Thus the true bearing of the passage is, that from the first the eye of faith is fixed steadily on the end of the journey. Careful where you invest. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days(T) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,(U) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;(V) 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica,(W) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. (L) And the God of peace(M) will be with you. help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other of my other fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life ( Philippians 4:3 ). © 2014 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc. Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity. Christ held it forth; nay, more, He was it. Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. I don't want to be giving money to terrorists in Africa who are murdering missionaries and their families. Php 4:8-9. And why should our Lord adopt a correct form to the Sadducees (Luke 20:1-47 repeated inActs 4:1-37; Acts 4:1-37), and Paul an incorrect one to the Philippians? Commentary for Philippians 4 . Finally — Το λοιπον, as for what remains for me to say, it may be despatched in a few words. 40, p. 180 Note. Whatsoever things are true — οσα αληθη. Truth is a representation of things as they are; and they were constantly to live under the correct impression of objects. 4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Handle interpersonal conflict at work with practical tips from the Bible. Whatsoever things are lovely and of good report, that is, amiable; that will render us beloved, and make us well spoken of, as well as well thought of, by others. There is, however, a sure and only divine standard: as far as we have attained, our call is to walk in the same path. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell [Probably some cologne, I guess], a sacrifice acceptable, [and] well-pleasing to God. The manner, too, in which these things happened seemed to make all as remote as possible from furthering the gospel; but here again he brings in Christ. At the same time he intimates his value for their love, and takes care that his was independence founded on dependence, an independence of circumstances which finds its strength in simple and absolute dependence upon God. τὴν ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν should have been altered to ἐξ τῶν νεκρ . Impossible that He could be made Jehovah. It's not going to be easy, but the Lord is going to be there. Here the object seems to be to make its difference from legal obedience more felt the contrast with the law more complete. I will say it again: Rejoice! It is impossible for God to learn anything. Not that there were not difficulties; there were many. notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached." In this book, Max will help you: Find comfort in the knowledge that you are God's child and God cares deeply for you Remember that God is near you and has never left you Look for hope in each hardship that you face Lean on your loving ... It also introduces Paul’s next to the last exhortation in this list that deals with what the believer should spend his or her time thinking about. As applied to people, it commonly means grave, dignified, worthy of veneration or regard. Dr. S. T. Bloomfield indeed (Addit. Such is the sense of it here. But having deigned to become a servant, He goes down lower still. Finally, brethren - As for what remains - τὸ λοιπὸν to loipon - or as a final counsel or exhortation. He repeats the "finally" of Philippians 2:1, He again and again prepares to close his Epistle, but cannot at once bid farewell to his beloved Philippians. He was too much bent on what was before to be occupied with calling to mind what was behind him; it must have impeded him in the race. Now, says the apostle, do thou help them. Of course, the enemy would have desired above all and at any cost to lower such an one as the apostle Paul in the loving esteem of God's saints, more particularly where all had been sweet and happy; but, notwithstanding every effort, grace hitherto had prevailed, and these saints at Philippi felt the more for the apostle when he was a prisoner. ", "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." What looks and sounds better than the saints of God? It is the forming of the heart with the affections and the judgments of the Lord. (1) Gives directions to some, and to all in general. And I count that which I gained in my relationship with Him far more than the struggle that I went through.We used to hear down in the south that song, "Farther along we'll know all about it. The Vulgate Latin adds, "of discipline", without any authority from any copy. This epistle treats of daily sorrows and difficulties, yet does it manifestly overflow with joy, which all the dangers, sufferings, and trials only made the more triumphant and conspicuous. "I thank my God for my whole remembrance of you," says he, after his usual salutation and wish, "always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy.". τῶν νεκρ . τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν . Now the saint that has Christ Himself before him looks abroad with desires according to the activity of divine love. "Well, I have already done it, I have prayed." Whatsoever things are honest — οσα σιμνα. When our urge is to ignore and hide conflict with others at work, we must instead acknowledge and talk (not gossip) about it. Christ was "without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation." It was a calm, fixed, cordial habit of their souls, which indeed had distinguished them from the first. In Philippians 4:8 Paul exhorts us to develop a Christian thought life. The Alexandrian, Vatican, Sinai, Clermont, and St. Germain Uncials, supported by some ten cursives, very many versions, and the chief Greek and Latin ecclesiastical writers read τὴν ἐξανάσταιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν . They had him in their heart, as he says, "Inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace," or "of my grace." ], The conditional clause structure at the end of this sentence is a rhetorical device. Next, not only did he exhort them not to be terrified by the power of Satan, which is itself an evident and solemn sign of perdition to those that oppose the saints of God; but he calls on them to cast out the sources of disunion among themselves; and this he does in the most touching way. Physical sickness affects more than just our bodies; it takes a toll on our emotional and spiritual health as well. In this honest book, best-selling author John Piper shares ten lessons he learned while in the hospital. "Beware of evil workers; beware of the concision. Let me look at another as he is in Christ. Instead of occupying oneself with all one hears that would cast down, now that we have committed all. But his spirit was as bright as ever, his joy perfectly fresh, deep, and flowing. Is there the struggle of the old with the appearance sometimes of the new? He "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. A critical, experimental, and practical commentary on the Bible, this three-volume work is renowned for its scholarship and keen insight into the Scriptures. Whether you are a new Christian, a long-time believer, or just an inquirer into the faith, the profoundly simple message of this book can help point you toward a more balanced, centered, and purposeful life. Read it for a lift. Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this paradigm-shattering work, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: Delightisour duty. I need to know that once I commit them to God, they are in His hands and He will work them out for His glory. There is the present joy of Christ; but this does not content the soul. Image by Such is the thought that the apostle had before his soul of that which became the Christian. C. Concerning How to Think and Live (4:8-9) V. A Word of Thanks (4:10-20) A. Paul’s Contentment (4:10-13) B. Think on these things - Let them be the object of your careful attention and study, so as to practice them. They all result in the maintenance of peace in the body so the saints can work together effectively as partners in the gospel even in the midst of opposing unbelievers. Practicing verse 8 is essential if we want to develop and maintain healthy relationships (4:2-3, 5). He did not forget, but meant what he said. And as to Romans 4:17 (which was probably meant rather than 16), it has no bearing on the matter, as it is there merely a question of God's power displayed in quickening the dead, and calling things that are not in being as in being, and in no way distinguishing the resurrection of life from that of judgment. The one thing that suits is to pursue the glory before him, till he is in the same glory along with Christ. Many hence have wrongly gathered that they were preachers. A word list at the end explains words with a *star by them. Whatsoever is agreeable to justice and righteousness. We must be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might,Ephesians 6:10. This was very dear to him, let God use whom he would. Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine. all the dead, as a class. - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true. "Rejoice in the Lord alway." The name of God, hallowed be that name, reverend be that name. Unity needed restoring, and steadfastness needed encouraging. Finally ... Paul had written this in Philippians 3:1; but as Caffin put it, "Again and again he prepares to close his epistle, but he cannot at once bid farewell to his beloved Philippians.[20]. I love that. Their sympathies, drawn out by the afflictions of the apostle in his work, were the workings of the Holy Spirit in their souls at least the instincts of a life that was of Christ, and that judged in view of Him, and not according to appearances. It includes indeed what is right in the transaction of business, but it embraces also much more, and means that the Christian is to show respect to all the venerable and proper customs of society, when they did not violate conscience or interfere with the law of God; compare 1 Timothy 3:7. For God had made the world full of life; He "saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good," and Satan apparently won the victory over Him in it. That's what is really important to me. Found inside – Page 486Eph . 6 : 21-24 II : 545 Eph . 6:24 II : 457 , III : 256 Philippians Phil . 1 : 1 II : 51 , 99 , 104 , Phil . 2 : 6-11 II : 555 , 569 , Phil . 3 : 17-18 II : 522 Phil . 3:18 II : 497,570 Phil . 3:19 II : 570 Phil . — Esteem them highly, recommend them heartily, and practise them fervently. [For] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me ( Philippians 4:13 ). To him to live was Christ. "For the same cause also do ye joy and rejoice with me. And a lot of people have gotten in the habit of setting their clocks on the radios to, you know, from Phi 10:00 to Phi 10:30 ,then, you know, and I put them to sleep every night. He is at Rome, where he desired to be, no doubt, but which he had never expected to visit as one in bonds. What might you and I have thought of such? "For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him." "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. Yes, it was tough, yes, I did hurt, yes, there was suffering. As Paul was chained to the Roman guard, those were Caesar's guards, and so many of Caesar's household send their greetings through Paul, who had received Christ because Paul's imprisonment there. Hence I am inclined to retain ἐξαν . His life was the example of that which he was preaching, and so should it always be. The reason is, the Lord is at hand. Our whole nation is being polluted by the television industry and by the movie industry. "For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state." Pulpit Commentary. Being in Christ, they must stand fast in him, be even and steady in their walk with him, and close and constant unto the end. Supposing, for instance, we mingle with Christ knowledge or intelligence about this truth or that practice, does it not give a necessary prominence to certain distinctive points, which so far must make Christ of less account? 3:1-5; 4:8-11). It is not at all a question of what one has here. In short, he was so living Christ, that it was only a question of Christ here, and of Christ there. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. Hence he says, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. That is why in supporting a ministry, I want to be very careful what ministry I support. This informative and easy-to-understand reference tool offers an "at your fingertips" guide to key Scripture references, Bible stories, and verses that relate to topics like •anger •controversy •employment •going "green" ... (10-14) Paul’s perspective on the gift from the Philippians. For no personal end did he mention their grace; "but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." The Philippians’ Gift (4:14-20) VI. This seems to me the real meaning, which the margin gives rightly. The word was originally used in relation to the gods, and to the things that pertained to them, as being worthy of honor or veneration - Passow. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. We must not only seek supplies of good, but own receipts of mercy. Ps 85:6; 97:12; Hab 3:18; S Mt 5:12; Ro 12:12; Php 3:1, Ps 119:151; 145:18; Heb 10:37; Jas 5:8, 9, 2Co 12:9; Eph 3:16; Col 1:11; 1Ti 1:12; 2Ti 4:17, NIV, Verse Mapping Bible, Comfort Print: Find Connections in Scripture Using a Unique 5-Step Process, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible, Comfort Print: Follow God’s Redemptive Plan as It Unfolds throughout Scripture, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Galatians, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture. I mean, it is leading the nation right down the tubes. "* Clearly we here look out of the world and into a state to come, when we have the consummation of our hopes and the end of the journey. Paul seems to be drawing upon the cultural background of the Philippians and is saying to them: ’If there is such a thing as moral excellence, and you believe there is. Properly, venerable, reverend; then honorable, reputable. But [I have everything] I have all, I abound ( Philippians 4:18 ): Got plenty. And this puts the doctrine, as far as there is doctrine in the epistle, in a very clear light. Hers is a more delicate place than that which becomes the man, and one which a man attempting it would awkwardly fill. Christ shone as the true light in the world the light of life. This "Finally" signals the last of the three imperatives that explain how to stand firm (Philippians 4:1; cf. This is certainly what the apostle here puts before these saints. They must remember the example Paul has given them (8-9). First of all He emptied Himself, becoming a slave and a man; and having thus come down, so as to take His place in the likeness of men, He, found in figure as a man, humbled Himself, becoming obedient even to the lowest point of degradation here below. See for instance Philippians 3:1-21. Thus he expresses the pleasure he took in them, the kindness he had for them, to convey his exhortations to them with so much the greater advantage. It has not entered into the heart of man, 1 Corinthians 2:9. But Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.". Observe, It is the duty and interest of Christians to live without care. Yet there is not one of these things that has not become the ruin of souls; and there are none that ought to know this better than those I am addressing this night. Of special interest in Paul's list given here is the word [@arete], translated "virtue." Paul was in prison when he wrote this, chained twenty-four hours a day to a different Roman guard, as they would make their changes. Found inside – Page 652Along with the potential division at Philippi , Paul had to face division among the believers at Rome ( Phil . 1 : 14–17 ) . Added to these burdens was the possibility of his own death ! Yes , Paul had a good excuse to worry — but he ... If there be any virtue - If there is anything truly virtuous. This place throughout is one of promoting, enlarging, deepening, and purifying the experience of the saints themselves in that which filled his own heart with joy in the Lord. The book of Philippians challenges Christians to remember their true identity as citizens of God’s kingdom, especially when faced with difficult circumstances and painful trials. Adopted by the Theology of Work Project Board Sept. 27, 2010. "That I may win Christ," therefore he says; "and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law." Finally, brethren — The object of the apostle is to recommend holiness and righteousness to them in every point of view; and to show that the Gospel of Christ requires all its professors to have the mind that was in Christ, and to walk as he himself also walked. Latin, agrees, reading, If there be any praise of discipline, ( disciplinae ,) as does also the Ethiopic, and two ancient Commentators mentioned by Dr. Mills.” — Pierce. In a certain sense too he could not, and in another he would not choose. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself." Interesting how we like to think on other things, isn't it? The book of Colossians, one that will enrich us so completely as we study it together.And now may God cause you to abound in love and in your walk in the Spirit. Hence he at once begins, not with a doctrinal preparation after the introduction, but the introduction brings us as usual into the general spirit if not special object of the epistle. Yet we may follow, and seek conformity unto His death; but there was that in His death on the cross which could be His alone. (2.) admits that the external testimony is quite in its favour, though it is hard to see what he means by the internal evidence being in this case denied; for he suggests himself that τὴν ἐκ may have been a correction proceeding from those who thought that the sense which the context requires, "the resurrection from the dead," could not be extracted from ἐξαν . And there is the secret: I can abound, I can be poor, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.In the fifteenth chapter of the gospel of John, as Jesus is talking about His relationship to His disciples, He said unto them, "I am the vine, ye the branches, my Father is the husbandman. He urges them to … "That I may know him." But there are the things, or if you will, the persons under the earth which can never be delivered. 4.8 out of 5. But the (trace of Christ wrought in them all; and that was the great joy and delight of the apostle's heart. www.easyenglish.bible. It was God the Father that made Him Lord and Christ, but God the Father never made Him Jehovah. I learned as a child that I can memorize any poem by reading it over three times before I went to sleep. They had been manifesting their mindful love for the apostle, who on his part was certainly not forgetful of its least token. He had been on that ship that was wrecked and spent a lot of time; they weren't able to catch up with him. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. The archangel is at best but a servant; the highest creature, far from having to stoop in order to become a servant, can never rise above that condition. Hence it may be remarked that in the epistle to the Philippians it is not a question of lusts of the flesh; the flesh is not so much as named here, except in a religious way; not in its gross sins, as man would judge, but in its pretensions to religion. The brethren which are with me greet you. He wrote, "Godliness with contentment is great riches." What he means by forgetting the things that are behind is, that we should not think of any progress we may have made in following Christ, that we should lose sight of everything calculated to give us self-satisfaction. Not seldom do they begin to question whether it can be possible that such a one is really of value to the church of God. Found insidePhilippians3:8 Philippians 3:9 Philippians 3:10 Philippians 3:12 Philippians 3:13 Philippians 3:15 Philippians 3:16 Philippians 3:17 Philippians3:18 Philippians 3:19 Philippians 3:20 Philippians 3:21 Philippians 4:1 Philippians 4:2 ... "Now God is going to take care of it. All that is agreeable to unchangeable and eternal truth. And, accordingly, why should one be a prey to care, if this be really so? Now ye Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia [Philippi was in the area of Macedonia], no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only ( Philippians 4:14-15 ). Let's be of the same mind in the Lord. No one denies this, which is, or ought to be, no new thing for a Christian. Nevertheless, energy there is, and this assuredly judges what is contrary to Christ. He exhorts them to unanimity and mutual assistance (Philippians 4:2; Philippians 4:3): I beseech Euodias and Syntyche that they be of the same mind in the Lord. "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity." Returning, however, to the women Evodia and Syntyche, they had devoted themselves to an exceedingly happy and prized service. Then, as to our practical every-day expectation, "the Lord is at hand." So, the worries, the concerns, the anxieties, pray about them, give them over to the Lord, cast all of your cares on Him, because He cares for you.And so, with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, three aspects of prayer. IV. The critical reading he owns has force and propriety; but he does "not see why ἐξανάστ . 19 And my God will meet all your needs(AB) according to the riches of his glory(AC) in Christ Jesus. Sometimes there is need of applying the general precepts of the gospel to particular persons and cases. The Lord is at hand. ", And what is it that gave such a hope to one that owns himself the chief of sinners and less than the least of all saints? In this we seek to imitate our Lord, who “emptied himself” (Phil. Thus the difference between reconciliation and subjection is manifest. You may be perfectly sure of an answer when you make known your requests: therefore let it be with thanksgiving. The other is what suits it, but a conferred position. Prayer and commitment, those things that concern me, those things that are prone to cause me to worry are the very things I need to be praying about. But in truth it may betray itself in doctrine and practice in various shapes. Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. God bless and keep you and give you a beautiful week. The apostle is here contributing to that which shall never pass away, and hence begins with the "saints in Christ Jesus" as such. There is not even the allowance of the possibility of their turning aside from the bright career both of possessing a Saviour they knew, and of enjoying Him increasingly. God has a book of life. And this is the way to have the God of peace with us--to keep close to our duty to him. And having shared with the women, the following week they told their friends, and a big crowd of people gathered to hear Paul share the gospel of Jesus Christ. This, carefully remember, does not mean forgetting sins. Hilda Bright. And what is the true divine rule? StudyLight.org has pledged to build one church a year in Uganda. (AI) Amen.[a]. And so I would order my life, you know, make it sweet, make it delectable, put hot fudge and whipped cream on top and toasted almonds, you know. Observe, There is a book of life; there are names in that book and not characters and conditions only. Hence he calls upon them, as one that could not be with them to help them in the conflict, to work out their own salvation. Thus "forgetting those things which are behind" refers to the progress that we may make. And the Lord will give you strength, and the Lord will help you. Thus, then, he prays for them, and to this end, not that they might become more intelligent merely not that they might grow more able to discourse of divine things, though I doubt not that there would be growth in these respects also; but all here has an eminently practical form, "that ye may approve things that are more excellent; that ye may be pure and without offence till the day of Christ." Is it agreeing to differ? Observe here. Love feels acutely nothing so much; but it triumphs. So tender, so delicate is his sense, that he would not spare what was needful if there had been any want of thought, but at the same time he hastens to make whatever apology love could suggest. Well, there is some kind of fruit that I really don't want to my account. "Let your moderation be known unto all men. He is exalting Christ. 82 global ratings. Our guest is a mediator, conflict consultant, and... Biblical strategies to deal with interpersonal conflict at work. They really mean, this is worth my while, a well-known phrase in Latin too. "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ." (242) “ Bien souuent on loue;” — “Very frequently they praise.”. By filling their minds with the things that are good and honourable, they will have conduct that is good and honourable. 2 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. If you like reading the Theology of Work Bible Commentary free online, you might also enjoy it in print!—What does the Bible say about work? You will experience such peace. Paul, therefore, does not bid them try to gain applause or commendation by virtuous actions, nor even to regulate their life according to the judgments of the people, but simply means, that they should devote themselves to the performance of good works, which merit commendation, that the wicked, and those who are enemies of the gospel, while they deride Christians and cast reproach upon them, may, nevertheless, be constrained to commend their deportment. He has written His word not to perplex, but to enlighten. Had He not been God in His own being and title, it would have been no humiliation to be a servant, nor could it be indeed a question of taking such a place. τῶν νεκρῶν should not of itself have the same sense as that conveyed, with more propriety of expression (and for that reason likely to be adopted in the early Uncial MSS. When we would rather keep it to ourselves, we should ask people of wisdom for help—in humility, not in hopes of gaining an upper hand. How truly he accounted himself less than the least of them! But supposing it possible to be clothed with the righteousness of the law, he would not have it now. It is God’s sign that even a broken relationship is not beyond the hope of God’s goodness. It was due to His humiliation and obedience; and so it is here treated. Better not make them known to men; it is a dangerous snare. Let your moderation go along with it, because along with this joy there might be a certain enthusiastic spirit that would hinder calm judgment. And if God ever . Euodias and Syntyche, it seems, were at variance, either one with the other or with the church; either upon a civil account (it may be they were engaged in a law-suit) or upon a religious account--it may be they were of different opinions and sentiments. Now here we have what is present; so that the passage presents some difficulty to souls because of intermingling the present with the future. And this ground is one which always brings in the strength of the Holy Ghost, as it is based on God's mighty work of redemption. And yet it is to be regretted that there are many persons who make no pretensions to piety, who far surpass many professors of religion in the virtue here commended. Even he who knew them well marvelled that they were so soon shifting, not only from him, but from the gospel, after he left them.
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