Philippians 1: 7-11
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
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. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christb]">[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
How do you respond when a friend is going through tough times? What about when they are being accused of something that you're not sure is right? As I said in a previous post, Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter, and in 2 Timothy 4 he lists several people who have abandoned him because of his chains, yet the people in Philippi never doubted him. They stood strong with him until the end, because they believed in him and his message. So when someone comes to you and they're talking bad about one of your friends, do you stick with that friend, or let them slide?
-Jeff-
Pastor Jeff Graham said:
Vs. 11 says may you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation. Galatians 5 talks about the fruit of the Spirit, I wonder if that is different than the fruit of salvation. In context it looks like the fruit of salvation is living a right life, which is true. When you get saved and come to God, you should stop sinning. Does it mean more than that? Sorry for rambling, this phrase stuck out to me this am.
-Jeff-