_STAND FAST_ ‘Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my jog and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.’ Php_4:1 The life that we are to live as Christians is expressed in these words, ‘_ Stand fast_.’ Let me call your attention to seven passages from God’s holy Word w... [ Continue Reading ]
_TRUE JOY_ ‘Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.’ Php_4:4 The bright and joyous tone of this Epistle is well expressed by the frequent repetition of the word ‘rejoice.’ It is the key-note, all its exhortations conclude with this one expression; but here especially the Apostle is v... [ Continue Reading ]
_A DIVINE PRESCRIPTION_ ‘Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests he made known unto God.’ Php_4:6 What a simple prescription it is—prayer, supplication, thanksgiving; just those three ingredients and nothing more. I. THERE IS THE... [ Continue Reading ]
_GOD’S PEACE IN THE HEART_ ‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ Php_4:7 A quietness of soul, a tranquil habit of mind, is the only safe condition for a man. I. THIS CALM AND BALANCED STATE IS EXACTLY WHAT THAT MAN HAS WH... [ Continue Reading ]
_THINGS TO THINK OF_ ‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and it there be any praise, think on these things.’... [ Continue Reading ]
_TIME TO THINK_ ‘Think on these things.’ Php_4:8 This age has been called an age of growth, and so in many ways it is—growth of empire, of commerce, of wealth, of population, and an improvement in physique. But what of spiritual growth? There is a growth in organisations, in spiritual activities... [ Continue Reading ]
_ALL NEED SUPPLIED_ ‘My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ Php_4:19 The Apostle here puts in his personal claim upon God as his God. There is no doubt in his heart he has a right to say it. It solves a thousand questions when we can say ‘My God.’ Now... [ Continue Reading ]
_SAINTS IN THE HOUSEHOLD OF CÆSAR_ ‘All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Cæsar’s household.’ Php_4:22 Who are these of whom the text speaks, ‘saints of Cæsar’s household’? We do not know. The Bible is silent. The history of the world has passed them over, the history of the Church... [ Continue Reading ]