HENRY MAHAN MATERIAL:
HOME PULPIT SERMONS TV SERMONS [WRITINGS]
ARTICLES [BCC] BULK SERMONS TGATI WNTE
Bible Class Commentaries:
Philippians
A
Bible Class Commentary
by
Henry T. Mahan
1
A letter from Paul to the Philippians
Philippians 1:1-11
Introduction. Philippi was a Roman colony and the chief city of Macedonia. Paul had received special instructions to go there (Acts 16:9-12). Lydia and the jailer (as well as others) were converted, forming the church at Philippi.
Paul was in prison at Rome when he wrote this epistle. He mentions his chains, Caesar's palace and some of Caesar's household sending their greetings to the church.
Paul was especially dear to these Philippians. He was the preacher who had brought them the gospel. Upon hearing that he was a prisoner in Rome, they sent their minister, Epaphroditus, to him with presents and good wishes. He sent this epistle back to them by their minister.
The design of the epistle is:
1. To express his love and affection for them.
2. To give an account of his imprisonment and the results of it.
3. To encourage them under affliction and persecution.
4. To excite them to love, unity and peace among themselves.
5. To caution them against false teachers, who were trying to mix Moses and Christ, the law and the gospel, grace and works in salvation.
6. To exhort them to a holy life and behavior.
7. To give thanks to them for their care for him.
v. 1. Paul, though the sole writer of this epistle, includes Timothy in his salutation for several reasons.
1. Timothy was with Paul when he preached in Philippi.
2. He planned to send Timothy to them (Phil. 2:19-23).
3. He shows the continued agreement between them in love and doctrine: 'The servants (bondslaves) of Jesus Christ.' Paul does not say, 'I am an apostle, and Timothy is young and less important.' He chooses a character which fits them both -- willing, loving bondslaves of Christ. (See Exod. 21:2-6.)
'To all the saints, bishops and deacons at Philippi.' Every believer is a saint, consecrated and sanctified in Christ. The bishops are the pastors and elders, concerned mainly with the spiritual state of the members. The deacons (along with the spiritual concern) are the servants of the church, who serve the Lord's Table, the tables of the poor and the secular affairs of the church.
vv. 2-5. This is a prayer of thanksgiving and petition.
1. He prays for grace and peace to be in them and upon them (v.2).
2. He thanks God for every thought and memory of them (v.3).
3. His memory of them and prayers for them bring him great joy (v.4).
4. He thanks God for their fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now (v.5).
This is the attitude we need to cultivate toward other believers. Leave off judging, criticizing and finding fault. Not only thank God for one another, but pray for his grace and peace to be with all believers.
May he by whose kind grace we meet,
Send his great Spirit from above,
Make our communications sweet,
And cause our hearts to burn with love.
v. 6. Paul's thanksgiving and joy on behalf of this church sprang from the confidence and persuasion that the work of grace which God had begun in them would result in their eternal glorification with Christ.
1. The 'good work' is regeneration, conversion, salvation and the forming of Christ in them.
2. It is 'begun.' It is not yet finished. We are saved, we are being saved and we will finally be saved when we awake with his likeness.
3. It is a work 'in you.' Christ does a work for us and also a work in us, sanctifying and making us new creatures (Eph. 2:8-10).
4. He does the work. He is the author and finisher of our faith. Salvation is of the Lord from beginning to end (1 Cor. 4:7).
vv. 7, 8. Paul further justifies his confidence in regard to these people on the basis of two other reasons: Firstly, God kept them on Paul's heart continually, and, secondly, they stood by him in love and defense of the gospel.
'It is right and appropriate for me to have this confidence and feel this way about you all, because even as you do me, I hold you in my heart as partakers and sharers, one and all with me, of grace. This is true when I am shut up in prison and when I am out in the field -- for God is my witness how I long for and pursue you all with love' (Amplified Version).
vv. 9-11. Paul again prays for them.
1. 'That your love may overflow more and more.' Growth in grace includes growth in the grace of love for Christ and his people.
2. 'That your love may increase in knowledge and judgment.' Our love for Christ and his people is not blind, ignorant infatuation. We know him, and the more we know of him in his perfection, the more we love him. We know them -- frail, weak and human like ourselves; yet our love grows as we are able to judge and discern true spiritual values.
3. 'That you may approve things that are excellent.' Or, 'that you may learn to sense what is of real value and excellence.' There is a difference in self-love and Christian love, in religious works and works of faith, and in knowing the doctrine of Christ and the Christ of doctrine.
4. 'That you may be sincere in your desires after God,' not stumbling nor causing others to stumble.
5. 'That you may be filled with the fruits of righteousness,' right standing before God in Christ and fight doing for the gory of Christ!
2
Encouragement during trial
Philippians 1:12-30
The church at Philippi had heard of the apostle's troubles. He wanted them to have a true and right understanding of trials and afflictions. He desired that the weak among them might not be offended and that all among them might be encouraged to bear with patience and cheerfulness whatever afflictions might befall them for Christ's sake.
vv. 12, 13. 'Now, I want you to understand and rest assured that my imprisonment has actually served to advance and give renewed strength to the spreading of the gospel.' Persecution for Christ's sake has often meant the carrying of the gospel to other places (Acts 8:4; 11:19, 20). Someone said, 'The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.' Also, persecution (our behavior under it and our attitude toward it) attracts attention and encourages others (Matt. 5:16).
Paul was not in prison for breaking the law, but for preaching the gospel of Christ (Acts 24:10-14). This was generally known throughout Caesar's court and in all other places. The gospel, as a result of Paul's confinement, had become an issue throughout the court (Acts 26:26). Our discomfort may be used of God to bring eternal comfort to others. It is said that ancient believers sold themselves into slavery to preach to the slaves. 'Christ became poor that we through his poverty might be rich' (2 Tim. 2:9, 10).
v. 14. Paul's sufferings not only resulted in the conversion of many outside the church, but were encouraging and strengthening to many within the church. These brethren were challenged and encouraged by Paul's patience and faithfulness under suffering. Many became bold to declare the gospel of Christ. Our attitude and our general conduct during trials have a strong influence one way or the other upon those who watch us.
vv. 15-17. I believe we can safely say that, whoever these men were, they truly preached the gospel of God's redeeming grace in Christ. Otherwise, Paul would not have rejoiced in their ministry (Gal. 1: 8).
1. Some preached Christ out of envy. They envied Paul's gifts, power and success. It is the same as jealousy. Now that he was in jail, they hoped to gain the honor and applause of the church.
2. Some preached in strife and contention. The strife was not over the gospel of substitution, but over words, practices, government, prophecy and less understood doctrines.
3. Some preached out of a party spirit. They were not sincere, but hoped to make Paul's chains more bitter. Paul met with trouble, punishment and prison; but they were preaching with little difficulty and opposition. Perhaps they thought that Paul's troubles were of his own making and that if he did things their way, he wouldn't have so much trouble!
4. Some preached Christ out of love for Christ, for his church, for the lost and for Paul They knew that the apostle was in prison by the hand and providence of God, who does not act in the same way toward all his servants.
vv. 18-20. What does it matter? Christ is preached in the glory of his person, in the fullness of his grace, in the excellency of his righteousness, in the efficacy of his sacrifice, in the power of his intercession. 'Therefore, I rejoice; and I will continue to rejoice.'
'I know that all shall finally work together for my good (Rom. 8:28), even to my deliverance from prison to preach to you again' (in the same way as Peter was delivered from prison through the prayers of the church).
'This is my expectation and my desire -- to magnify and glorify Christ, whether in prison or out, in life or in death. I am not ashamed of the gospel. I am not ashamed of the chains which hold me. I am not ashamed to die in prison.'
vv. 21, 22. 'For to me to live is Christ.' He is the giver of life. He is the sum and substance of life. He is the hope of life eternal -- to be with him and to be like him. 'And to die is gain.' I will gain release from pain and receive a perfect body, release from limited knowledge to a perfect mind, release from a sinful nature to a sinless perfection, release from all trials to perfect glory and joy, release from mortality to immortality!
'If it is the will of Christ for me to live longer in the flesh, I will continue to labour in the Lord's vineyard. I trust to have a fruitful labour. I can say nothing as to my own preference, for it is not mine to choose; the decision is the Lord's.'
vv. 23, 24. 'I must be honest, however. I am hard-pressed between these two thoughts: either to live and labour, or to die and be with Christ. To die and be with Christ would be better for me. But for me to remain here is better for you. It is best for me to go and be with Christ. It is best for you and the churches for me to remain and preach the gospel to you.'
vv. 25, 26. Paul had no divine revelation on this matter as such, but as he considered all things and examined his own heart, he felt confidently that God would deliver him and send him forth to preach again.
v. 27-30. The following verses are instructions.
1. 'Conduct your churches, homes and personal lives in a way that is becoming to the gospel you profess. Live, walk and talk as believers should.'
2. 'Whether I visit you or not, let me hear from others that you are standing together in unity and spirit, that you are contending together for the true gospel of Christ.'
3. 'Do not be afraid of your enemies. The fact that men oppose you for the sake of the gospel is evidence of their condemnation and of your salvation.'
4. 'It is not only ordained of God that you believe on Christ, but also that you suffer for his glory and your good.'
5. 'We are all in the same battle, you and I.'
3
Christian unity and humility
Philippians 2:1-14
This chapter is an exhortation to unity of spirit, mutual affection and love for one another, humility and lowliness of mind and real concern and care for one another.
vv. 1, 2. Our Master said, 'If you love me, keep my commandments.' John said, 'If they had been of us, they no doubt would have continued with us.' Paul uses the same argument in these verses.
1. 'If there be any comfort and confidence in Christ,' that is, if you have a genuine reason for hope in Christ founded on person, his righteousness and his death and intercession.
2. 'If there be any comfort and strength in love,' the love of the Father for us which is everlasting; the love of the Son who gave himself for us; the love of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, and the love of brethren, which is so pleasant and delightful.
3. 'If there be any fellowship of the Spirit,' -- if there is such a thing as a union of spirits, a oneness of heart and communion with one another.
4. 'If there is any bowels and mercy' -- if there is any real depth to your affection, and real compassion and concern for one another, then fulfill ye my joy. I rejoice in the evidence of your being complete and entire by living together in unity, love, mutual concern and respect, and by having the same purpose. Be of one mind in the gospel of grace, the glory of Christ and the work of the church. This reveals the grace of God in you' (James 2:26).
v. 3. When things are done through strife, it involves quarreling, contention and dividing into bitter camps. It leads to division. This is not the Spirit of Christ. We are not to do things seeking recognition and personal praise; this is empty vainglory. In humility and sincerity, let us regard the other brother as spiritually superior to ourselves. Paul said, 'I am less than the least of the saints.' Be ready to give way to the judgment and desires of others as they are in accord with the Scriptures.
v. 4. 'Look not every man on his own interests but on the interests and welfare of others.' Paul is still talking mainly of church fellowship. A man must have concern for his relationship with Christ, the right ordering of his home and children, his business and his other responsibilities; he is not to leave these to the care of others! He ought to be as concerned for the welfare of his brother in Christ as he is for his own comforts. Respecting spiritual things and spiritual gifts, a believer should not seek to have his own way, but should consult the glory of Christ, the will of the Spirit and the general good and peace of all the church.
vv. 5-11. Having called for unity of spirit and purpose, love and humility among brethren and sincere compassion and concern for one another, Paul uses the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
v. 5. 'Let that humility be seen in you that was in Christ.' Let this same attitude be in you that was in Christ. Let Christ be your example of humility and lowliness of mind.
v. 6. Although being essentially one with God, Christ did not seek to obtain it by force and robbery, as did Satan and Adam. He was God and was with God in the beginning. He did not in any showy display exhibit his glory and power.
v. 7. Rather, he stripped himself of all privileges and rightful dignity and became a mere man, a carpenter and a friend of sinners.
v. 8. He was really a man, not just in appearance, but in reality. He lay nine months in a womb; he lay in a manger; he knew hunger, thirst, weariness, grief, pain and death. His real submission and obedience, from the cradle to the cross, is our example -- not only our righteousness (Rom. 5:19), but our example!
vv. 9-11. God, the Father, has highly exalted and rewarded him.
v. 12. 'Wherefore (staying with our subject and example), since you have heard my teachings and have obeyed the exhortations of God (whether I preached them to you in person or by letter, work out these Christian attitudes and principles,' which are called 'your salvation' (not of your souls, but the deliverance of the church from strife and division). Do it in fear and trembling, not in fear of men or fear of damnation, but with serious caution and humility, lest we disturb and destroy the fellowship of the church which our Lord purchased with his own blood.
v. 13. 'This attitude of humility and this spirit of love and unity are not of your own doing; but it is God who energizes and creates in you the desire and the ability to do his good pleasure. Your unity is his pleasure.'
v. 14. 'Do all things without murmuring, grumbling, or finding fault, either with God or the brethren.'
Let brethren all agree, and peace among them spread;
Old and young, rich and poor, are one in Christ, their Head.
Among the saints on earth, let fervent love be found,
Sons of our great God, with common blessings crowned;
Let pride, that child of hell, be banished far away;
Those should in humility dwell, who the same Lord obey.
4
The importance of faithful ministers
Philippians 2:14-30
vv. 14, 15. In the preceding verses Paul exhorts to us Christian unity, sincere love, humility and care, and concern for the needs and welfare of others. All good things which accompany salvation (whether civil, moral, or spiritual), no matter how disagreeable to our flesh, are to be done without murmuring against the will of God or disputing among ourselves.
'That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God,' in the sight of men, not in the sight of God. In Christ we are blameless before God. In Christ we are sons of God. Paul is saym8 that our attitude, conversation and conduct before our brethren and the wicked of this world should be such that they cannot charge us with hypocrisy and insincerity. We are to be lights and examples to those about us, 'that they may see our good works and glorify our Father' (Matt. 5:16). In short, let us speak and live as sons of God ought (Rom. 12:1, 2).
v. 16. 'Holding out and offering to men the word of life,' the gospel of our Lord Jesus (1 Tim. 4:16; Titus 2:10). If these two things are present in and among you, then I have not labored in vain and I will be able to rejoice with you in the day of glory. Your conduct and character reveal that you are one with Christ (sons of God) and that you are burdened and concerned that others come to know the Lord Jesus. Love for Christ and love for others will constrain us to please him and to evangelize them! (Matt. 22:36-40; Gal. 5:14).
vv. 17, 18. Paul had been the means God used to bring the Philippian believers to Christ. He also believed that he would be killed for preaching the gospel; thus he says, 'Do not be sorrowful when you hear of my death and the pouring out of my blood for the sake of the gospel; but rejoice with me, for I am ready not only to be bound but to die for Christ's sake' (Acts 21:13; 5:41).
v. 19. Paul wished to send Timothy to visit the church (and preach to them) that he might know of their general spiritual welfare, how the gospel stood with them, how they kept the ordinances, how their ministers preached, etc. Notice how Paul proposes this: 'I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy.' Even the apostle Paul subjected his intentions, desires and plans to the will of our Lord! (Rom. 8:26: James 4:13-15).
vv. 20, 21. This is a serious charge, but unfortunately true. Not all ministers are genuinely interested in the glory of Christ and the good of their congregations. Rather, they seek to advance their own interests. Timothy had a heart and soul like Paul's! He preached the gospel of God's glory and grace. He sought not his own comfort and praise, but he cared for the spiritual welfare of the people (Ezek. 34:1-6).
vv. 22-24. 'You know Timothy's value and worth. He was with me when I preached to you at the first. He was as a son to me in the labors of the Lord. I trust that I shall also be able to visit you.' Our Lord uses his ministers to teach, set in order and lead his church. We are not to despise our true spiritual leaders, but to respect and follow them as they follow Christ (Eph. 4:10-16; Phil. 2:29).
vv. 25-30. Meanwhile, before Paul or Timothy could come to preach and minister to them, Epaphroditus, one of their own ministers, would return to them. He had been sent to Rome with presents from them to Paul. While at Rome (or on the journey to Rome), he became ill and was at the point of death. Believers have natural bodies and are subject to illness the same as all men, but God had compassion on him and healed him (James 5:15, 16).
5
No confidence in the flesh
Philippians 3:1-11
v. l. Paul begins chapter 3 with the theme and watchword of every believer: 'Rejoice in our Lord.' Christ Jesus is our chief joy:
1. In the greatness of his person, very God of very God;
2. In the fitness of his incarnation, bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh;
3. In the sufficiency of his righteousness and atonement;
4. In the comforts of his providence and purpose;
5. In the glory of his intercession and return.
'To write the same things to you is not tiresome.' He rejoices to repeat the gospel of Christ over and over, for it is necessary.
1. It keeps your thoughts and hearts on Christ, the Foundation.
2. It keeps you from the errors of false teachers.
3.When truth is repeated, it guards you against self. righteousness and other errors.
v. 2. These are the false teachers from the Jews, who were imposing the works and ceremonies of the law upon the Gentiles as being necessary to salvation. Paul uses the same name on them which they used to give to the Gentiles -- 'dogs!' He calls them 'evil workers' because they misled the people, deceived them and perverted the gospel of Christ.
'Beware of the circumcisers' (those who mutilate the flesh for sanctifying purposes). Circumcision served its day as a token of the covenant and may be recommended as a hygienic measure, but it has no place or meaning in the covenant of grace.
v. 3. 'We are the true circumcision, not they. They have the name, the form, the outward sign. We have in Christ and in the new birth its fulfillment.' It is the difference between having the lamb of the Old Testament sacrifice and having Christ, the Lamb of God.
1. True circumcision is having the heart pricked and laid open by the Spirit.
2. True circumcision is a renouncing of our own righteousness.
3. True circumcision is of the heart, not the flesh.
4. It is to draw nigh to God with the heart, not the body.
5. It is to rejoice in our completeness in Christ, having no confidence in carnal descent, tribe or family, ceremony or law.
Our salvation and acceptance by God are only in Christ, not in anything connected with this flesh. We worship God in heart and in spirit, not in outward rituals and ceremonies. We rejoice in Christ, in whom we are complete (Col. 2:9, 10). We have no confidence in our own fleshly works nor in anyone else.
v. 4. Paul illustrates the point using himself: 'If there is any value in our family ties, ceremonies, religious works and performances, outward obedience to law and rites, I have more room to boast than any of these false teachers.'
vv. 5, 6. Paul was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel (not an Ishmaelite or a proselyte, but a natural Israelite), of the tribe of Benjamin (this tribe was from Jacob and Rachel and kept true worship when ten revolted), had a Hebrew mother and a Hebrew father, was a Pharisee (the strictest sect of the Jews, held in highest esteem), persecuted the church, and with respect to the observance of the outward law, was blameless.
v. 7. At one time he felt that all these things were necessary for acceptance with God, were necessary for righteousness and entitled him to the favour of God. When God revealed Christ to him, he saw all these things to be worthless in themselves. Christ is our sacrifice, our sanctification and our righteousness. He is the fulfillment of all these. That which was everything to Paul became nothing; Christ became everything (Col. 3:11).
v. 8. 'Furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to that priceless privilege (that overwhelming advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake I lost everything in order that I may have Christ, the Redeemer.'
1. He renounced not only the Jewish ceremonies, but worldly honor, reputation, substance, comforts and advantages.
2. He lost self-righteousness and gained Christ's righteousness.
3. He lost ceremonial bondage and gained his freedom.
4. He lost false peace and gained true peace with God.
5. He lost pretended glory and gained eternal glory (1 Cor. 1:30, 31).
vv. 9-11. This is my determined purpose, my one desire, my soul and heart's sincere hope, which is threefold:
1. 'That I may win Christ and be found in him,' not trusting or having any self-achieved righteousness in works and deeds, possessing that genuine righteousness of God which comes through faith in Christ -- that holiness and perfect righteousness which he gives to his own (Col. l: 22).
2. 'That I may really know him.' I do know him, but I want progressively to become more deeply and intimately acquainted with him and the wonders of his person; that I may come to know the power flowing from his resurrection and the strength it gives to believers; that I may so know and share his sufferings as to be transformed continually into his likeness, daffy dying to sin and the world.
3. 'That I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.' Paul may be referring here to the resurrection of the body in the likeness of Christ in the great day of our Lord. However (because of the next verse), I believe he is talking about a moral and spiritual resurrection that lifts us out of the death and darkness of the world and sin. The world, the flesh and all of this human life are death. In Christ there is real life, real love, real holiness. There is communion with God and perfect righteousness. This is what I want. By whatever means it pleases God to bring me to this place, I want to be like Christ in attitude, spirit and heart.
6
Forgetting the past
Holding the present
Anticipating the future
Philippians 3:12-21
v. 12. I have not attained to perfect holiness, perfect knowledge, nor perfect happiness. Though my sanctification is perfect in Christ, it is not perfected in me. I know in part, sin dwells in me, my faith is imperfect, but I press on. I long to lay hold on that for which Christ laid hold of me. I want what the Lord purposed and purchased for me on Calvary -- to be like him! (Eph. 1:3-6.)
v. l3. 'Brethren, I don't claim to have arrived at perfection in doctrine, spirit, nor deed. I am not yet all that Christ would have me to be. I am not all that I would like to be, nor even all that I ought to be. Thank God, however, I am not what I used to be! One thing I do: I forget what lies behind me -- my struggles and attempts at self-righteousness in false religion, my experiences and revelations in spiritual infancy, my works and labors since conversion, my recent growth and revelations. Now I reach forth for present and future blessings and revelations of his grace.' The illustration is taken from runners in a race, who do not stop to look behind them to see how far they have come nor to determine how far they are in front of others, but they are concerned for what they are doing now and for what lies ahead.
v. 14. 'My goal and aim is to finish the race and obtain the supreme and heavenly prize -- the incorruptible crown of life, righteousness and glory!' (Ps. 17:15.) We look to Christ (Heb. 12:1, 2). We follow and depend on Christ (1 John 3:1.3).
v. 15. 'Let all of us who are spiritually mature (who are taught of God) have this same mind and hold these same convictions:
1. To count all heritage, ceremony, tradition and works of religion as rubbish that we may win Christ and be found in him.
2. To be willing to suffer the loss of all things for a knowledge of Christ.
3. To disclaim perfection in ourselves, but to aim for it.
4. To desire to be found in him, having his righteousness.
5. To desire above all things to be like Christ and press forward in perseverance to attain that incorruptible crown.'
v. 16. Nevertheless, whatever degree of the knowledge of Christ and the truth of the gospel and the light we have received, let us walk therein! As we walk in the light that God gives us, he will give more light.
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Hither by thy help I'm come.
My spiritual growth may be slow, even discouraging. Sometimes I may feel that I am standing still. But I know that God has revealed Christ in me, and I know whom I have believed. I will hold fast to this until he reveals more of himself.
v. 17. 'Follow me,' Paul says, 'as I follow Christ.' Paul would not have any man follow him as the head of a party or sect. He condemned others for that. He wanted them to have the same goal he had -- to win Christ and be found in him! 'Also, observe others who live after this pattern I have set for you.' Believers should encourage and be examples to one another in the pursuit of righteousness (Matt. 5:16; Titus 2: 10).
vv. 18, 19. 'I have told you often and now tell you with great sorrow that many religious people walk a road which reveals them as enemies of the cross. They hold to ceremony and circumcision, not Christ alone. They glory in the flesh, making merchandise of you. They are more interested in converts than in conversions, more interested in statistics than in spirituality, more interested in gifts than in the Giver. They turn the grace of God into a license to sin. Their end is destruction. Their god is not the living God, but their own desires and passions. What they glory in is really what they ought to be ashamed of; they are concerned for carnal, earthly, fleshly things.' Someone said, 'God created us to love people and use things, but sinful men love things and use people.'
vv. 20, 21. Our citizenship and interests are in heaven, not tied to this world. In Christ we are sons of God, seated in him, heirs of eternal glory and we patiently wait for his return. All we are, have and hope to be is in Christ. He will complete the work he has begun by changing our vile bodies into the glory and majesty of his own body, exerting the power which enables him to subject everything to himself (1 Cor. 15:51.55).
7
Think on these things
Philippians 4:1-8
v. 1. 'My brethren,' not in the natural sense but in a spiritual sense, having the same Father', being in the same family, of the household of faith.
'My dearly beloved and longed for.' Paul sincerely loved these people and longed to be with them, to fellowship and converse with them.
'My joy and my crown.' He taught them the gospel and they were seals of his ministry and proof of his call. They were a greater joy and crown to him than anything that the world could offer. The fruits of a man's ministry are his converts and they are the best test of his ministry (Matt. 7:15.20).
'Stand fast in the Lord.'
1. Stand fast in his power, for even saints are liable to fall (Jude 24).
2. Stand fast in his gospel, which is able to save (1 Cor. 15:1).
3. Stand fast in the liberty of Christ, as opposed to the bondage of the law.
4. Stand fast in the doctrines of Christ (1 Tim. 4:16).
v. 2. Two women, Euodias and Syntyche (members of the church), evidently were divided over a problem. Paul takes notice of their conflict and exhorts them to settle it for the glory of God and to be united in fellowship and purpose. All believers should seek to preserve the unity of the church and to be of the same mind (Col. 3:12-15).
v. 3. This is evidently addressed to the pastor, who was to assist these women in settling their differences. These women were of valuable aid to Paul, Clement and others. Let us help bring people together, for the unity of the church and the glory of Christ are much more important than personal differences and disputes.
v. 4. The word 'rejoice' is used ten times in this epistle. I pray that we may learn the word in heart and experience as well as in doctrine. There is always cause to rejoice in the Lord! Rejoice in his grace, which is always sufficient. Rejoice in his blood, which cleanses. Rejoice in his righteousness, which justifies. Rejoice in his love, which never fails. Rejoice in his providence, which works all things together for our good. Rejoice in his intercession, which is continual. Rejoice that your names are written in the book of life!
v. 5. The 'moderation' here is not in eating and drinking, though this is certainly important. The word here is 'Let all men (both in the church and out) see and recognize your humility, unselfishness, consideration and forgiving spirit.'
1. We are to deal with others not with the severity of law and justice, but with gentleness and love (Eph. 4:31, 32).
2. We are to put up with affronts and injuries by bearing them patiently and forgivingly.
3. We are to put the best interpretation on words and statements, not seeking cause for offence.
4. Let our Christian attitude adorn our doctrine, for 'the Lord is at hand,' meaning 'he will help you by giving you grace,' or 'the Lord observes our conduct of spirit,' or 'the Lord is coming soon to judge all men.' All are true.
v. 6. 'Do not fret, murmur, nor be filled with anxiety over things (Ps. 37:1-8). Take your burdens, cares and problems to the Lord in prayer. In everything let your requests be known to .God, and do it with thanksgiving.' I can never come to the throne for mercy except I already have mercies for which to be thankful!
v. 7. This 'peace of God' is twofold.
1. It is the peace which is made with God by the obedience, sacrifice and intercession of our blessed Lord (Rom. 5:1).
2. It is the peace of heart, mind and conscience which arises from a correct view of Christ. We know that we have passed from death to life; we know that our sins are forgiven; we know that we are sons of God and the peace of God rules in our hearts.
'Passeth understanding.' The natural man certainly does not understand this peace and rest which Christ gives. His soul and mind are in a constant state of unrest and turmoil. Neither do we fully understand the blessed peace of God which he in mercy gives us in Christ! We accept it by faith and rest in his promise.
v. 8. 'Finally, brethren.' In this matter of attitude and humble spirit, 'think on these things!' Meditate on them. Consider and dwell upon them in order to put them into daily practice:
1. 'Whatsoever things are true' -- agreeable to the troth in Christ Jesus, the truth of the gospel and the word of God.
2. 'Whatsoever things are honest' -- honest in the sight of God and men, honest in business, in speech, in conduct
3. 'Whatsoever things are just' -- giving to God that which is his (worship, praise, reverence, myself) and to man that which is his, avoiding oppression and injustice. Owe no man anything he needs or deserves.
4. 'Whatsoever things are pure' -- pure in word or deed, in opposition to pride, covetousness, hatred, envy and self-seeking.
5. 'Whatsoever things are holy' -- agreeable to the character of God and his kingdom, that which promotes holiness of heart and life.
6. 'Whatsoever things are lovely.' -- These are faith, kindness, compassion, generosity and all commendable virtues.
7. 'Whatsoever things are of good report' -- things which contribute to a good name, a good reputation, a good opinion for the glory of Christ.
If anything is virtuous and worthy of praise, think on these things. 'As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he!' (Prov. 4:23).
8
The support of missionaries and preachers
Philippians 4:9-23
v. 9. Throughout this epistle Paul has exhorted the people to have unity of spirit and purpose, to love one another, to have real concern and care for one another, to be of a humble mind and disposition, to avoid false teachers, to rest in Christ alone for righteousness and to meditate on holy things. Now in this verse he makes a very important point: 'Those things which you have learned and received.' It is hoped that you have not just learned these things in a doctrinal way, but that you have received them not just in your head, but in your heart? And you have not only 'heard them from me, but you have seen them in me.' What good are words if our actions and attitudes are contrary? 'Do these things? Put them in daily practice. God will be with you!'
v. l0. Paul rejoiced over the gifts and supplies this church had sent him by their pastor. Evidently they had for some reason neglected to communicate with him for a long time. He adds, 'I'm sure you were thinking of me, but you had no opportunity to show it.' Let this be a lesson to us: let us always be faithful in our prayers, care and concern for those who labour faithfully in the word. Don't forget those missionaries and ministers whom you do not see for a season.
v. 11. Paul did not mean to imply that he was wanting anything, though he possessed nothing. He had all things in Christ and found contentment and peace in whatever condition the providence of God put him, be it adversity or prosperity, with much or little (Luke 12:15; 1 Tim. 6:6-10). He learned this in the school of grace, taught by the Spirit.
v. 12. 'I know how to be treated with contempt by men, to live humbly in a low condition, to work with my hands, to be hungry and cold -- yet not to be depressed, cast down or murmur against God. I know how to be held in the esteem of men, to have an abundance -- yet not to be lifted up with pride and forget that 'the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.' I have learned of God how to behave toward the temporary things of earth, how to put them in their proper perspective.'
v. l3. And now, lest he be thought to be proud of his grace and ascribe too much to himself, he attributes all grace to the power of Christ in him. 'I can be happy in any state and endure all these things, not in my own strength (for no man was more conscious of his own weakness than Paul). I am ready for anything through the power of Christ in me.'
Content with beholding his face,
my all to his pleasure resigned;
No changes of season or place
would make any change in my mind.
While blessed with a sense of his love,
a palace a toy would appear;
And prisons would palaces prove
if Jesus would dwell with me there.
v. 14. Paul adds this lest they should think that he was discounting their gift and was not grateful. He has declared, 'I can be content in need or in plenty, but I appreciate your help. You have done what you should have done. You have done well in providing for those who preach God's word' (1 Cor. 9:6-11).
vv. 15-17. This church was the only church that talked with Paul about the subject of giving and supporting the ministry of the word. Even when he left Philippi and went to Thessalonica, they supported his ministry and took care of his needs. Strange that, even in the days of the apostles, churches were negligent in the matter of missions and supporting missionaries. He says, 'I have not entered into this subject because I desire a gift from you. I am eager to see the fruits of righteousness and salvation in you. The kingdom of God can get along without you and me, but I would like to see some evidence that you and I are in that kingdom of grace' (James 2:14-20).
vv. 18, 19. 'I have in hand all of your gifts, sent to me through your pastor. These gifts have the sweet smell of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which he delights. I cannot repay you, but my God will! He shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus!'
v. 20. To God, who is our Father in Christ Jesus, be all the glory for the grace he gives now, for the glory and happiness expected and for the supply of every need, both temporal and spiritual.
vv. 21-23. 'Greet all the brethren there. The brethren and believers here send their greetings to you. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you!'