The epistle to the Philippians is of special interest to us as young people because it is so exceedingly practical, and it brings before us normal Christian experience. It brings Christ before our hearts as our Life, our Example, our Object, and our Strength—yea He is our all in all. Let us remember that Christianity is not just certain doctrines (though doctrine is most necessary in its place); but it is a Person, God’s beloved Son, who can fill the heart and mold the life. May He ever fill our vision!
The assembly at Philippi was the first one in Europe, and there was much that was very commendable about them. When Paul went there to preach the gospel for the first time, there seemed little result to his labors and only a few women appeared interested in the message he proclaimed. As the work began to spread, then opposition was stirred up and he was cast into prison, but God used him in that very place to the salvation of the jailer. We can readily see from all this that it was not an easy place for gospel work, and yet it is lovely to find the Apostle commending them in his epistle for their “fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:55For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; (Philippians 1:5). Although there was-so much that would ordinarily discourage and cast down, still they continued faithfully spreading the glad tidings.
Surely this should have a voice to as. We are not usually confronted with open opposition to the gospel today, though there is some of this (and it is increasing); but what we generally meet with is cold indifference, which is most discouraging. We do not like to get the “cold shoulder” of the world when we offer a gospel tract, or speak a little word for our precious Saviour. But we must be prepared to receive either opposition or indifference from a world that once cried, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him,” when Christ was presented to them. Our blessed Saviour did not have an easy path, and should we expect ours to be easy? If we are loyal to Him we will be reproached as He was.
It was because of these things that Timothy was exhorted, “Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God,” 2 Timothy 1:88Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; (2 Timothy 1:8); and again, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” 2 Timothy 2:33Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3). May we, too, profit by these exhortations—they are for us as well as for Timothy!
Let us ask ourselves, then, if we are having real fellowship in the gospel work right where we are. Undoubtedly the Lord has a little service for each one of us if we are only willing to do it. It may be giving out tracts, visiting the sick and the poor, preaching in the open air, or personal work. Then, too, there is the gospel meeting. Do we make a special effort to be there, whether few or many are present? Do we hold up the hands of the speaker in prayer before the meeting, as well as during the meeting? Are we willing to help in the Sunday school, seeking the blessing and salvation of the children who come? Are we in our seats on time, if at all possible, helping to sing the hymns in such a way that strangers who come in will feel that we are really interested in the salvation of their souls? These are searching questions for us all, but they are practical ways in which we can have “fellowship in the gospel”—that wonderful message of God’s love to sinners.
ML 12/31/1950