Young People's Group

“I Have You in My Heart”

by Mitchell Tan
June 13, 2018

“LOVING THE BROTHERHOOD”

We must take a moment to give thanks to the Lord for His blessings at our recent YPG outing. Even though we had to change our venue for the outing from Sentosa to the National Stadium, Sports Hub, everything turned out really well. Most of us were conscious of what it meant to honour all men and to love the brotherhood. Everybody did their part to make sure that we did not disrupt anyone who was exercising at the National Stadium. We sought to look out for each other and make sure that no one was left out. Those who had minor abrasions and cuts were attended to lovingly. The weather was perfect; the sky was overcast and there was a nice wind blowing throughout. The games were well executed and the fellowship over lunch was good. We thank God that He blessed the occasion and that we could learn to love the brotherhood.

PAUL’S EXAMPLE IN LOVING THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH

“Just 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 defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:7-8

Paul was a very good example of one who loved the brotherhood.

1. ASPECTS OF LOVE

A. HE TREASURED THE PHILIPPIANS IN HIS HEART

The kind of love that Paul felt for the Philippians was one that was continuously in his heart.

B. HE LONGED FOR THEM WITH THE AFFECTIONS OF JESUS CHRIST

He loved them with deep affections of the Lord Jesus. It was deep and pure. We too can cultivate such a deep sense of love for each other.

2. EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE

A. LOVE EXPRESSED IN THE WAY HE THOUGHT OF THEM

Paul thought of the Philippians lovingly. He felt that it was only right that he thought of them in the following ways:

I. REMEMBERING THEIR FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL

He remembered the close and precious fellowship in the Lord that he had with the Philippians.

II. SEEING HOW THE LORD HAD BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN THEM AND WILL COMPLETE IT

It was obvious to Paul that the Lord had a started a deep work of salvation in the hearts and lives of the Philippians. And he was absolutely sure that He would perfect their faith and life.

III. SEEING THEM AS PARTAKERS OF THE GRACE OF GOD

He lovingly saw them as fellow recipients of the same grace of God.

Young people, we can also show love by the way we think of each other.

B. LOVE EXPRESSED IN THE WAY HE SUFFERED AND SERVED

Paul suffered much for the Lord and the brethren at the Philippian Church. He was willing to suffer anything for them. He also sought to defend the gospel of the Lord Jesus. He made sure that the gospel of Jesus would be established. He did everything for the sake of his brethren.

Young people, let’s also express our love for the brethren in deeds and service.

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