Address to confirmees (Dec 9, 2018)

+ In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti + Amen.

Text: Philippians 1:9-11
Theme: Knowledge of Truth

Dear friends in Christ Jesus,

Dear candidates for confirmation; Kye, Riley Darcy, Keely, Quinn, Bryce, Reese;

Knowledge…in the Bible reading from Philippians St. Paul prays that believers would, “abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.”1 But what kind of knowledge is he talking about? There is practical knowledge- how to do things and get places. There is academic knowledge, information about math, sciences literature, history…and the list is endless. There is vocational knowledge, the ability to be competent in your career. What about depth of insight? There are different kinds of insight too. Insight into how to properly manage relationships. Sensitivity to the struggles others are going through. When we want a quick answer to things today what do most people do? They Google it! The Bible is on Google too. That’s good news.

But we can’t obtain the knowledge and insight Paul is talking about simply by googling. St. Paul is speaking about knowledge of salvation and the wisdom of God.
In a few moments you will each be asked a series of questions and the final one you will be asked to respond to is this: “Do you intend faithfully to conform all your life to the divine Word, to be faithful in the use of God’s Word and sacraments, which are his means of grace, and in faith, word, and action to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death?” Now that’s a big promise and if you take it seriously it will not be an easy promise to keep. Why?

Firstly, God knows you. That is bad news in a way. He knows that you are sinners. He knows you will constantly be tempted to think of yourself first and forget about what God says. No one knows exactly where life will take any of you, but we do know where Satan and the unbelieving world would like to take you: As far away from God’s word, His truth, His house, and His kingdom as possible. The devil has proven to be very effective at this in recent times. Also, the world is filled with darkness. It is deep and sinister, but it is often disguised in a way that appears attractive and appealing.

Secondly, remember God knows you and that is also very, very good news. Christ went to the cross where He shed His blood for you. He overcame death and the grave for you. Crucified and risen He lives to intercede for you. He promises to never leave you or forsake you. There is nothing that will come your way in life that is too difficult for God to handle, even, and especially, death itself.


To know God isn’t just a matter of knowing some facts about Him. You’ve learned the Apostles’ Creed the Ten Commandments and much more. But knowing God involves a relationship. It involves communication, reception, commitment. You cannot make God into someone or something else. As soon as you try to do so you have made an idol. But God can and has and will make/made you into someone else. The Holy Spirit gives you faith and as He grows you in that faith. He shapes you into a unique person with a unique place of service in His kingdom.

The Bible is the only source of knowledge that matter in the end. It is God’s love letter to you. Each of you has been assigned a Bible verse on this day of your confirmation and that’s just one little piece of God’s knowledge and insight. The vow you are making to day is like signing a blank piece of paper, having it notarized and trusting in God to fill in whatever He thinks if best. Your focus isn’t on what great adventures, what hardships, or what joys God may fill in that blank space. Your focus is on Him, His trustworthy character, His promise. He loves you more profoundly than you’ll even know. But the cross does give us the closest picture we have.

Christ is light. He is forgiveness. He is salvation. Confirmation is not graduation. It is just one step in your life-long baptismal journey. And it is a journey you never travel alone. May God bless each of you now and from this day forward and may the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, your Saviour, keep you strong until the day you meet Him face to face. Amen.
+ In nomine Jesu +

Second Sunday of Advent
Rite of Confirmation
9 December 2018
Reverend Darrin L. Kohrt





1 Philippians 1:9