Joyful Affection

Filled with Joy!

Joyful Affection

Philippians 1:7-8

Me:

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

a. My wild oats

i. Returning to God and church

ii. Becoming a member

iii. Picking a preacher

b. Bro Harold Jones

i. I have them in my heart

We:

I Have You in My Heart

a. Our spiritual connections

Romans 12:15 NLT

15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

ii. It’s at the heart of a believer

b. Paul had those

i. Lydia a seller of purple cloth

ii. Here’s the story

Acts 16:40 (NLT)

40 When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.

c. These are often the sweetest friendships

i. Many of you are making those connections now

ii. Think of the sweet joyful affections you are experiencing

iii. Make it your mission to make connections

iv. Here’s why it’s important

God:

I Have You in My Heart

“All of you”

Philippians 1:7 (NLT)

7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart.

ii. The phrase “all of you” is used nine times

iii. Paul didn’t want to leave anyone out.

iv. Have you gotten to know those outside your group?

Christian love is “the tie that binds.”

i. Did you know that Christian love is the evidence of salvation?

1 John 3:14 (NET)

14 We know that we have crossed over from death to life because we love our fellow Christians. The one who does not love remains in death.

ii. It is the “spiritual lubrication” that keeps the machinery of life running smoothly.

What’s the proof of that love?

i. A willingness to suffer

Philippians 1:7 (NLT) —…You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.

Philippians 1:7 NLT

7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.

ii. Paul saw his circumstances as an opportunity to defend and share the gospel.

d. What’s the practical application of this?

i. No one is going to jail for defending the gospel

ii. But your enemy is going to be “distractions”

iii. How do you serve your fellow Christian?

iv. You look for opportunities

v. Trust me we won’t ask for help.

You: Action Step

I Have You in My Heart

a. Channeling Christ’ Love

Philippians 1:8 (CSB)

8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

ii. Wow “with the affection of Christ Jesus”

iii. Christian love is not something we work up

iv. It is something that God does in us and through us

v. It was not Paul’s love channeled through Christ; it was Christ’s love channeled through Paul.

b. Here is a challenge

Meet someone new

ii. Think outside your “box”

iii. I am fully aware of the groups within this church

iv. We don’t know the shoes someone has walked in.

v. Develop that fellowship

vi. You can’t have them in your heart if you don’t know their name.

Just image

All working for the good of each other

a. Putting words to actions.

1 John 3:18 (NLT)

18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

ii. Prove it that you are believer in Christ.

iii. Have them in your hearts