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’It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 1:7-8)
After this week’s text, Paul will declare, ‘And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight’ (1:9). We must know, but then we must show the affection of Jesus.
What do you think that God would ‘testify’ about the condition of your heart toward your local church?
Let’s think a bit about the affection of Christ Jesus. This letter revolves around what we read of Jesus’ sacrificial love in Philippians 2:1-11. The affection of Jesus entailed His leaving glory, becoming a man, limiting his powers, being rejected, going to the cross, taking the judgement for our sin upon Himself. Paul could say, ‘God is my witness, I love you in this way!’.
I confess that I have a measure of the affection of Christ toward you at Community Church Putney, but it drastically falls short of the affection of Christ Jesus! That’s true of you also! Paul’s prayer for their love to ‘abound more and more’ makes it clear that they are not yet perfect, and that’s okay! But it’s not okay to be passive about our growth in love!
RESPONSE
We need to know and then show the love of Jesus. Love is practical. It’s giving our lives up for the good of another. If you truly desire to grow in the affection of Jesus, He will give you ample opportunity to practice sacrificial love.
Start noticing and take the opportunities to ‘wash people’s feet’ that He gives to you. Love is shown and grown through sacrificial service. The affection of Jesus is as much action as feeling.
Each time we deny ourselves in favour of serving others, we are loving with and growing in the affection of Christ Jesus.
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY
There are no Community Groups this week due to our quiz night this Tuesday at 8 pm (7th)
Please contact the church office is you have not received a Zoom link in Church News.
