Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-01-08
THE SABBATH SCHOOL
International Lesson Comments for
January II.
Sucject: Christian Living, Phil w., I.l3-Gold.
en- Text, Phil. w., 4-Memory Verses
Is Commentary on the Days Lesson.

Introduction. The .epistle to the Phil
ippians was written from Rome. just be.
fore Paul's release from his first imprison.
ment. 1t is full of tender and affectonate
counsel This church was very dear to
Paul Several times they sent him money
to relieve his wants. Our lesson is a vivid
picture of the possibilities of Christian liv-
ing. If its teachings were carried out by
all Christendom the millennal glory woud
speedily be here, and the Kingdom OF
Christ would be victorious in the earth.
This epistle reveals something of the
character of the church at Philippi 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.
'"The same mind" How important that
work should avoid all dissensions!
3. "Yokefelow" 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 help the women Just
named to a reconciliation of their differ
ences. Still others think that the Greek
word "suzugus," which means ''yokefel-
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
the gospel. The gospel opens wide the
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
en- CLuke 10: 20; chap. 3: 2O). Ancent.y
free cities had a roll book containing the
names of all those having the right OF citi.
zenship.
III. Exhortatuns to the whole church
Tvs 40. 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.
but this is not lasting. "'rhe believers
stances, and may always abide. even in the
most distressing conditions" Note |.
Christians may and should rejoice. (D
This verse is command. 90 Joy is one
of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. s.; 22l. 81
It is the natural result of peace with God
rom. "a: ~. 2 The. nature of the
Christians JOY. ~ Not In the creature.
(2) In God-in His love, His word. His
providences, 3. The Christians JOY should
The way to God i. always open. 4. There
are many benefits to be derived.
). Moderation - forhearance.' Mild
ness, patience. gentleness. The word
means forbearance. yieldingness. 1t is the
grace which is slow to take offense and
swift to forgive; which suffers wrong
rather than quarrel. Those who are ex-
pecting Saviour from whom they need
clemency, may well show all men that they
!. Does not exact all the claims of legal
justice. Equity is superior to legal enact
ments. 2. Should be evident in dealing
with all classes. 3. Should be practiced
as conscious of the near advent OF Christ.
1t is sorry spectacle when Christians APP.
peal to the civil courts to settle their diff.
ferences.
0. 'In nothing be anxious" See Matt
g. Is. There Is a care Of diligence winch
is our duty, and consists in wise forecast
and due concern, but there Is care OF
distrust, which is our sin and folly. and
which only perpleXes and abstracts the
mind. "Bv prayer" etc. The true anti
dotc is that constant prayer which carries
everything. great and small. with no ex-
ception, to God. "Supphcation presents
specific petitions to God. The thantsgiv-
ing which should accompany prayer is
general, and should cover all past mercies.
Prayer makes known our desires to God
and casts our cares and burdens upon Him.
7 peace of God" This follows as
natural result. 1t is the rest and conf
dence which God gives to those who sur.
render all into His hands. See John IA:
81: Pisa. 49, 1866: lisa. 26 3. "Shall keep
guard" "As Waterman guards city"
'Hearts." The heart is the seat of the af-
fectons. the desires and the motives.
Thoughts Even our thoughts, or pur-
poses. are to he guarded.
s. Finally" In order for US to be the
happy recipients of Gods love and favor it
will be necessary for us to take the course
here outlined by the apostle. True
Ability to discern truth from error ia here
recognized. pure" Freedom from flesh
" impurity which detiles hodv and soul.
1t denotes chastity in every part OF life.
Good report" Whatever is spoken well
OF among good men. Think" Let YOUR
thoughts dwell upon that which is virtu-
Gus and holy. In this verse we have "the
science of Christian ethics.
Q, "These things do" The apostle is so
conscious that in all these things he has
followed Christ that he does not hesitate
to commend his life to them as worthy OF
imitation. "What they saw in him was
the same as what they had heard from
him.
". Thankfulnes. for the gift sent Tvs.
1913 10. But ] rejoiced." The re.
newed proof of their regard in the relief
sent by Epaphroditus awoke in the apostle
holy joy. They were, in their sohctude,
like a tree putting forth fresh shoots.
They had helped him before, and, indeed,
had never ceased their care of him, but
they had for long time lacked an oppor-
tunity of manifesting it."
II. II have learned" etc. The apostle
does not say he had not been in want, but
he had learned to meet adversely with that
cheerfulness which the grace of God in the
heart can give.
IL. 81 know how" etc. He had been in
poverty and want, and again he had
abounded with blessings. He knew the
two extremes, and was not cast down in
the one or elated in the other He took
whatever came as from the Lord.
10. II can do" etc. st. Paul now
passes from knowledge to power" This
ahilitr came Through faith in Chriat