The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-12-04
Sunday School Lesson for December s.
Christ's Humility and Exaltation.
Phil. ILL.,
BY j. e, GILBERT, D. D., LII. D.,
Secretary of American Society of Religious Education.

INTRODUCTION.-Th Apostle Paul
experienced the utmost concern for the
people who had beer brought to Christ
by his ministry. He did not trouble him
self about their finances. but constantly
sought their spiritual welfare. III. Cor
inthians, ri, 2S) Every departure on their
part from the path Of rectitude was
source of unspcakable pain to him and
every proof of their piety caused him to
rejoice. Ct. Corinthiansi 40. When
present he spoke not in their public as
scmbles only, but from house to house.
CActs Xxx, 20D When absent he prayed
and wrote letters, substitutes for oral
instruction, all Durdcned with the in
tense desire of his great heart, Romans,
!, - The range of the apostles thought
toward the church is remarkable. He
treated almost every theme that might
concern believers, so that his letters are
a storchouse in which may be found all
that is needed by the pastor in any age,
who watches over any flock of Christ
HARMONY.-The lesson today opens
with an urgent plea for the concord Of
the Christian brethren. Werses | and p
There Is perhaps in human language 10
more pathetic pleading than that which
he makes with the PHILIPPIANS on this
subject. lie declares that his joy would
be fun if they Were in accord, Of one
mind. He brings them up to that asscr-
tion by four considerations-the consola-
ton in Christ the comfort of love. the
fellowship of the spirit, the mercies and
tender regards of the gospel, being to
him the highest, and, indeed. the only
sources Of delight one who had given
himself to the ministry at the loss of all
other things Phil iii, S. as he had done
that comes through brotherly love. And
no wonder for that was proof of the
new life q. John, iii, 1D. while strife Is
an unfailing evidence Of remaining sin
Jamcs. iv y or the ascendancy of the
carnal over the spiritual nature. q. Cor
!nthians, ill., ~ How frequently does
Paul i'm other places OHehrews, xiii. y
commend this beautiful trait of hrotherly
love psalm cXNNiii u and deploro its ab-
sence. q. Corinthians, Xi 49,
LOWLINESs.-Wh is the secret Of
this harmony? Does II come and depart
without bidding or cause? May il be
courted. and won, and cultivated? Paul
answers. NCrse 80 It's chief enemy is
vain glory an exalted estimate of ones
opinions and prerogatives, This leads to
self-assertion, the resentment of sup
posed injuries and strife. There Is but
one remedy for this-refrain from all ac-
tion that Il prompted by this spirit (Ga-
ldtians, V, 26D Still how shall the spirit
OF vain glory, always causing trouble be
dislodged from the heart? II is hardly
enough to curb IL. Why cultivate the OPP
posite spirit, lowliness of mind, that dis
position that prefers others in honor.
(Romans, xii 10) This humility is of
slow growth generally In some more
than others. II will be noticed that the
apostle does not urge prayer, but person.
al effort for its attainment. a kind of
teaching not often followed in our day.
Divine grace is never "A substitute for "A
mans endeavors, but always an aid to
them, Phil. II, l2-13)