The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-01-08
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL LESSON COMMENTS
FOR JANUARY u.
Subject: Christian Living, Phil. iv., 1-l3
Golden Text, Fhil. iv., a-Me'nory
Verses, 6-S-Commentary on the Days
Lesson.

Lesson.
Introduction-The epiStle to the Phil
ippians was written from Rome. Just Ce-
lore Pants release from MS first lmprISon-
ment. 1t ia full of tender and affectionate
counsel. This church was very dear to
Paul. Several times they sent him money
to relieve his wants. Our lesson is vivid
picture of the possibilities OF Christian nv
ing ii its teachings were carried out by
all Christendom the miliennlal glory would
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 Phllippl. 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 faui
sent this letter to them when the meSscn-
ger returned We also see the peace and
1oy that filled the soul OF the great apostle.
The same mind" How important that
thoae who labor together in Christian
work should avoid all disSensions.
5. "Yokefellow" There is much differ
ence of opinion rs to whom the apostle
here addresses. Some think Epaphroditus
is meant. Others think the elder or
bishop of the church is meant. aud that
Paul is urging him to help the women Iust
nduleU 10 d w NhSh
ences. Still others think that the Greek
word 'suzugus.' which means 'yokefel-
low" should here be rendered as proper
name. .Help these women. HelD Euod-
las and Syntvche They lahored. From
the earliest times women have rendered
valuable assistance in the propagation OF
the gospel The gospel opens wide the
door of Christian activity 10 women.
Clement" Bishop of Rome shortly after
the death of Peter and Paul. Hc wrote an
epist,e 10 the Corinthians which Is stiii
extant. The book OF life The register
,Sook of those whose citizenship Is IN heav-
en- luke 10: 20; chap. 3: 20l. Ancient,y
free cities had roll book containing the
names of all those having the right of citi.
xenship.
III. Exhortations to the whole church
Tvs. 4-9). L. S"Reioice in the Lord" True
Joy can only be found in tn. Lord. "A.
way" Even in the midst of Affections and
trials. There is JOY in the earthly things.
but this is not lasting. The believer
JOY towers above all external circu,n-
stances. and may always abide even in the
most distressing conditions. Note !.
Christians may and should rejoice: ln
of the fruits of the Shirt (Gal. ): 2). l3l
It is the natural result of peace with God
(Rom II; ~. .. The nature of the
Christians Joy. ~ Not in the creature.
i(2) In God-in His love, His word. His
providences 3. The Christians joy should
be constant. On God is Interchangeable. (2)
The way TO God is always open: = There
are .manv benefits to be derived.
s. Moderation - forbearance.' Mild.
ness. patience. genueness. The word
means forbearaace. yieldineness. 1t is the
grace which is slow to take ofiense 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
are of like character" Christian equity.
/. Does not exact all the claims OF legal
Justice. Equity is superior to legal enact
ments . Should be evident in dealing
with all classes. 3. Should be practiccd
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
ferences.
6. In nothing be anxious See Matt.
6: %. There is care Of diligence which
is our duty. and consists in a Wise forecast
and due concern. but there is care of
6istrust, which is our sin and folly. and
which only perpleSes and distractS the
mind "By prayer etc. The true anti
dote - that constant prayer which carries
everything. great and~smal. with 70 en-
ceptioa. to God. 'SupDl;cation presents
specific petitions to God. The thankssiv-
general, and should cover all past mercieS.
Prayer makes known our desires to God
and casts our cares and burdens upon Him.
I. "Peace of God" This follows as 4
natural result 1t is the rest and conf
dence which God gives to those who sur
render all into HIS hands. See Jchn Il:
81: Psa. lls: l65; Isa. 26: 3. Shall keep.
guard" AS watchman guards city
Hearts" The heart Is the seat of the al
fections. the desires and the motives.
Thoughts" Even osir thoughts. or pur-
poses. are to be guarded.
s. Finally" In order for us to I've the
happy recipients of Gods love and favor it
will be necessary for us to take the course
here outlined by the apostle. True"
,ility to discern truth from error Is here
Agnized. Pure" Freedom from flesh
mpurity which defiles body and soul.
&enotes chastity In every part of life:
f'Good report" Whatever is spoken we'll
of among good men. Think" Let Your
thoughts dwell upon that which is virtu-
Gus and holy. In this verse we have tine
g. 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"
". Thankfulness for the gift sent Tvs.
1919. 10. But rejoiced." The re.
newed proof OF their regard in the relief
sent by Epaphroditus awoke in the APOSTLE
a holy JOY. They were. in their soiicitude,
like 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. Il have learned etc. The apostle
does not say he had not been in want. but
he had learned TO meet adversit? with that
cheerfulness which the grace OF God in the
heart can give.
L.. Il know how" etc. He had been in
poverty and want and again he Ind
abounded with blessings. lie knew the
two extremes. and was not cast down IN
the one or elated in the other He roois
whatever came as from the Lord.
l3. II can do" etc. 81. Paul now
passes from knowledge to power This
ability came through faith in Christ.