Grainger County news. (Rutledge, Tenn.) 1917-current, 1919-07-17
LESSON FOR JULY 27
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP.

GOLDEN Al we VAIN III IhN
light, as he is in the light, we have fell.
lowship one with another, and the blood
of Jesus Christ his Son %cleanseth us from
all sin.-I John IL.
ADDITIONAL NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. 1888:
10; Nal. 3:16; John 1920. p; l Cor. l2:l2:
Romans 1915, IS; | John 4:7-l3.
PRIMARY T~oPIC-Loving Jesus and
one another CActs 12:1-l7; John 1880.
JUNIOR TOPIc-Keeping company with
Gods people (Acts. 2:37-4D.
INTERMEDIATES ToPIC-Our Chris
tlan friendships (John l5:12-l5l.
SENIOR AND ADULT TOPIC-Basis
and benefits OF Christian fellowship.
The Epistle to the Philippians fur
nlshes us with a beautiful example OF
fellowship between Paul and the
church at Philippi. This church on
several occasions sent Paul money for
his support. The particular ministry
Of this sort at the hands of Epaphro-
ditus while Paul was a prisoner at
Rome was the occasion for this epis-
tie. His words of thanksgiving for
this gift is the text of our lesson.
/. Paul's Expression of Appreciation
(4:10).
The Philippians had on several occa'
sions expressed their sympathy and
love for Paul by their gifts. but con.
siderable time had elapsed since any
gifts had reached him. When their
care for him again fiourished he was
made to greatly rejoice. He recognized
that the Lord was m%inistering to him
through these people, therefore he re
joiced in the Lord. This was a very
tactful way of saying II thank you
This gift was gladly received because
he was In need and also because 1t as
sured him that his old friends still
loved him.
H.. Paul's Manly Independence wv
11-13).
Though sincerely approaching the
gift, he would have them know:
l. He was independent of circum.
stances ". III. Through discipline OF
the Lord he had learned to be content
with his lot. He knew that all things
work together for good (Rom. S:2S)
so whatever he was experiencing al
the moment was from the hand of the
loving Father. Happy, indeed. is the
man who has learned this secret. Pau
Twas willing to take poverty or pros
|perity, whatever came.
2. Willing to take what God sent "
l2). If 1t be prosperity, he would re
jolce and praise God; If 1t be- adver'
sity. he would patiently suffer 1t
knowing that 1t was permitted by the
Heavenly Father because it was need
full for his best interests. This is a
fine example of self-mastery. If q
thing desired was not forthcoming he
would not allow his heart to desire it
3. His faith was in Christ ". 49,
The soul-poise which Paul possessed
was not of himself, but because. Chris
indwelt him. Such composure Is
only possible as Christ lives in and be
comes the dynamic of ones life. Wher
the life is thus surcharged with the
energy of Christ, he is absolutely indie
pendent of circumstances. Such pois,
is possible to all who will unreserved
ly yield themselves to God.
III. The Fellowship of Paul and tn,
Philippian Saints wv. 14-19).
l. The gift of this church to Paul /:
an outstanding example of Christian
| sympathy wv. 14-16). No otheI
church had remembered Paul at all il
his great need, but this one rendered
pecuniary aid again and again, afford
ing a fine example of mutual love be
tween a minister and the people sup
porting him.
2. The gift n spiritual blessing to thu
church ". ~. Paul was pleased will
their gift not primarily for its value t.
him. but because of the blessing which
the people derived from giving it. l
was fruit which abounded to their nc
count. 1T is more blessed to Civ
than to receive" (Acts 20 1857.
3. Their gift was an acceptable &C
of worship--'an odor of a sweet smell
well-pleasing to God" ". 49,. Tru'
Christian giving is an act of worship
to God.
4. Their gift would be rewarded b,
the Heavenly Father ". 19). Tru
Christian giving is not on the basis o
prudence, but by faith in the Twin
God who will make recompense at
cording to his riches in glory by Chris
Jesus.