Price:
Note: The minimum quantity for this product with a custom imprint is 100.
About This Product
In the Epistle to the Philippians we have little or no formal unfolding of doctrine, but a beautiful presentation of true Christian experience.
Excerpt:
(Chapter 4:1-23)
In the second chapter the Apostle has presented Christ coming down from the glory to the cross, setting forth the lowly mind that should mark believers, enabling us to be true witnesses for Christ in the world we are passing through. In the third chapter he has directed our gaze to Christ exalted in glory as Lord, our Object in whom we see the glorious end to which we are journeying. In this closing chapter he gives us exhortations as to the practice that should mark the every-day life of those who have Christ before them as their perfect Pattern, and their one Object, and he presents Christ as the One who can strengthen us for all things.
(Vs. 1). Firstly, we are exhorted to “stand fast in the Lord”. The evils we have to meet, whether from the flesh within, the devil without, or the world around, are too strong for us, but the Lord is able “to subdue all things unto Himself” (ch. 3:21). We are not asked, or expected, to overcome in our own strength, or by our wisdom, but to “stand fast in the Lord” — in the power of His might.
(Vss. 2-3). Secondly, we are exhorted to “be of the same mind in the Lord.” There was a difference of judgment between two devoted women at Philippi, and the Apostle foresaw how a circumstance that the saints might judge to be of small import could easily lead to great sorrow and weakness in the assembly. “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth” (James 3:5). The apostle, however, who knows how to take the precious from the vile, does not overlook the devotedness of these sisters, who had stood with him in contending for the gospel in the face of opposition, insults and persecutions. Their very devotedness would surely only add to his grief that there should be any difference between them in the Lord's interests. He, therefore, not only beseeches them to be of the same mind, but entreats Epaphroditus to assist them. In seeking to help them, let him remember that their names are “in the book of life.” Amongst the people of God there may not be “many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble” that are called, but can we think lightly of any “whose names are in the book of life”?
(Vs. 4). Thirdly, we are exhorted to “Rejoice in the Lord alway”. Already the Apostle has exhorted us to rejoice in the Lord, but now again he can say, not only “Rejoice”, but rejoice always. However painful our circumstances, however great the opposition of the enemy, and however heartbreaking the failure among the Lord's people, in the Lord we can always rejoice. Of Him we can say “Thou remainest” and “Thou art the Same.”
(Vs. 5). Fourthly, in reference to the world we are passing through, with all its violence and corruption, the exhortation is “Let your gentleness be known unto all men” (JND). In His own time the Lord will deal with all the evil and bring in all the blessing, and His coming is near. It is not for believers, then, to interfere with the government of the world, nor to assert their rights and fight for them. Our privilege and responsibility is to represent Christ, and thus exhibit the gentleness that marked the Lord. The Psalmist could say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (Psa. 18:35). We belittle ourselves in the eyes of the world if we assert ourselves and oppose its government. If we exhibit the gentleness of Christ, the world itself will hardly be able to condemn, for, as it has been said, “Gentleness is irresistible.”