he apostle exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord.
(1) Gives directions to some, and to all in general. (2-9)
Expresses contentment in every condition of life. (10-19) He
concludes with prayer to God the Father, and his usual blessing.
(20-23)
Verse 1: The believing hope and prospect of eternal life, should make
us steady and constant in our Christian course. There is
difference of gifts and graces, yet, being renewed by the same
Spirit, we are brethren. To stand fast in the Lord, is to stand
fast in his strength, and by his grace.
Verses 2-9: Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other.
As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he
knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow-labourers to have
the help of others. Let us seek to give assurance that our names
are written in the book of life. Joy in God is of great
consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be
again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes
for sorrow. Let their enemies perceive how moderate they were as
to outward things, and how composedly they suffered loss and
hardships. The day of judgment will soon arrive, with full
redemption to believers, and destruction to ungodly men. There
is a care of diligence which is our duty, and agrees with a wise
forecast and due concern; but there is a care of fear and
distrust, which is sin and folly, and only perplexes and
distracts the mind. As a remedy against perplexing care,
constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for
prayer, but in every thing by prayer. We must join thanksgivings
with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good,
but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told
our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he
will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our
dependence on him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of
being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favour, and
the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than
can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under
troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with
inward satisfaction. Believers are to get and to keep a good
name; a name for good things with God and good men. We should
walk in all the ways of virtue, and abide therein; then, whether
our praise is of men or not, it will be of God. The apostle is
for an example. His doctrine and life agreed together. The way
to have the God of peace with us, is to keep close to our duty.
All our privileges and salvation arise in the free mercy of God;
yet the enjoyment of them depends on our sincere and holy
conduct. These are works of God, pertaining to God, and to him
only are they to be ascribed, and to no other, neither men,
words, nor deeds.
Verses 10-19: It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in
trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to
feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what
we can to help them. The apostle was often in bonds,
imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be
content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best
of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have
not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men
discontented even under favourable circumstances. Let us pray
for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility
and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have
an equal temper of mind always. And in a low state not to lose
our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any
wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not
to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than
the other; for the temptations of fulness and prosperity are
more than those of affliction and want. The apostle had no
design to urge them to give more, but to encourage such kindness
as will meet a glorious reward hereafter. Through Christ we have
grace to do what is good, and through him we must expect the
reward; and as we have all things by him, let us do all things
for him, and to his glory.
Verses 20-23: The apostle ends with praises to God. We should look upon
God, under all our weakness and fears, not as an enemy, but as a
Father, disposed to pity us and help us. We must give glory to
God as a Father. God's grace and favour, which reconciled souls
enjoy, with the whole of the graces in us, which flow from it,
are all purchased for us by Christ's merit, and applied by his
pleading for us; and therefore are justly called the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
he apostle exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord.
(1) Gives directions to some, and to all in general. (2-9)
Expresses contentment in every condition of life. (10-19) He
concludes with prayer to God the Father, and his usual blessing.
(20-23)