Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline continued

[1:17] But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

7. THE DEMONTRATION "Love"

May I take a bit of liberty with this verse for a moment without discrediting it in any way? Could Paul be saying, "Those who love Christ and me know that I have been appointed and am established in verbally replying or responding to all that happens and has happened to me with the gospel? That is a demonstration of both their love and Paul's as well as their understanding about Paul's situation, which further indicates their growth in "knowledge and understanding".

"I am where I am - HERE because I am who I am - HIS and because I am whose I am HIS I do what I do HEARLD the Gospel. Those in the palace may not have heard me as a preacher, but they have heard of me as a prisoner." Everybody was talking about this prisoner who was singing and praising God half the night and keeping all the prisoners intact when they could have escaped during the earthquake. God knows how to get people’s attention without a billboard.

What an encouragement this all must have been to those who loved Paul so. Silas was in prison with him. Timothy was close by and Paul hoped to send him soon. Epaphroditus was returning to Philippi soon after being so ill he almost died. It was all in the plan of God and the place of God for the benefit of the people of God so they could all praise God.

By the way, that is precisely why you are who you are and where you are and facing what you do. Be an example in demonstrating your love and encouragement.

BLESSINGS!