Prayer and the Word Acts 6:4 “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” (NKJV) August 3, 2013 Defending the Gospel Together Scripture Reading of the Day: Philippians 1:1 – 11 Scripture Verses of the Day: Philippians 1:7 – “7just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.” Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Philippian church. In his opening thoughts he talks about the love he has for them in the Lord, he talks about the confidence he has of their walk with the Lord, and he talks about how grateful he is for their support and care for him while he is in prison. Paul had much to be thankful for as should all Christians who know the joy of defending the gospel together. Verse seven starts out, “…just as it is right for me to think this of you all…” Paul here is referring to verse six and his confidence of their faith in the Lord and knowing that when the Lord comes again, they will be together again. In a roundabout way, Paul is declaring the hope we all have in being able to see family, friends, and other Christians in heaven who have come to know Jesus as their own personal Lord and Saviour. Paul knows these things to be true and says, “…because I have you in my heart…” When you know someone through thick and thin, you have a heartfelt assurance of their faith. Paul had this. Paul now states, “…in as much as both in my chains and in defense and confirmation of the gospel…” Paul wants to remind them that it is not only their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ which gives him confidence, but their actions show their faith in motion. James 2:18b says, “…show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” This is what Paul was saying to the Philippian church. They backed up their words with action. Take the time to read Philippians 2:25 and Philippians 4:14 – 18. These verses show why Paul felt the way he did about the Philippian church. Paul finishes this verse with these words, “…you all are partakers with me of grace.” Paul wants them to know that even though they may not always be there with them, they are partakers of his ministry through their support of him in the ministry of the gospel. This is the same today as we support missionaries in other places with our financial support, prayer, and meeting their needs. Prayer: Guide us Lord to be defenders of the gospel together.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Aug 2013 22:25:56 +0000
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