_Finally, my brethren _ PRIDELESS PRIDE 1_._ What were the things not irksome and safe? (1) Counsels in some lost Epistles. (2) Messages delivered by word of mouth through his delegates. (3) Earlier verbal communications. (4) Something in the Epistle. The latter probably referring-- (A) to... [ Continue Reading ]
_Beware of dogs _ THE ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH I. Their character--“dogs.” II. Their conduct--“evil wore.” III. Their destructive creed--“Concision.” (_Professor Eadie._) THE APOSTOLIC WARNING I. The persons warned. 1. All the Philippians, and not merely the pastors. They must beware of false tea... [ Continue Reading ]
_Though I might also have confidence in the flesh--Observe _ _ I._ Paul’s advantages--Superior to those which men generally put confidence in--respecting his birth and religious training, his rigid profession and orthodoxy, his zeal and blameless conduct. II. The insufficiency of them as a ground... [ Continue Reading ]
_What things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ _ THE CHRISTIAN’S ACCOUNTS The Christian keeps an accurate account book. He reckons up with an enlightened judgment his gains and losses. And most important is it that he should: for the question of questions is, What is gain to me and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord--These words are added by way of amplification._ 1. To show his perseverance in the contempt of all outward advantages. “I have counted,” and “do still count.” He had not repented of his cho... [ Continue Reading ]
_And be found in him _ I. Trusting. II. Justified. III. Concealed. IV. Complete. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) FOUND IN CHRIST I. Show how or when God comes to search and the saints are found in Christ. The world is a confused heap, and many times the counterfeits are found among the jewels, but God hat... [ Continue Reading ]
_That I may know Him _ THE PATH OF LIFE I. Knowledge. II. Power. III. Fellowship with Christ. IV. Conformity to his death. (_J. Lyth, D. D._) THE BELIEVER’S ASPIRATIONS It is said that St. Augustine wished to have seen three things before he died; Rome in its glory, Christ in the flesh, and P... [ Continue Reading ]