The Brinkley argus., 1919-07-25
essON FOR JULY 27
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP.

,ruS0N TEXT-fnA. f'iV-W. sso1nrN TEXT-1f we walk in the y ss he is in the light. we have fell 1ns 1s,n one with another, and the blood ,.s,,s Christ his Son cleanseth us from l a sn:-I JShn lM;1i;rER1A1@psa,ms F; ,ss. apDi v.i s.1s: John l7:2O, 21: I Cor. 12:12: n., ,S.1S 1s: I John 4.7-1s.
 aseTpffMARY TOPIC-Loving Jesus and .nother (Acts 12:1-17; John 1s:3D.
 mrNIOR TOPIC-Keeping company with c.s,. neople (Acts. 2:37-4D.
 vwSrERMEDIATE TOPIC-Our Chris .'r ,riendships John 1b:2-15).
 srNIoR AND ADULT TOPIC-Basis .ts benefits of Christian fellowship. The Epistle to the Philippians fur ,,sbos us with beautiful example of sIowship between Paul and the surcb at Philippi. This church on ,,vprsl occasions sent Paul money for M support. The particular ministry l x this sort at the hands of Epaphro- ahs while Paul was prisoner at pme was the occasion for this epis- h His words of thanksgiving for MIs gift is the text of our lesson.
 | Paups Expression of Appreciation | |H1O.
 The Philippians had on several occa- dos expressed their sympathy and lme for Paul by their gifts, but con. dderable time had elapsed since any lifts had reached him. When their nre for him again flourished Ae was uade to greatly rejoice. He recognized |At the Lord was ministering to him through these people, therefore he re bced in the Lord. This was very ttful way of saying T thank you" ns gift was gladly received because was in need and also because it as- Cred him that his old friends still Med him.
 Il. PauI's Manly Independence tvv lll3.
 Though sincerely appreciating the ih he would have them know:
 | He was independent of circum- Ihnces tv. 1D. Through discipline of be Lord he had learned to be content dth his lot. He knew that all things york together for good (Rom. 8:28). D whatever he was experiencing at be moment was from the hand of the prng Father. Happy, indeed, is the lan who has learned this secret. Paul |E willing to take poverty or pros 6ty, whatever came.
 2 Willing to take what God sent (v g. If it be prosperity, he would re pee and praise God; if it be adver- fH, he would patiently suffer it. nowing that it was permitted by the aavenly Father because it was need u for his best interests. This is a be example of self-mastery. If a nng desired was not forthcoming he ould not allow his heart to desire it. ,. His faith was in Christ (v. 13). ne sOul-poise which Paul possessed ls not of himself, but because Christ dwet him. Such composure is 1y possible as Christ lives in and be- mes the dynamic of one's life. When 1e IS thus surcharged with the lergy Of Christ, he is absolutely inde- fhaent of circumstances. Such boise possible to all who will unreserved.
 'leld themselves to God.
 lll. The Fellowship os Paul and the r'i'ppIan Saints (vv. 14-19).
 l. The gift of this church to Paul is
 outstanding example of Christian npathy (yv. 14-16). No other heh had remembered Paul at all in
 great need, but this one rendered Fuliary aid again and again, afford a nne example of mutual love be- en minister and the people SUD- ring him.
 r The gift a spiritual blessing to the afch ". ID. Paul was pleased with
 snt not primarily for it's value to
 Y out because of the blessing which
 peOpie derived from giving it. It
 ifuit which abounded to their ac-
 e II Is more blessed to give ~ 10 receive" (Acts 20 :35).
 inelr gift was an acceptable act sVishil'-"an odor of sweet smell,
 rpieaslng to God" (v. 1S). True suan giving is an act of worship
 hhelr gift would be rewarded by
 heavenly Father (v. 19). Trn~
 'uan giving is not on the basis {
 ''"ee' but by faith in the livins
 "ho will make recompense aa
 ug to his riches in glory by Christ