will be with us. Instead of backbit ing and gossiping we should re joice in God's providence in our lives. Nothing so delivers believers from self-occupation as does oc cupation with Christ. Those who are busy holding forth the Word of life have no time for selfish quarreling among themselves. Three Saints The last half of the chapter is
exemplified by three saints: Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Almost casually the Apostle speaks of him self. Probably no other mortal ever drank into the Spirit of Christ so deeply as did he. Once a proud and hauty Pharisee, glorying in his own righteousness, he was mirac ulously transformed by the sight of the risen Saviour. In verse 17 Paul alludes to the libation offering which was poured out on the burnt offering. This was typical of the outpouring of the Saviour's soul unto death. He wanted to be con sumed completely for the Service of Christ. What sublime self-abne gation this shows. How humble was this giant in the faith. The next reference is to Timo thy, the unselfish pastor (vs. 19). Timothy was not like the others who all sought their own and not the things which are Christ's. Paul loved this dedicated young man (I Timothy 1:2). No matter what the task he was willing to sublim ate his own will to do the bidding of his father in the faith. There ought to be this holy bond be tween people even in the same household. So often we see bick ering and back-biting among the children of God. It surely must grieve the loving heart of our Lord. Finally he refers to Epaphroditus beginning with verse 25. This faith ful laborer was the one who had brought a love gift from the Phil- ippians to Paul in Rome. While he was there he fell deathly ill. The people at home had learned of his illness and became greatly con cerned. Paul felt it best to send him to his loved ones. Paul urges the Philippians, "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation." This man ___________ Page 23
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