HEART FELT

December 5, 1999 PM

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Sermon Outline

Phil 1:7,8

INTRO: In tenderness and degree the two verses we have read are without peer in this letter. From these verses we can feel so much of the special bond which existed between Paul and the Philippians. As I continue to delve into this little letter and feel even more with Paul as he writes, I keep thinking of Lydia, the little Greek slave girl and the Roman jailor ... these are representative of the people for whom the apostle had such deep affection. in these introductory verses and thoughts we can assuredly conclude that this is a Heart Felt letter.

I. PAUL HAD THE PHILIPPIANS IN HIS HEART

A. All of them were so addressed you all

1. compare 1 Cor 1:14,15 could not feel the same

2. or Gal 6:17 where nagging problems existed

3. what might having them in his heart mean?

B. He had them in memory (v.3)

1. in every prayer of mine always on his mind

2. people who touch our hearts are remembered

3. parents, friends, family ... time, distance nor death erase the memory of people in our hearts

C. He had them in affection (v.8)

1. bowels ancient Greeks located emotions of love, joy, pity, etc. in the stomach brain

2. it was not just business, not casual, not sterile

3. a genuine, intense affection was felt for them

D. He had a concern for them (v.24)

1. strangely, was not so concerned about his own plight

2. but he wanted these dear friends in Christ to prosper, to be comforted, to be filled with peace (v.28)

3. one of the great realities of people consciousness is the weight of concern one will ultimately feel it is not a negative factor, however

E. He was in sympathy with them (2:25,26)

1. he felt with them in their concern for Epaphroditus

2. sympathy is feeling with (note 2:17,18)

3. sympathy issues from tender heart ... in which others are (note they are partakers of Pauls bonds)

F. He desired to be present with them (v.8)

1. longed after them again, not just a passing thought

2. grief and separation are two realities in our lives with which we must often deal if we never formed heart felt relationships, wed not experience these feelings

3. Paul was separated from people whose company he longed again to enjoy (1:25,26)

II. TWO BASES FOR PAULS FEELINGS FOR THEM

A. They were unashamed of his bonds

1. 2 Tim 1:8 he was the prisoner of Jesus

2. his imprisonment was result of his preaching Christ crucified and risen ... no reason for shame in that!

3. when trouble came to their beloved Paul, they sought every practical means to relieve his distresses

4. his confident feelings had a tangible basis

B. They were vitally concerned about/in his labors

1. defense and confirmation of the gospel

2. these people did not do lip service to their discipleship; to their conviction ... they believed and did

3. they knew what Paul accomplished in Rome would have a great bearing of the gospel worldwide they were concerned

4. each of them no doubt has his own personal concerns but it seems that the gospel and the preaching of it was an overriding concern ... no wonder Paul was so confident in them (v.6)

CLOSE: We will move quickly into the very practical encouragement and teaching of this powerful letter. But as we do, we will not be able to forget that each word is truly heart felt!

Cecil A. Hutson

05 December 1999