Philippians 4:10: You Have Revived Your Concern For Me

Philippians 4:10
[10] I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. (ESV)

The Apostle Paul had given his life for the ministry of the Gospel. He had traveled the known world at that time preaching. As a result he was sitting in a prison cell. I can only imagine what he might have been thinking as he sat there, imprisoned for his faith. We know that he was faithful and trusted the Lord during that time. Yet, he also needed the support of people in the body of Christ.

Philippi was a special place for Paul. Several years before the writing of this letter Paul had preached the Gospel there and seen God do amazing things. As you read through this Epistle you can tell that Paul has great love in his heart for these people. He tells them in this verse that he is rejoicing that they have come to his aid now that he is in prison. They heard he was in need and they met the need.

What a great example this relationship between the Apostle Paul and Philippi is. It is a pattern for us as well. There are Christians all over the world who are in prison for their faith. They need a loving partner to provide for their needs. Voice of the Martyrs is a wonderful ministry that brings awareness to the free church in the West of the persecuted believers around the world.

Paul ends this verse by saying, "You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity." I want to pose two questions to you. Are you concerned about those who are right now being persecuted for their faith? Secondly, do you recognize that you have an opportunity? Just like the Philippian believers had concern for Paul, and acted on it; you also can do the same for those who are persecuted and imprisoned like him.

Make a decision to pray for the persecuted church. Ask God to increase your concern. Consider making a financial donation to Voice of the Martyrs. Go to www.persecution.com.

Comments

Romans 8:18: For I Consider That The Sufferings Of This Present Time Are Not Worth Comparing

Romans 8:18 [18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (ESV) Perspective. What an important word. Let's be honest. We do not like the idea of suffering. We will do almost anything to avoid any kind of suffering. Some churches have gone so far as to preach against the idea of suffering, declaring it to not be a part of the true believer's life. Paul is not shy about the topic. Paul uses the sufferings of this present time as a means to consider the greater glory that awaits us. Perspective. Paul is not in any way attempting to diminish our suffering. A view toward eternity puts our suffering in a proper understanding. Yes, our suffering is terrible. In the grand scheme of eternity it is not even worth comparison. Maybe you are thinking that Paul does not know what he is talking about when it comes to suffering. In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul describes countless beatings, often near death,

Romans 15:20-21: And Thus I Make It My Ambition To Preach The Gospel, Not Where Christ Has Already Been Named

Romans 15:20–21 [20] and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, [21] but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” (ESV) We need to be reminded continually that the message of the Gospel is intended to move all across the world. Jesus said that his followers were to preach the Gospel, starting in Jerusalem, and continue preaching the Gospel to the whole world. Christians have not always been good at delivering the Gospel message as far and as often as they should. In the first century church it took intense persecution to motivate the disciples in Jerusalem to bring the Gospel to Judea and Samaria. Once the disciples fled to new regions they shared the Gospel wherever they went. Would the disciples have preached the Gospel without the persecution? We may never know. Some probably would have stayed in their co

James 2:18: I Will Show You My Faith By My Works

James 2:18 [18] But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (ESV) There are certain things in life that go together. Peanut butter and jelly. Double stuff Oreo cookies and milk. Faith and works. James raises the point that someone might argue that faith and works can be separated. "One will say, "You have faith and I have works." Is it ok for works to be separated from faith? James is making the argument that faith and works are not to be separated. James is saying to the one who has faith only, with no works, that he wants them to see his faith by his works. In other words, if you are going to claim to have faith, but have no works, you have no evidence of faith. If I am to believe that a person has genuine faith I can only see that by their works. Faith brings action. There are so many people to claim to have some kind of faith, yet when it comes down to it, their

Every Day Devotion

Search This Blog