him what they know is pleasing to him. So they ask that he prevents from harming them all hurtful things - including everything from evil spirits through bad friends to harsh employers; and at the same time that he gives them those things which will profit them as disciples of Christ and sojourners and pilgrims on earth - good Christian worship, teaching and fellowship, fine opportunities for meditation and prayer, open doors for Christian service and so on.

God not only guides his people by his providence but he also ministers to then within their souls through the indwelling Spirit (see the Epistle, Romans 8:12ff.). His desire is that his people shall enter the kingdom of heaven because they do his well on earth (see the Gospel, Matthew 7:15ff.).

Epistle Romans 8. 12-17

BRETHREN, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Gospel St Matthew 7. 15-21

BEWARE of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.