New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1919-07-25
LESSON FOR JULY II
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP.

LESSON -ExT-phil. 4:lO-9.
GOLDEN TEXT-If We walk In the
light. as he il in the light. we rave fell
lowship one with another. and the blood
of Jesus Christ his Son c~leanseth us from
ADDITIONAL NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. 1888:
Is; Nal. 3:l6; John 17:2O. 21; l Cor. 1912:
Romans l2:l5. g; | John 4:7-l3.
PRIMARY ToPIC-Loving Jesus and
one another Acts 12:1-17: John 1880.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Keeping company with
Gods people (Acts. 2:37-4O.
INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-Our Chris
tian friendships John ~15:12-15).
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 sen 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.
!. PauI's Expression Of Appreciation
(4:1O).
The Philippians had on several occa-
sions expressed their sympathy and
love for Paul by their gifts. but ION
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 ministering 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.
u. PauI's Manly independence wv.
lib.
Though sincerely approaching the
gift, he would have them know:
1. He was Independent of circum-
stances ". 11). Through discipline of
the Lord he had learned to be content
with his lot. He knew that all things
work together for good (Rom. 8:2S),
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.
2. Willing to take what God sent ".
12). If 1t be prosperity, he would re-
joice and praise God; II it be adver-
sity. he would patiently suffer 1t,
knowing that 1t vas permitted by the
Heavenly Father because 1t was need
full for his best interests. This is a
fine example Of self-mastery. II a
thing desired was not forthcoming he
would not allow his heart to desire 1t.
3. 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 as Christ lives In and be-
the dynamic of ones life. When
the life Is thus surcharged with the
of Christ, he Is absolutely indie
pendent Of circumstances. Such pOise
Is possible to all who will unreserved-
ly yield themselves to God.
III. The Fellowship Of Paul and the
Saints wv. 14-19).
/. The gift of this church to Paul is
an outstanding example of Christian
sympathy wv. 14-16). No other
church had remembered Paul at all In
his great need, but this one rendered
pecuniary aid again and again, afford
ng a fine example of mutual love be-
tween a minister and the people sup
him.
2. The gift a spiritual blessing to the
,hurch ". 10. Paul was pleased with
heir gift not primarily for its value to
him. but because of the blessing which
he people derived from giving 1t. 1t
vas fruit which abounded to their &C.
,ount. ut is more blessed to give
han to receive" (Acts 20 1850.
3. Their gift was an acceptable act
Il worship-'an odor of a sweet smell,
.vell-pleasing to God" ". 49,. True
christian giving Is an act of worship
o God.
4. Their gift would be rewarded by
he Heavenly Father ". 19). True
christian giving is not on the basis of
'rudence, but by faith in the living
;od who will make recompense &C.
to his riches in glory by Christ
esus.