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Scott's Reference Library
Philippians 3:17 through Philippians 4:1 (NIV)
17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those
who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18For, as I have often told you
before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of
Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their
glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship
is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will
transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is
how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 12-21
This simple dependence and earnestness of soul, were not mentioned as if the
apostle had gained the prize, or were already made perfect in the Saviour’s
likeness. He forgot the things which were behind, so as not to be content with
past labours or present measures of grace. He reached forth, stretched himself
forward towards his point; expressions showing great concern to become more and
more like unto Christ. He who runs a race, must never stop short of the end, but
press forward as fast as he can; so those who have heaven in their view, must
still press forward to it, in holy desires and hopes, and constant endeavours.
Eternal life is the gift of God, but it is in Christ Jesus; through his hand it
must come to us, as it is procured for us by him. There is no getting to heaven
as our home, but by Christ as our Way. True believers, in seeking this
assurance, as well as to glorify him, will seek more nearly to resemble his
sufferings and death, by dying to sin, and by crucifying the flesh with its
affections and lusts. In these things there is a great difference among real
Christians, but all know something of them. Believers make Christ all in all,
and set their hearts upon another world. If they differ from one another, and
are not of the same judgment in lesser matters, yet they must not judge one
another; while they all meet now in Christ, and hope to meet shortly in heaven.
Let them join in all the great things in which they are agreed, and wait for
further light as to lesser things wherein they differ. The enemies of the cross
of Christ mind nothing but their sensual appetites. Sin is the sinner’s shame,
especially when gloried in. The way of those who mind earthly things, may seem
pleasant, but death and hell are at the end of it. If we choose their way, we
shall share their end. The life of a Christian is in heaven, where his Head and
his home are, and where he hopes to be shortly; he sets his affections upon
things above; and where his heart is, there will his conversation be. There is
glory kept for the bodies of the saints, in which they will appear at the
resurrection. Then the body will be made glorious; not only raised again to
life, but raised to great advantage. Observe the power by which this change will
be wrought. May we be always prepared for the coming of our Judge; looking to
have our vile bodies changed by his Almighty power, and applying to him daily to
new-create our souls unto holiness; to deliver us from our enemies, and to
employ our bodies and souls as instruments of righteousness in his service.
Philippians 4
(v. 1) The apostle exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord.
(v. 2-9) Gives directions to some, and to all in general.
(v. 10-19) Expresses contentment in every condition of life.
(v. 20-23) He concludes with prayer to God the Father, and his usual blessing.
VERSE 1
The believing hope and prospect of eternal life, should make us steady and
constant in our Christian course. There is difference of gifts and graces, yet,
being renewed by the same Spirit, we are brethren. To stand fast in the Lord, is
to stand fast in his strength, and by his grace.