PLEADING THE LORD'S CAUSE

Good morning everyone.

 

Here is today's Bible lesson:

 

PLEADING THE LORD'S CAUSE

 

READ:

Philippians 1:12-18

 

I am appointed for the defense of

the gospel.  -Philippians 1:17

 

Charles Finney, a 29-year-old lawyer, was concerned about his soul's salvation.  On October 10, 1821, he retreated to a wooded area near his home for a time of prayer.  While there, he had a profound conversion experience.  He wrote:  The Holy Spirit...seemed to go through me, body and soul...Indeed it seemed to come in waves of liquid love."

 

The next day, he met with a client who had come to him for legal representation.  Finney told him:  "I have a retainer from the Lord Jesus Christ to plead His cause and cannot plead yours."  He left his law practice and entered the ministry.  Later, he would be used mightily of God to bring others to Christ.

 

The apostle Paul was also called to plead the Lord's cause.  He wrote, "I am appointed for the defense of the gospel" (Philippians 1:17).  The word translated "defense" was used in the ancient world for an attorney pleading his case in a court of law.  All believers are called to share the wonderful news of the saving grace of God.  "Now then, we are ambassadores for Christ, as though God were pleading through us:  we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).

 

What a great privilege to be used of God to bring others to Christ!  -Dennis Fisher

 

Do we really care for those

Who live beneath God's wrath?

The gospel must be shared with them,

To turn them from death's path. -Sper

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The good news of Christ is too good

to keep to yourself.

 

INSIGHT

As Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi he was under house arrest in Rome awaiting trial before Caesar, His crime?  Faithfully representing Christ, regardless of the animosity that commitment often generated.  When arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27ff.), Pau7l, on the basis of his Roman citizenship, appealed his case to Caesar, resulting in his transfer to Rome for that hearing.  We later find that when he had his first hearing before Caesar, no one stood to speak in his behalf (2 Timothy 4:16).  But the apostle was comforted by the ever-faithful presence of his Lord (v.17).

 

Have a blessed day and weekend.

God Our Creator's Love Always

Unity & Peace