xhortations to a kind, humble spirit and behaviour. (1-4) The
example of Christ. (5-11) Diligence in the affairs of salvation,
and to be examples to the world. (12-18) The apostle's purpose
of visiting Philippi. (19-30)
Verses 1-4: Here are further exhortations to Christian duties; to
like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, according to the example
of the Lord Jesus. Kindness is the law of Christ's kingdom, the
lesson of his school, the livery of his family. Several motives
to brotherly love are mentioned. If you expect or experience the
benefit of God's compassions to yourselves, be compassionate one
to another. It is the joy of ministers to see people
like-minded. Christ came to humble us, let there not be among us
a spirit of pride. We must be severe upon our own faults, and
quick in observing our own defects, but ready to make favourable
allowances for others. We must kindly care for others, but not
be busy-bodies in other men's matters. Neither inward nor
outward peace can be enjoyed, without lowliness of mind.
Verses 5-11: The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We
must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of
his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature,
and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the
Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, (Joh
1:1), had not thought it a robbery to be equal with God, and to
receive Divine worship from men. His human nature; herein he
became like us in all things except sin. Thus low, of his own
will, he stooped from the glory he had with the Father before
the world was. Christ's two states, of humiliation and
exaltation, are noticed. Christ not only took upon him the
likeness and fashion, or form of a man, but of one in a low
state; not appearing in splendour. His whole life was a life of
poverty and suffering. But the lowest step was his dying the
death of the cross, the death of a malefactor and a slave;
exposed to public hatred and scorn. The exaltation was of
Christ's human nature, in union with the Divine. At the name of
Jesus, not the mere sound of the word, but the authority of
Jesus, all should pay solemn homage. It is to the glory of God
the Father, to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; for it is his
will, that all men should honour the Son as they honour the
Father, (Joh 5:23). Here we see such motives to self-denying
love as nothing else can supply. Do we thus love and obey the
Son of God?
Verses 12-18: We must be diligent in the use of all the means which
lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With
great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short.
Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This
encourages us to do our utmost, because our labour shall not be
in vain: we must still depend on the grace of God. The working
of God's grace in us, is to quicken and engage our endeavours.
God's good-will to us, is the cause of his good work in us. Do
your duty without murmurings. Do it, and do not find fault with
it. Mind your work, and do not quarrel with it. By
peaceableness; give no just occasion of offence. The children of
God should differ from the sons of men. The more perverse others
are, the more careful we should be to keep ourselves blameless
and harmless. The doctrine and example of consistent believers
will enlighten others, and direct their way to Christ and
holiness, even as the light-house warns mariners to avoid rocks,
and directs their course into the harbour. Let us try thus to
shine. The gospel is the word of life, it makes known to us
eternal life through Jesus Christ. Running, denotes earnestness
and vigour, continual pressing forward; labouring, denotes
constancy, and close application. It is the will of God that
believers should be much in rejoicing; and those who are so
happy as to have good ministers, have great reason to rejoice
with them.
Verses 19-30: It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us.
Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a
willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own
credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but
Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take
pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to
go to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who
had sorrowed for him when he was sick. It seems, his illness was
caused by the work of God. The apostle urges them to love him
the more on that account. It is doubly pleasant to have our
mercies restored by God, after great danger of their removal;
and this should make them more valued. What is given in answer
to prayer, should be received with great thankfulness and joy.
xhortations to a kind, humble spirit and behaviour. (1-4) The
example of Christ. (5-11) Diligence in the affairs of salvation,
and to be examples to the world. (12-18) The apostle's purpose
of visiting Philippi. (19-30)