The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1919-07-24
LESSON FOR JULY 27
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP.

LESSON TENT-Phii t.l0-N
GOLDEN TENTH we walk in the
light, as he Il In the light. We have fell
lowshp one with another. and the blood
OF Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth US from
all SIN John Ia
ADDITIONAL MATERtAT-Psalms is3
Is, Nal. 2.i6 John i7.90, q. I Cor. 1919.
Romans z IS. ~ I John i.7-i3
PRIMARY TOPiC-ioving Jesus and
one another Acts i21-i7. John 1880.
JUNIOR TOpiC-keeping company with
Gods people acts 2g7.tD
INTERMEDIATE TOPtC-Oar Chris
tlan friendships John l5:i2-iO
SENIOR AND ADULT TOpiC-Basis
and benefits OF Christian fellowship.
The Eplstle 10 the Philippians fur
nlshes us with beautiful example of
fellowship between Paul and the
church NJ Philippi. This church on
several occasions sent Paul money for
his support. The particular ministry
Of this sort NJ the hands Of Epaphro.
ditus while Paul was prisoner nj
Rome was the occasion for this epls-
tie. His words Of thanksgiving for
this gift Is the text of our lesson.
"a. !, Psul's Expression Of Appreciation
t4:i0).
The Philippians had on several occa.
slons expressed their sympathy and
love Tor Paul by their gifts, but con
siderable time had elapsed since any
gifts had reached him. When their
care for him again fourished he was
made to greatly rejoice lie recognized
that the Lord was mlnlstering to him
through these people. therefore he re-
jolced In the Lord. This was very
tactful way Of saying Il thank you"
This gift was gladly received because
he was In need and also because IL as.
surcd him that his old friends still
loved him.
". Paurs Manly Independence wv
i1.13).
Though sincerely approaching tn,
gift, he would have them know:
I. lie was independent Of circum-
stances ". NJ. Through discipline Of
the Lord he had learned TO be content
with his lot. lie knew that all things
work together for good (Rom. S:2S)
50 whatever he was experiencing AT
the moment was from the hand Of the
loving Father. Happy, indeed. Is the
man who has learned this secret. Paul
was willing to take poverty or pros
perii.. whatever came.
.. willing TO take what God sent "
12). II II be prosperity. he would re-
joice and praise God; II IL be adver.
sity. he would patiently suffer IL
knowing that II was permitted by the
Heavenly Father because IL was need.
full for his best interests. This is a
fine example Of selfmastery. II n
thing desired was not forthcoming he
would not allow his heart TO desire n.
2. His faith was In Christ ". 1877.
The soul-poise which Paul possessed
was not Of himself. but because Christ
indwelt him. Such composure Is
only possible ns Christ lives In and be-
comes the dynamic Of ones life. When
the life is thus surcharged with the
energy Of Christ. he Is absolutely indie
pendent OF circumstances. Such poise
Is possible 10 all who will unreserved
~ yield themselves 20 God.
W. ne FcUoWsnlp OF fdui ana tnc
Philippisn Ss nts wv. 1s-i9).
l. The Gift OF this church TO Paul is
an outstanding example of ChGistian
sympathy wv. l4-i6). No other
church had remembered Paul at all In
his great need. but this one rendered
pecunIary aid again aud again. afford
Ing fine example Of mutual love be-
tween minister and the people sup
porting him.
.. The gift n spiritual blessing TO the
church ". ~. Paul was pleased with
their gift not primarily for It's value TO
him. but because Of the blessing which
the people derived from giving Il. II
was fruit which abounded to their ac-
count. 1T is more blessed to give
than 10 receive" (Acts 10 :35).
3. Their gift was an acceptable net
Of worship-"an odor Of sweet smell.
well-pleasing 20 God" ". 49,. True
Christian giving Is an act Of worship
10 God.
I. Their gift would be rewarded by
the Heavenly Father ". l9). True
Christian giving Is not on the basis of
prudence. but by faith In the living
God who will make recompense ac-
cording to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus.