Learning To Be Commending (Lesson 2) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

2. Learning to be Commending

E. Remarks.

1. This is lesson two, in this sermon-series theme: "Learning to be Content.” The apostle Paul now in prison, in the city of Rome: imprisoned for his work in Christ among the Gentiles. We will consider the blessings of commending others, and our contingent (dependence) upon the Lord: in our time of trials, our needs, or in our daily substance. Paul expresses his deep love and thanks to these saints. He declared that they were his beloved, brethren, Philippians 4:1

2. In this lesson, we will define the blessing of commending others, the church, and our individual families for their contributes to our support. Again, Paul wrote: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity...Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that at the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God,” Philippians 4:12-18. Paul was commending this church for its reliable communications (giving to his support), from the start of his ministry, until that present time. With this brief introduction, let’s consider lesson two in this sermon-series: “learning to be commending.”

BODY OF LESSON

II LEARNING TO BE COMMENDING

A. Paul’s rejoicing. Paul begins this chapter with thanksgiving and rejoicing over these saints and encouraging them to stand fast in the Lord. Paul called them dearly beloved, brethren; commending them as saints. Asking them to help the women who labored with him in the gospel. To "entreat them with true yokefellowship." He reminded them, “that their names are in the book of life,” Philippians 4:1-4. He continued—

1. First, to let their moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

2. Further, “That they be careful about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:5-7.

3. Next, brethren, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things,” Philippians 4:8. To be content, stay your mind on healthy and wholesome things with praise and thanksgiving.

4. Finally, “My brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown; and again, my dearly beloved. He looked upon them as his brethren, though he was a great apostle. All Christians are brothers and sisters in the Lord, though we are ministers, leaders or members,” Philippians 4:9-10. Paul—

a. Loved them as dear brethren.

b. Had warm affections between them, both ministers and brethren.

c. He longed to see them and be in their company again.

d. They were his crown and joy.

B. Paul continued: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity...It was not negligence but inconvenience on the part of Epaphroditus. Paul wrote of this earlier in this letter. Observe--

1. Epaphroditus illness. Paul wrote: “But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:24. Paul had expectations that he would be released from prison.

2. First, “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants,” Philippians 2:25. Until then, he now sends his companion and fellow-soldier unto them, on his behalf. This must have been a return trip for him unto Philippi. He was their messenger and fellow-worker.

3. Further, “For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness because that ye had heard that he had been sick,” Philippians 2:26. His delay unto you was because of his sickness, of which they had learned. Paul confirms this in his Letter.

4. Next, “For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him, therefore, the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful,” Philippians 2:27-28. This would, of course, be great news unto the saints at Philippi.