Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1903-01-09
The SABBATH SCHOOL
international Lesson Comments for
January II.
ouSjecf; Christian Living, Phil. w., l.l3-Gold
en- Text, Phil w., 4-Memory Verses
o'S Commentary on the Days Lesson.


ip'nltroduction.-The epistIe to the Phil.
fore IS. was written from Rome. just be-
mept. it release from his first imprison-
counsel Th2ll of tender and affectionate
Paul. Several INCH was very dear to
TO relieve his wants. OGt sent him money
picture of the possibilities oSQn IS VlyId
ing. If its teachings were carriStlan nv
all Christendom the millennial gioryW by
speedily be here, and the kingdom q
Christ would be victorious in the earth.
This epistle reveals something OF the
character of the church at PhilipDi. Paul
wrote nothing to them by way of reproof.
Their great love for the apostle had caused
them to send Epaphroditus to Rome with
gifts to support him in prison. and Paul
sent this letter to them when the messen-
ger returned. We also see the peace and
JOY that filed the soul of the great apostle.
those who labor together in Christian
work should avoid all discussions!
3. "Yokefellow" There is much differ
ence of opinion as to whom the apostle
here addresses Some think Epaphroditus
is meant. Others think the elder or
bishop Of the church is meant, and that
Paul is urging him to hep the women Just
named to a reconciliation of their differ
ences. Still others think that the Greek
word "suzugus," which means "yoEefe,-
low" should here be rendered as proper
name. "Help these women" Help Euod-
las and Syntyche. "They labored." From
the earliest times women have rendered
valuable assistance in the propagation OF
door of Christian activity to women.
Clement Bishop Of Rome shortly after
the death of Peter and Paul. He wrote an
epistle to the Corinthians which is still
extant. "The book of life" The register
book Of those whose citizenship is in heav-
en- luke 10: 20; chap. 8: 20). Ancienty
free cities had roll book containing the
names Of all those having the right Of c;t-
zenship.
III. Exhortations to the whole church
Tvs. 49,. 4. Rejoice in the Lord" True
joy can only be found in the Lord. al
way" Even in the midst of Affections and
trials. There is JOY in the earthly things,
bat this is not lasting. ''The believers
stances. and may always abide. even in the
most distressing conditions" Note !.
Christians may and should rejoice (D
This verse is a command. (2) Joy is one
of the fruits OF the Spirit (Gal. 5: 22l. (3)
1t is the natural result of peace with God
rom. u; ~. 2. The nature of the
Christians Joy. (D Not in the creature.
(2) In God-iu His love, His word His
providences. 3. The Christians iov should
be constant Q) God is Interchangeable (2)
The way to God is always open. 4. There
are manv benefits to be derived.
3. Moderation - forbearance," Mild
ness, patience, gentlencss. The word
means forbearance, yieldingness. 1t is the
,-hic ell 10 tal- a 4
swift to forgive; which suffers wrong
rather than quarrel. Those who are ex-
pecting a Saviour from whom they need
clemency may we'll show all men that they
are of like character" Christian equity,
/. Does not exact all the claims of legal
Justice. Equity is superior to legal enact
merits. .. Should be evident in dealing
VITA all classes. 8. Should be practred
as conscious Of the near advent OF Christ.
1t IS a sorry spectacle when Christians ap-
peal to the civil courts to settle their dill
.erences.
g. I'm nothing be anxious Sec Matt.
s. 25 There is a care of diligence which
s our duty, and consists in Il wise forecast
and due concern, but there is care of
iistrust, which is oar sin and folly. and |
which only perp!eNes and distracts the
mind by prayer" etc. The true anti
Tote is that constant prayer which carries |
great and small, with no ex-
'eptioI, to God. "Supplication presents |
specific petitions to God. The thanksgiv-
ng which should accompany prayer is
General, and should cover all past mercies."
Prayer makes known our desires to God
nd casts our cares and burdens upon Him.
7. peace Of God" This follows as a
natural result. 1t is the rest and conf
lence which God gives to those who sur
oil infN In 4.
z; Psa ll9: 165; lisa. Is: 3. "Shall keep
uard" GAS Waterman guards a city"
Hearts" The heart is the seat of the af.
ections. the desires and the motives
Thoughts" Even our thoughts, or pur-
oses. are to be guarded.
8. Finally" In order for lis to he the
aDpy recipients of Gods love and favor it
Vill be necessary for lis to take the course
ere outlined by the apostle. True"
Ability to discern truth from error is here
Pure" Freedom from flesh
Y impurity which deiles body and soul.
t denotes chastity in every part Of life.
Good report" Whatever is spoken well
{ among good men, Think" Let your
thoughts dwell upon that which is virtu-
us and holy. In this verse we have "the
cience of Christian ethics"
9. "These things do" The apostle is SO
OiloClOuo lHdI III all IuSSt lulilSS TIC has
olowed Christ that he does not hesitate
0 commend his life to them as worthy of
"What they saw in him was
he same as what they had heard from
i'm"
" Thankfulness for the gift sent Tvs.
D-l3). 10. 'But / rejoiced" ''The re-
ewed proof of their regard in the relief
ent by Epaphroditus awoke in the apostle
holy joy. They were. in their so!icitude,
Ike tree putting forth fresh shoots.
hey had helped him before, and. indeed,
ad never ceased their care of him, but
hey had for long time lacked ar oppor-
unity of manifesting it."
IL. Il have learned" etc. The apostle
oes not say he had not been in want, but
e had learned to meet adversely with that
neerfulness which the grace of God in the
cart can give.
II. II know how" etc. He had been in
overly and want, and again he had
bounded with blessings. He knew the
vo extremes, and was not cast down in
ne one or elated in the other. He took
hatever came as from the Lord
49, 81 can do" etc. St. Paul "now
asses from knowledge to power" This
oility came through faith in Christ.