_If there be therefore any consolation in Christ _ CHRISTIAN UNITY I. The doctrine of Christian unity. 1. This unity is inward and consists of harmonious spiritual feeling. (1) It can only subsist among Christians. (2) At the same time it is possible and also common for those who in the main ar... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory _ I. There are two ways of doing even the best work. Through strife and through love. This was seen in chap. 1, where two classes of preachers were described. II. Entire sympathy with Christ will always heighten man’s appreciation of man. III. Ch... [ Continue Reading ]
_Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others _ OUR OWN AND OTHERS’ THINGS This is but a practical application of sentiments and dispositions already enforced. The vain-glorious spirit is fussily and uselessly concerned with the affairs of others; but love, the... [ Continue Reading ]
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus--Observe I. The picture. Majesty--condescension--suffering. II. The lesson. Humility--love--self-sacrifice. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) LESSONS TAUGHT BY THE HUMILIATION AND EXALTATION OF CHRIST The apostle was exhorting the Philippians to imitate th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Who being in the form of God._ THE THREE ESTATES The apostle evidently points out the three different conditions of Christ. His state of-- 1. Dignity. 2. Humility. 3. Glory. These three are essential to the argument, for take away any of them and the example he proposes is lost. I. If you re... [ Continue Reading ]
_But made Himself of no reputation _ THE HUMILIATION OF CHRIST I. How far Christ was lessened. 1. His Godhead was obscured by the interposing veil of our flesh. He emptied Himself of the Divine glory, not by ceasing to be what He was, but by assuming something He was not before. 2. His dignity w... [ Continue Reading ]
_God hath … given Him a name which is above every name _ THE NAME OF JESUS As it appears-- I. On the page of history. 1. Its origin. 2. Import. 3. Associations. 4. Claims. II. In the estimate of man. 1. Despised and hated. 2. Admired and wondered at. 3. Beloved and reverenced. III. In th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him _ THE EXALTATION OF CHRIST I. Its occasion. 1. His voluntary humiliation. 2. His Divine investiture. II. Its import. 1. The glorification of humanity. 2. Investment with supreme sovereignty. III. Its object. 1. The subordination of every creature. 2.... [ Continue Reading ]
_That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow _ BOWING AT THE NAME OF JESUS I. To what period does the assertion refer. 1. Not the present, which would not be the fact, and besides the text is a prophecy. Many objects are now worshipped: riches, pleasure, etc. 2. At the judgment, when every u... [ Continue Reading ]
_Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling--Here is _ _ I._ Hope for all. II. Help for all. III. Work for all. IV. A kind word for all. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) SALVATION I. Is your own concern. 1. Others may be solicitous about you. 2. You must bear the responsibility. II. Demands eff... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherefore my beloved, as ye have always obeyed _ I. The work. 1. Work out your own salvation. 2. In conformity with apostolic teaching. 3. Under all circumstances. II. The means. 1. Divine power. 2. Personally and solicitously applied. 3. In the spirit of contentment and peace. III. The e... [ Continue Reading ]
Do all things without murmurings and disputings--Here is I. An important admonition. II. A potent argument--for the sake of your own character, position, comfort--for the sake of the world which must be reproved, enlightened, saved. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) I. The exhortation. 1. The apostle dissuadet... [ Continue Reading ]
_That ye may be blameless and harmless _ GOD’S PEOPLE I. Their true character. II. Position. III. Office. (J. Lyth, D. D.) I. The believer’s sphere--in a dark world, a perverse age. II. His office--to dispense knowledge, grace, life. III. His duty--to hold forth, etc., by precept--example. (_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Holding forth the word of life--Here is _ _ I._ A trust. The Word of God--which gives life. II. A duty. To hold it forth in the conversation, spirit, practice. III. A motive. Your salvation and our joy--in the day of Christ. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) THE WORD OF LIFE The gospel is here thus called ... [ Continue Reading ]
_If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith--Observe _ _ I._ The sacrifice of faith. Christ is the only true sacrifice, faith offers it--every one must offer it for himself. II. The libation. The blood of the martyrs--joyfully offered--in defence of the truth, and for the confir... [ Continue Reading ]
_I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly _ CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP I. Is founded in the faith of Christ. II. Concerns itself for the state of others. III. Is unselfish. IV. Is proved by faithful service. V. Survives difficulties. VI. Abounds in want, sickness, sorrow. VII. Ferrets i... [ Continue Reading ]
_For I have no man like minded _ THE CARE OF A GOOD PASTOR FOR HIS PEOPLE I. Every good minister feels a tender concern for the good of his people. Every good minister is-- 1. A good man; and therefore has a spirit of benevolence. 2. Has experienced a saving change, and is therefore anxious for... [ Continue Reading ]
_For all seek their own _ SELF-SEEKING I. Its signs. II. Its causes. III. Its evils. IV. Its cure. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) THE EVIL OF SELF-SEEKING I. Things of a different sort spoken of. 1. Their own things--the things of this life; so called-- (1) Because they belonged to them by providential... [ Continue Reading ]
_But ye know the proof of him _ TIMOTHY I. His filial attachment to paul. II. His cooperation in the service of the gospel. III. His tried and faithful character. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) PROOF OF CHARACTER I. Is required-- 1. In every station. 2. Particularly in a minister. II. Is given-- 1. By... [ Continue Reading ]
_Him, therefore, I hope to send _ THE SERVANT OF GOD IN AFFLICTION I. Cares for the Church. II. Waits patiently the end. III. Commits the future into the hands of the Lord. IV. Anticipates deliverance in hope of further service. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) So soon as I shall see how it will go with me_... [ Continue Reading ]
I SUPPOSED IT NECESSARY TO SEND TO YOU EPAPHRODITUS_--_ EPAPHRODITUS I. His titles. 1. The first of these shows his religion, and his holy union with the apostle and other believers. For the Christians in these early ages called each other “brother,” a name full of sweetness and friendliness deri... [ Continue Reading ]
_For He longed after you all _ THE SICKNESS OF EPAPHRODITUS I. The sickness and its lessons. 1. God’s children are subject to sickness as long as they live. (1) This arises from the nature of the body and the character of its surroundings. (2) Thus grace is strengthened in the soul (2 Corinthia... [ Continue Reading ]