Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-02
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
SERIOUS SUBJECTS CAREFULLY
CONSIDERED.
A Scholarly Expedition Of the Lesson
Thoughts Worthy Of Calm RefIec-
tion-Half an Hours Study Of tho
scripturcs-Time Well Spent.


5cripturco-Itme well spent.
Lesson for December 8.
Golden Text--"Let this mind be In you
which was also in Christ Jesus."-Phil.
2: 8.
This lesson treats of Christ's humility
and exltaton-Phil. 2: I'LL. The epis-
tie to the Philippians is one Of the fullest
and richest parts OF the New Testament.
With the letter to the Ephesians 1t shows
lofty development OF Paul's Christian
insight, deeper revelation by the Spirit
than his earlier letters. During the long
months of prison life he had meditated
profoundly upon the nature of Christ anu
his relation to the needy world, and some
of the results are found in these chapters.
1t was once the stumbling block OF cavil-
ing critics that these epistles of the cap
tivity show more elaborate, more
thoughtful type Of Christian doctrine than
Paurs earlier writings. But that Is one
of the very points that confirm their value
and authenticity. IL Paul had not grown,
IL his system Of theology had not broad
ened during those years of Christian ex'
perience and activity, so that he could
receive larger measure OF heavenly truth,
we should hardly be able to trust him as
teacher and as divinely guided leader.
The occasion of writing this letter is
stated in 2: 25-30. The epistle, written
under circumstances so likely to produce
kindly feeling, has no reproof in it like
most of Paurs other letters. The Phil
ipp.an church, which he himself had
founded, had abounded in good works
spreading it's benetcence and its helpful
influence far beyond the borders Of Mace
donia, and Paul rejoiced in it with great
comfort in the midst OF the perplexities
which the churches of Thessalonica, Ga
latia and Corinth brought to him. 1t Is
an epistle of rejoicing; rejoicing based on
the sublime truths of divine condescen-
sion, as well as on the perseverance and
liberality of the Philippian Christians. Ii
will be well if the teacher Of this lesson
can induce the class to read the whole
epistle, and can thus be enabled to present
!. in its entirety.
Explanatory.
"If there be therefore any consolation:
the form of expression simply indicates
that whatever of these Christian graces
the Philippians possess are to be exercised
in order to fulfill Paurs JOY (verse y.
Bowels and merces" is rendered in the
revised version tender mercies and COM
passions"
A very personal element is noticeable
all through the .epistle. Paul writes as a
personal friend of many of his readers.
While there were other and higher rea-
sons for unity and harmony, he chooses to
speak to them here of his own intense de-
sire for their welfare, well knowing how
such an appeal would touch their hearts.
1t is the highest JOY of the Christian min
ister of any Christian who has led others
into the way of life, to find them coItinu-
ing therein and growing steadily q use
fulness.
In order to warn the Philippians against
selfish strife, Paul brings to bear the high
est OF all motives, the imitation of Christ.
In these sublime verses he sets before an
adoring church the solemn mystery of
incarnation. How it contrasts, yet how
perfectly it conforms with the gospel story
of Christ's advent. The lowly entrance
upon earthly life which was his was no
accident. 1t was planned in preceding
ages and promised by patriarchs and
prophets. The profound phrase, "Let
this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus" might by itself form the
theme for many a sermon. But here it is
evidently more exactly defined by the
words that follow-the mind of humility.
Thought it not robbery to be equal
with Cod: this is obscure. The meaning
is, that being divine, Christ did not count
it as indispensable that he should retain
at all times his divine appearance and
powers, but laid them aside for season
tina. he might save man.
MADE himself of no reputation: liter
ally, he emptied himself; he laid aside the
outward attributes of divinity.
Wherefore God hath highly exalted
him: compare this whole passage with
the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah, in which
precisely the same theme is treated,
"Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation."
The opening and closing verses of that
passage (52: - and 50: 12) prophesy the
exaltation which is the consequence and
the reward of the voluntary humiliation,
the parallel between these two chapters,
. widely separated in point Of time, Is
striking, and throws much light upon the
fulfillment of prophecy.
Next Lesson-"Paul's Last Words
Tim. 4: Is, 1918.