since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Sermons I. THE DISPENSATION OF SUFFERING ASSIGNED TO THE SAINTS. Their sufferings fall not cut by chance. They are divinely ordered. They are even divinely given. 1. Their ability to endure these sufferings is the gift of Christ. "In the world ye shall have tribulation; in me ye shall have peace." "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." 2. Their comforts in sufferings are the gift of Christ. Thus they are led to rejoice in tribulation, for he has sent his Comforter to dwell in their hearts. 3. The sufferings in question are profitable to themselves as well as honoring to the Lord. He doth not afflict willingly, but for our profit. Through our suffering we may glorify the Lord by encouraging and confirming the faith of others. 4. The sufferings will not be without, reward. "If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him" (2 Timothy 2:12). "Blessed are you when men persecute you... for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11, 12). II. FAITH IN CHRIST MUST GO BEFORE SUFFERING FOR HIM, "Unto you it is given... to believe upon him." 1. Faith is God's gift, as it is the first effect of regeneration, which is God's work. Christ purchased for us, not merely salvation, but all the means thereunto. It is the Lord who opens our eyes, renews our wills, and persuades and enables us to accept Christ in the gospel. 2. It is by this faith we are enabled to suffer patiently. Without the shield of faith we could not resist the anger of persecutors. By faith we are made strong at the root like the seaweed that grows on the rock, no matter how much it may be lashed hither and thither by the ceaseless action of the waves. III. ENCOURAGEMENT TO PATIENT PERSEVERANCE BY THE EXAMPLE OF THE APOSTLE. "Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me." There must be a right spirit as well as a good cause to suffer for. 1. The similarity between the sufferings of the apostle and those of his converts. (1) It was in the same place - Philippi. (Acts 16:19.) (2) It was, probably, from the same adversaries, Gentiles and Jews. (3) It was a conflict in both cases trying to flesh and blood. 2. The sufferings of the ministers of Christ ought to encourage their people to like patience and firmness. - T.C.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you I. THE RETROSPECT.1. Its subject — "fellowship of the gospel."(1) Their mutual delight in all that the gospel brings. The grace that saved the apostle was that which saved his converts. Having a common faith they had a bond of union.(2) Their cooperation in all attempts for the furtherance of the gospel. 2. The emotions it awakened.(1) A grateful recognition of its unbroken character. Never had a single jar arisen between them. This experience was exceptional with Paul as it is with ourselves. In looking over ten years of work we can see more than enough to prevent our review from being one of unmixed pleasure. This is essential to check pride.(2) Thankfulness to God, the source and sustainer of it. This also is exceptional. We thank God for good and earnest men, but can they thank God for our cooperation? II. THE FORECAST. It is founded on the same cooperation. 1. The apostle's confident hope in regard to their future. Confidence in character is of tardy growth, and is often disappointed. Paul's was based on two grounds.(1) Their character had not failed when it was severely tested. They had braved the ridicule and persecution of their heathen neighbours for ten years.(2) God, being who and what He is, would not fail. He would bring the work He had begun to completion; not, however, that men are passive instruments in His hands. 2. The staple of His prayer. It is a prayer for the growth of that which already exists in them; and one which implies their active cooperation in fulfilling the subject of His petitions; that their love may grow in knowledge and perception. 3. The remaining portion of the forecast refers to the fruits of which love, knowledge, and a powerful moral sense are the roots.(1) There is a quick choice of the best among good things (ver. 10). Not mental and spiritual epicurianism.(2) Frankness and transparency, and therefore purity.(3) Blamelessness, not causing offence to men; so living as to be acceptable to God.(4) Abundant and uninterrupted fruitfulness. (J. J. Goadby.) The apostle's usual practice was to begin with thanksgiving. He delights to recognize good in those to whom he writes, even where there is much to reprove. In melancholy contrast stands the Epistle to the Galatians. In a Christian the natural outflow of gladness is in thanks to our Father in heaven. More distinctively Christian is it when the heart gives thanks for the good of others; but most of all when, as here, for the spiritual good of others.I. AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR THE PAST HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH (vers. 3-5). 1. Its object — "My God." The "my" well illustrates the broadening influence of Christianity; its tendency to slay the selfishness of the human heart. The wise believer knows that the widening of the range of blessing brings no diminution of individual blessing. 2. Its occasion. He had vividly before him "the kindness of their youth, the love of their espousals" to the Saviour. With this good beginning he knew that their history since had on the whole accorded. How rare in any age such a Church! How sweet to a pastor such a memory. 3. Its form.(1) When a minister sees God's blessing plainly resting on his work, his sense of gratitude impels him with peculiar power to prayer. This is the proper and healthful influence of gratitude to God for any gift.(2) Prayer offered with thankfulness will be distinguished by gladness. 4. Its ground. Every true Church is an association for advancing the gospel.(1) This fellowship was first and fundamentally with Christ.(2) In Him they had "fellowship in relation to the gospel" with each other. The advancement of each other's piety and peace and the extension of the gospel was an object of definite pursuit.(3) This fellowship was with all Christians — with their friend Paul for example. II. THE EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE FOR AN ASSURED HOPE IN REGARD TO THE FUTURE. 1. Every work of God is good, particularly His work of saving grace, which makes sinful men "good." Paul believed that the same grace would bring the good work to completeness. God does not do things by halves. 2. Having this happy conviction Paul is confident that the good would be carried on "until the day of Jesus Christ" — the day of the resurrection when body as well as soul will be glorified. 3. But diligence, watchfulness, and prayer, is necessary "to make our calling and election sure." The perseverance of the saints is a perseverance in faith and holiness. (R. Johnstone, LL. B.) I.II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. (J. Lyth, D. D.)Here are — I. PLEASANT MEMORIES. Inspiring gratitude, joy, prayer. II. CONFIDENT HOPES. The work is begun; must be continued; completed. III. LOVING FELLOWSHIP. In bonds; in the defence of the gospel; in the enjoyment of special grace. (J. Lyth, D. D.) 1. Look at the general religious aspect of the subject. The history of the Church is full of imperishable monuments of life and character. This history has created an enthusiasm which has resulted in acts of the highest importance and use. Same histories debase, this elevates; some depress, this strengthens. 2. Look at the particular religious history of this subject. The history of this Church was interwoven with the apostle's liveliest interest. He was the founder of it, and it developed virtues which excited his warmest admiration. So there are tender recollections of the work of grace clustering around every particular Church. If we, at any time, are cold or despondent, let us open the chronicles of the Churches of our early days, gather around us the warm hearts which cheered us then, and though dead they will speak to us words of life and encouragement. II. THE PRAYERS. We call prayer "the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear." There is that in our life which lends sorrow to prayer. Much of this, however, is wrong — lamentation over pardoned sins, etc. We are under an obligation to approach the throne of grace with joy. 1. We may look at this in its general aspect. It arose from an absence of selfish desires, and absorption in the condition and want of others. Paul's heart was bound up with the interests of the Church. At Philippi there was everything to evoke spiritual joy. Paul, therefore, joyfully prayed for a larger blessing. Let us approach God with praise for the prosperity of the Church, and with prayer for its increase. 2. If we narrow our field of observation every Christian must feel thankful for his new heart. If the glory of creation, the goodness of providence, excites gratitude, much more this the chiefest of God's works. Let us supplicate its further perfection. (Weekly Pulpit.) II. III. IV. (J. Lyth, D. D.) 1. That are prompted by the Spirit of God. 2. That recall the past joy of harvest. 3. That cause to abide With us, fruit long since reaped. 4. That link us still in association with distant but kindred spirits. 5. That evoke perennial gratitude to God. 6. That enrich our own moral worth.They "shall be had in everlasting remembrance," whose life on earth gives birth to memories such as these. (G. G. Ballard.) I. THE SORROW OF HIS IMPRISONMENT IS TEMPERED BY HIS THOUGHT OF GOD. 1. He recognizes God as his God. He knows that God has led him and redeemed him, and that nothing can separate him from His love (Psalm 23.; 63:2). As it was with Paul and David, so it may be with us. "Whom have I in heaven but Thee." II. THE SORROW OF HIS SEPARATION FROM THE PHILIPPIANS IS LIGHTENED BY THOUGHT OF THEIR WELFARE. 1. He remembered them in his thanksgivings.(1) For their fellowship with each other in the gospel.(2) He had confidence in its continuance. 2. He remembered them in his supplications.(1) That their mutual affection, knowledge of truth, and spiritual perceptions might increase.(2) That they might be preserved pure and without offence to the day of Christ.(3) That they might be filled with the fruits of righteousness. Conclusion: Looking to God he felt thankful; thinking on what God had wrought by him, and praying for its perfection, he was happy. Here is the secret of ministerial joy. (Family Churchman.) 1. Being. 2. Love. 3. Sympathy. 4. Effort.Blessed consummation of life when myself, as the court of final appeal, gives place to "my God." Then "He calls a worm His friend, He calls Himself my God." II. THE GROUND OF THIS RELATIONSHIP. 1. He is my Master, my Provider, my Redeemer, my Father, my Friend. "Whose I am and whom I serve." 2. Faith gathers up these long-forgotten links, and welds them into a golden chain, whereby the heart is consciously rebound to God. Appropriating faith commands the fulness of God's heart and the omnipotence of His hand. III. ITS EFFECT. Deeper than any mere channel of its communication, true gratitude has its spring in the immediate and responsive fellowship existing between the soul and God. (G. G. Ballard.) (J. Daille.) 7924 fellowship, in service December 12. "To Abide in the Flesh is More Needful for You, and Having this Confidence, I Know that I Shall Abide" (Phil. I. 24, 25). Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches. Walking Worthily Loving Greetings A Prisoner's Triumph A Strait Betwixt Two Citizens of Heaven A Comprehensive Prayer The Good Man's Life and Death Paul's Desire to Depart 7Th Day. Sanctifying Grace. Love and Discernment. Of the Desire after Eternal Life, and How Great Blessings are Promised to those who Strive The Death of the Righteous A Believer's Privilege at Death For There were Even in the Apostles' Times Some who Preached the Truth Not... The Master's Hand Therefore if Haply, which Whether it Can Take Place... Concerning Lowliness of Mind. Second Day. God's Provision for Holiness. Effects of Messiah's Appearance Divine Support and Protection Greeks Seek Jesus. He Foretells that He Shall Draw all Men unto Him. |
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