that their love may grow ever rich er in the knowledge and insight of every kind. This is the gift of true discrimination. How important to discern those things that are prop er and Cod's perfect will for us. He next asks the Lord that they may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ. His desire was that they might not be a stum bling block. Someone has ex pressed, "Were we to take as much pain to be what we ought, as we do to disguise what we are, we might appear like ourselves, with out the trouble of disguise." We are told that "sincere" is made up of two Latin words, "sina" and "cera," which is literally "without wax." In ancient times ancient mak ers of pottery labeled their mer chandise with these words. Those who were unscrupulous manufac turers would take imperfect mer chandise and skillfully pour hot wax into the affected area. This way repairs would be scarcely dis cernible to the naked eye. Only if it were held up to the light could one tell the porcelain was faulty. We are to live our lives moment by moment remembering that we may be the only Christian some body knows. These devout souls at Philippi were upset to think of their be loved Paul languishing in a Roman prison. He wants them to under stand that he has risen above his circumstances conclusively and tri umphantly. In Christ there is no room for pessimism and defeat (Rom. 8:28). Paul's imprisonment had become known throughout the palace guards, and in all other places. As a result other believers gained confidence to testify for the Lord. It is strange to read here that Page 18
there were some who preached Christ of envy and strife while oth ers do so of good will, without contention. These two groups were made up of his own converts who loved Paul, as well as those who were jealous of the way in which the Lord had used His servant. It did not make any difference to Paul. Whether it was in pretence or in truth all he desired was for Christ to be preached. This is mag nanimity compounded. In verses 19 and 20 Paul seems to refer to his well-being, the eman cipation of his soul, rather than his body. The Apostle felt that his im prisonment was like curring pio neer roads for its advance. This was like a tonic to his soul. It saved him from discouragement and spurred him on to greater endeav ors for the Saviour. Paul's passion was that whether by life or through death, Christ should be magnified. Everything was inconsequential apart from the glory of Cod. Too much of the time we are "men pleasers." We want to be well thought of by our fellows. Paul had this as the least of his concerns. I wonder if this could be said of us as well? Do not make the fatal mis take of pleasing the wrong people. The smile of Cod's approval is all that matters. Paul's secret of life was that he wanted to live only for Christ. For whom are we living? We are either self-centered, or Christ-centered. Considering His great love for us, the answer ought to be evident. When the Apostle was apprehend ed by the Lord on the Damascus turnpike he never turned back. Sa tan did all in his power to bring him down. It was to no avail.
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