Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Philippians

Philippians 
Day 
Day 10

"I have you in my heart..."

Text: Philippians 1:7

AN OUTSTANDING SERVANT OF GOD

The apostle Paul was outstanding in many ways. The list of his accomplishments was long and very significant. The following may be highlighted:

1. He had a brilliant mind.

a) This is well reflected in his epistles.
b) His letters reflect a brilliant mind.

2. He had an indefatigable spirit of courage.

a) He faced many dangers.
b) But he allowed no suffering to deter him from serving the Lord.

3. He was full of faith.

a) His faith was always steadfast.
b) He walked by faith and not by sight.

A WONDERFUL HEART

The apostle Paul reveals in the following text that he had a truly noble heart of a shepherd.

“Just as it is right for me to think this of you all,
because I have you in my heart…”
Philippians 1:7

1. “It is right for me to think this of you all”

a) Thoughts of thanksgiving.
b) Thoughts of joy.
c) Thoughts of God doing a good and special work in their hearts.
d) All these thoughts were good and right!

2. “Because I have you in my heart”

a) There was the objective element where God’s work is made evident in their lives (Philippians 1:6).
b) There was also the subjective element.
i) The Philippians had written upon Paul’s heart.
ii) Of course Paul had written upon their hearts too.
iii) Paul reflected the true heart of a shepherd.
iv) He knew his sheep and he loved them dearly (as the Lord Jesus exemplified in John 10).