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Daily Devotions

Philippians

Philippians 
Day 
Day 12

"The affection of Jesus Christ."

Text: Philippians 1:8

STRONG MOTIVATION

It is difficult to endure any suffering. The apostle Paul endured much suffering for the sake of the gospel. He must have very strong motivation to be able to stay so deeply committed to the cause he espoused.

“For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all
with the affection of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:8

1. “God is my witness”

a) This was a special expression used by the apostle Paul.
b) He calls upon God as his witness.
c) What is the significance of this statement?
i) He is making a solemn statement of truth.
ii) It is almost like making an oath.

2. “How greatly I long for you all”

a) Paul bared his heart to the Philippians.
b) He loved them deeply.
c) He missed their fellowship (as he languished in prison).
d) He longed to see them for he missed them badly.

3. “With the affection of Jesus Christ”

a) The love that he bore for the Philippians was a deep and pure one.
b) The word “affection” is the same word translated “compassion” in other texts (Matthew 9:36).
c) The word “affection” is a valid equivalent of the word “compassion”.

AFFECTION IS A POWERFUL MOTIVATION

Compassion or affection is a powerful source of motivation for life and ministry.

1. This was evidenced in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
2. This was exemplified in the life of the apostle Paul.
3. Impact of compassion
a) It makes the heart tender.
b) It enables the heart to genuinely care.
c) It enables a person to minister in a fresh and gentle way consistently.
d) It fulfils what the Lord Jesus taught His disciples about the place of love for each other (John 13:34).