_Not that I speak in respect of want _ CONTENTMENT I. The great lesson. “I have learned,” etc. Man might very correctly be distinguished as the discontented animal. 1. We are not content with life in its severer aspects. (1) We do not know how to be abased, neither are we instructed to be hungry... [ Continue Reading ]
_I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound _ THE CHRISTIAN I. Expects vicissitude. II. Knows how to adapt himself to all circumstances. III. Is instructed by the spirit of God. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) HOW TO BE ABASED During the periods between the paroxysms of the fever, Cromwell occu... [ Continue Reading ]
_I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me _ HERE WE FIND I. Weakness and strength. The believer is weak in himself. Looking to the “all things” to be done he laments this with shame and tears. But he is not alone. Allied to Christ he is strong to overcome evil and to do good. He h... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now, ye Philippians, know also that in the beginning of the gospel--Observe _ _ I._ The straitened circumstances of the apostle. II. The honourable conduct of the Philippians. 1. Though poor (2 Corinthians 8:2) they acknowledged their debt. 2. Stood alone. 3. Repeated their bounty of their ow... [ Continue Reading ]
_Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account _ THE NATURE AND DUTY OF GIVING I. The Christian’s object. 1. Not self, but Christ. 2. Not the world, but heaven. 3. And the minister of the gospel especially may add, not yours, but you. II. The Christian’s pract... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have all and abound _ MINISTRY TO THE SAINTS AN ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE I. The individual receiving the benefit. 1. A Christian. The first duty of Christians is towards each other. Charity does not stay at home, but it begins there. The largest hearted charity towards the ends of the earth will n... [ Continue Reading ]
_My God shall supply all your need _ THE NEED AND THE SUPPLY Paul declares that the contributions of his Philippian friends are pleasing to him, and acceptable to God. He cannot requite their kindness, but declares that God can and will. I. The extent of the supply. The emphasis is on _all._ 1.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now unto God and our Father _ THE SPIRIT IN WHICH TO CLOSE THE YEAR I. The doxology. 1. We are to give glory to God as to our heavenly Father. We are not to regard Him as a tyrant, nor as a governor merely, but as a kind and loving Father. 2. We are to give Him the glory, that is, the honour an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Salute every saint in Christ Jesus _ I. The description of a true believer. 1. He is a saint, _i.e._, a separated one. (1) So God regards him as taken out of the world and set apart for Himself. (2) So God employs him. He is a chosen instrument. While God uses all men to accomplish His general... [ Continue Reading ]
_Chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household _ THESE WORDS I. Remind us of the adaptation of the gospel to men everywhere. 1. It is no part of God’s purpose in redemption to limit its blessings to a nation or class. Hence the provisions of the gospel are suited to the circumstances of man as man.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all._ Amen THE BENEDICTION I. Its contents--grace. II. Its comprehensiveness--it embraces all. III. Its power--it is yea and amen. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) GRACE I. Its sources. II. Its fulness. III. Its flow. IV. Its power. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) In... [ Continue Reading ]