The Kansas City sun. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1908-1924, 1919-07-26
LESSON FOR JULY IT
CHRISTIAN
SON A:1o-N.

TEXT-lf we Walk IN inc
light, as he is in the light, we have feb
lowshlp one with another, and the blood
of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from
all SIM John IL.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Psalms 1sa:
Is; Nal. 3:16; John 1870, q; / Cor. E:R;
Romans 1918, &c; / John 4:7-l3.
PRIMARY TOPIC-LovinR Jesus and
one another Acts 12:1-17; John 1890.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Kaepin company with
Gods people (Acts. 2:37-4O.
INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-Our Chris
tan friendships John 1~5:12-15).
SENIOR AND ADULT TOPIC-Basis
and benefits Of Christian fellowship.
The Epistle to the Philippians fur
nishes 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-
di+us while Paul was a prisoner at
Rome was the occasion for this epts-
tie. His words Of thanksgiving for
this gift is the text Of our lesson.
|. Paups Expression Of Appreciation
(4:1O).
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 iourished he was
made to greatly rejoice. He recognized
that the Lord was ministering to him
through these people, therefore he re
joiced in the Lord. This was o very
tactful way of saying ~ 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.
II. Paups Manly independence wv.
11-13).
Though sincerely approaching the
gift, he would have them know:
l. He was independent Of circum-
stances ". ~. 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 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
perity, whatever came.
.. Willing t. take what God sent tv
12). If it be prosperity, he would re
joice and praise God if it be adver
sity, he would patiently suffer 1t
knowing that it was permitted by tn,
Heavenly Father because it was need
full for his best interests. This is.
fine example of self-mastery. If
thing desired was not forthcoming h
would not allow his heart to desire i
8. His faith was in Christ ". 10,
The Soul-poise which Paul possesse
was not of himself, but because Chris
indwelt him. Such compOsure /
only possible as Christ lives in and be
comes the dynamic of ones life. Whel
the life is thus surcharged with tn
energy of Christ, he is absolutely indie
pendent of circumstances. Such pois
is possible to all who will u~nreserved
ly yield themselves TO God.
III. The Fellowship of Paul and tn
P~hilippian Saints wv. 14-19).
l. The gift of this church to Paul
an outstanding example Of Christia
sympathy wv. 14-16). No othe
church had remembered Paul at all /
his great need, but this one rendere
pecuniary aid again and again, AFFORD
ing a fine example of mutual love b.
tween a minister and the people SUI
porting him. .
p. The gift a spiritual blessing to tn
church ". ~. Paul was pleased wit
their gift not primarily for its value t
him, but because of the blessing whic
the people derived from giving it.
was fruit which abounded to their a.
count. at is more blessed to Civ
; than to receive" (Acts 20 :35).
8. Their gift was an acceptable az
of worshlp-"an odOr of a sweet smell
well-pleasing to God" ". 49,. Tru
Christian giving is an act of worshi
to God.
4. Their gift would be rewarded b
I the Heavenly Father ". 19). Tru
Christian giving is not on the basis {
prudence, but by faith in the Twin
I God who will make recompense a,
. cording to his riches in glory by Chris
, Jesus.