FRIDAY, Nor. 1st. Phil. 4:18-20. t Paul goes, on to tell them that now “ I have all things and abound: I am filled.” The word translated “ have” is a stronger word than that usually employed. It means really ‘‘have in full.” And the word translated “ abound” means to “ run over.” It was because he had received from Epaphro- ditus the things that came from them that he had in full all things and was running over with . the largeness of their supply. Paul speaks of these gifts which they have sent to him by the hand of Epaphroditus as “ an odor of a sweet smell,” i. e., they were like the fumes of the altar which are frag rant to God because they are an expres sion of self-surrender and allegiance to Him. He also speaks of them as “ a sacrifice acceptable (cf. Rom. 12:1), well-pleasing to God.” Gifts of love to God’s children and especially to His servants are gratifying to God and are an acceptable and pleasing sacrifice (cf. Heb. 13:16). And now follows one of the most precious promises in the Bible, a promise of abundant supplies for every need. The one who is to sup ply to them is “ My God,” that is, the God who so wondrously manifested His grace and power in His dealings with Paul. What God supplies is “ every need of yours.” Note well thé “ every.” It takes in every need of spirit, soul and body. But Paul was thinking at this time primarily of temporal needs. The Philippians, though so generous, were very poor (2 Cor. 8 :2). As to the extent to which their needs should be supplied the Authorized Version reads “ shall supply” ; the Revised Vers ion, however, reads “ fulfill.” If the word “ fulfill” were turned around and read “ filled full,” it would come nearer expressing the thought of the Greek word that Paul used (cf. 2 Cor. 9 :8). The measure according to which God fills full is “ according to His riches in glory.” “ Riches” is a very large and significant word, but put “ His” before it, “His riches,” and how significant it becomes! But that is not all, it is not merely “ riches,” not even merely “His riches,” but it is “His riches In glory.” How significant it is now! Who can
measure that, God’s riches in glory! But this supply is all “ in Christ Jesus.” Out of Christ there is no such supply, nay, out of Christ there is nothing but emptiness (John 15:5), but “ in Him” all fullness (cf. Col. 2:9, 10 R. V.). But does this wonderful promise belong to all professed Christians? The con text clearly answers “No, it is for those who give, and for them only.” If we give what we have to supply the need of others (v. 16, R. V.) then and then only God will fill full every need of ours “ according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” The thought of the context of the similar promise in 2 Cor. 9:8 is just the same as the thought of the context here. In this chapter we have seven present and priceless priv ileges of the believer: (1) Constant joy (4 :4 ). (2) Undisturbed freedom from care (v. 6). (3 ) Abiding and abounding peace (v. 7). (4) An ever present friend (v. 9). (5) Never failing con tentment (v. 11). (6) All prevailing strength (v. 13). (7) Inexhaustible supplies for every need (v. 19). And now Paul turns in acknowledgment to the source of it all, “ Now unto our God and Father be glory forever and ever.” Let us all, with Paul, add “ Amen.” SATURDAY, Nov. 2nd. Phil. 4:21-23. Now comes the closing salutation. Paul sends salutation to “ every saint in Christ Jesus,” i. e., to both high and low, rich and poor. His companions also send salutation, “ The brethren which are with me salute you.” Further than this, “ all the saints” in Philippi send salutations. Among these saints were some who were “ of Caesar’s household.” These of Caesar’s house hold were the slaves and freedmen attached to the palace, and possibly a few of higher rank. These “ especially” gent their salutations through Paul. There had been many converts among Nero’s vast retinue and even there grace sustained them. There could not be a more difldcult position than that in which to serve the Lord. Let none'of ns say, “ I cannot be a Christian in my business,” if even the slaves and freed men in Nero’s household could be Christians. Paul’s final wish for them
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