Studies in Philippians  PHILIPPIANS 1:1-2—4:21-23 THE PHILIPPIAN EPISTLE comes to us from two slaves, not from an apostle. It is an exhortation, designed to affect our feet, rather than a revelation for the enlightening of our minds. Paul and Timothy do not present the truth as to our position in Christ, but the path to…

 Studies in Philippians PHILIPPIANS 1:3-11—4:14-20 AMONG the most precious privileges which come to us with the reception of God’s unspeakable gift, is that of giving, of participating in the service of heralding the evangel by supporting the efforts made to spread the knowledge of God. In this, the Philippians as a whole are our example,…

 Studies in Philippians PHILIPPIANS 1:12-30—4:10-13 THE AFFAIRS of Paul, the slave of Christ Jesus, at the crisis which introduced the present administration of God’s transcendent grace, are of extraordinary interest and importance to those who wish to walk in accord with the will of God. As the framework of Philippians shows, he discusses his affairs…

Studies in Philippians PHILIPPIANS 2:1-18  PRACTICE is more powerful than precept. Deeds may do more than declarations in directing our lives. In Ephesians, we have already been told how we should walk. In Philippians, we are given examples of such conduct in the careers of others. We are pointed to the kenosis of Christ, the…

Studies in Philippians  PHILIPPIANS 2:13 GOD is operating in us to will as well as to work for the sake of His delight (Phil. 2:13). This brief allusion to the human will throws a flood of light into a very dark and dismal doctrine which has so vitiated the theology of Christendom that it has…

Studies in Philippians PHILIPPIANS 2:19-24 AS PAUL is bound, and cannot visit the Philippians himself, he sends Epaphroditus and contemplates sending Timothy. In these two characters, we have two “living expressions” of the evangel for this economy. They set forth the highest ideal in service and suffering. In Timothy, we see the model slave. His…

Studies in Philippians PHILIPPIANS 2:25-30 SUFFERING is the supreme service. It comes nearest to the sacrifice which our Saviour made for us. The service of the strong is acceptable to God, yet the work of the weak is far more welcome. It is a deeper display of sacrificial love and demands much more affection to…

Studies in Philippians PHILIPPIANS 3:1-4:9 PAUL’S service now comes before us, preceded by a three-fold warning which is the least heeded yet most needed portion of God’s Word for His slaves in this era. The third chapter of Philippians brings before us Paul’s conduct in connection with the present administration, for our emulation, and points…

Studies in Philippians PHILIPPIANS has been on my heart for many long years, and, at various times, I have jotted down notes as certain passages were pressed upon my attention. One lengthy article, that on “The Kenosis,” or emptying of Christ, has already been published. In the last few years particularly, the need of a…