November 1931
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presence will keep his thinking right before God (v. 8). 7- The one who is conscious of the Lord’s presence will do those things which are right in God’s sight (v. II. A C hristmas M editation "And when they were come into the "■ouse, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down , and wor~ shipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and mvrrh” (Matt. 2:11). . First, “they came . . . and saw” ; sec- 0 j down and worshipped” ; and third, “they presented unto him gifts.” We have in this short verse a remark ably comprehensive outline of the steps which are necessary to a life of joyful victory for Christ. The first step is mark ed by the response to the heavenly vision in coming and investigating the claims of this Jesus in a manger, this Christ of God. Having come, the next step for the hon est searcher after truth will be a humble adoration, a sincere worship of this One as the divine Son of God. But worship apart from surrender and consecration is of little value. If we are to receive God’s blessing, we must open our hearts and present unto Him all that we have, and are, and hope to be. Only as we follow in the steps of the wise men of old can we hope to receive thè blessing and go on our way rejoicing. D iscussion 1. Note that the first verse of chapter 4 is really the conclusion of chapter 3. Take a few moments to review the closing words of the third chapter, which lead up to Paul’s injunction, in 4:1, to “stand fast in the Lord.” What reason is given for standing fast (Phil. 3:20a>? What event is promised to those who do stand fast (Phil. 3 :20b) ? 2. ■ ^In verses 2 and 3, we find a very practical passage. It seems that there had been some differences between Euo- dias and Syntyche, two women who la bored with Paul in the gospel. This is not an uncommon occurrence, for all too often we find fellow laborers in Christ who magnify small differences and forget their high calling. Discuss Paul’s solution for the problem: a. That they be of the same mind in the Lord. h That they be helped out of their differences by their fellow Chris tians. What practical applications can you make of these suggestions, among your own friends ? 3. Set down and study in order the various injunctions listed in versés 4 to 7. Discuss the subject of Christian joy (v. 4), self-control (v. 5), freedom from anx- unis c;ire (v. 6), prayer (v. 6), and peace ,./• Discuss the subject of our thought life. Are not the principles laid down by Paul similar to the much later findings of psychologists—that high, true, noble thoughts dispel and displace thinking which is debased and sinful? Will a per- son perform a sinful act if his mind is filled with God-like thoughts? Give sug gestions as to how we can practically ap ply, in our daily thinking, verse 8 of this chapter.
SAFE IN COM E FO R LIFE Mrs. B. E. M.
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