Having looked at the subject of Christian joy, Conrad proceeded to look at the subject more specifically in connection with Christian service. I chaired the meeting.
He began by describing the miserable attitude that sometimes comes upon Christian workers and then pointed out how Paul the Apostle was so different in this respect. He then proceeded to draw out from Philippians some of the contributory factors in this.
1. An unfained love for souls
This comes out in the very way that Paul refers to the Philippians (Dear friends, etc). God's love to us should lead to love for him and love for his people. The problem with the Pharisees, typified in the older lost brother, was a lack of love for the younger brother it can be found today. Paul loved the Philippians and the Philippians responded in love to Paul. That is how it should be.
2. An all consuming love for the gospel
This comes out in Chapter 1. Once we see the gospel at work adn the changes it makes how can we not be gripped by it.
3. An all inspiring love for the God of this gospel
This comes out in the very way that Paul refers to the Philippians (Dear friends, etc). God's love to us should lead to love for him and love for his people. The problem with the Pharisees, typified in the older lost brother, was a lack of love for the younger brother it can be found today. Paul loved the Philippians and the Philippians responded in love to Paul. That is how it should be.
2. An all consuming love for the gospel
This comes out in Chapter 1. Once we see the gospel at work adn the changes it makes how can we not be gripped by it.
3. An all inspiring love for the God of this gospel
In broken lives he saw the potential of their being image bearers of the God he loved. His love for the gospel was his love for its power to transform people so that they would live for the God he loves. Paul did not care whether he lived or died but cared rather for Christ. This is why he had such harsh words for those who pretended to be God's servants but opposed the gospel in fact. Are you driven by love for God?
It is God who he is devoted to that has given him the relationship with these people that he has. Is your life all about God?
Christian service is costly. There are the misunderstandings of friends, persecution from enemies, worldliness among those you serve, backslidings among those you expected much from. There are tears. If joy is missing such trials will do their worst. Watch out.
What ever happens love souls, love the gospel and love God and your dungeons of dark will be filled with light. More than that, what joy will be yours to stand before God and see those he has saved through your labours! How wonderful to receive the crown and to hear that well done good adn faithful servant. What joy, what joy, what joy!
May we anticipate it now.
It is God who he is devoted to that has given him the relationship with these people that he has. Is your life all about God?
Christian service is costly. There are the misunderstandings of friends, persecution from enemies, worldliness among those you serve, backslidings among those you expected much from. There are tears. If joy is missing such trials will do their worst. Watch out.
What ever happens love souls, love the gospel and love God and your dungeons of dark will be filled with light. More than that, what joy will be yours to stand before God and see those he has saved through your labours! How wonderful to receive the crown and to hear that well done good adn faithful servant. What joy, what joy, what joy!
May we anticipate it now.
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