Possessing The Affection
Text: Philippians 1:7-8
15 February 2014
DEFINING THE WORD “AFFECTION”
1. This word is translated “compassion” in Matthew 9:36
2. “Compassion” and “Affection” go together
THE AFFECTION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL FOR THE PHILIPPIANS
1. This was the same compassion the Lord Jesus felt when He saw the multitudes (Matthew 9:35-36)
2. Paul possessed this powerful sense of compassion for people in his ministry
COMPASSION IN THE MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL
1. People are in our heart Philippians 1:7
a) Genuine care
b) Genuine concern
2. The genuineness is attested by the following
a) Paul was in chains (reference to imprisonment)
b) It was not for crimes he committed
c) It was for the sake of the Gospel
i) Paul was imprisoned in Philippi Acts 16
ii) He was imprisoned again in Caesarea Acts 25-26
d) He stoutly defended the Gospel Philippians 1:7
e) His ministry and suffering confirmed the Gospel he proclaimed Philippians 1:7
Only one with deep faith in the Gospel could go through such suffering for the Lord
PERSONAL TESTIMONY
1. Paul testified that he had deep affection for the Philippians
2. He was prepared to suffer for the sake of the Gospel and for them
3. This affection came from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself
BIBLE MEMORY
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few
Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send our labourers into His harvest.”
Matthew 9:36-38
OUR PRAYER
1. To have hearts that would feel compassion/affection for people
2. To have more labourers who have compassionate hearts to reach people with the Gospel
3. To offer ourselves in response to the Lord as labourers with compassion