Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:… 1. Is not a mere set of opinions which may lie dormant in the mind; but 2. a system of principles which, taking hold of the innermost springs of feeling and action, gives its own colour and character to all that proceeds therefrom. The apostle enjoins — I. NEGATIVELY, abstinence from those tempers by which Christian graces must be withered and the Christian profession dishonoured. 1. Two blades of grass cannot be found in all respects alike, so we cannot find two men alike in character and temperament. So there must be about the Christian that which distinguishes him not only from the worst, but the best, samples of unrenewed humanity. (2) With worldly persons it is enough to be irreproachable in those habits and duties which regard their fellow men. The Christian's aim is to conform to the will of God. The Christian is anxious not only to act well, but to act on Christian principles and from Christian motives. (1) A worldly person may discover many reasons for checking a murmuring habit of mind; he may see its inutility and folly, and so determine to play the philosopher and endure what he cannot avoid. The Christian stifles every rising murmur, because he recognizes the goodness of God in all His appointments, and fulfils the hardest duties and bears the heaviest burdens, not because they are not grievous, but because he has that heaven-born faith which these trials call into exercise, and which blunts their edge and sweetens their bitterness. (2) A merely moral person may see the expediency of setting aside a spirit of contention, viz., that it disturbs social enjoyment and deadens the sympathies of friendship. Nor is a Christian wholly unbiassed by such considerations, but he cultivates a pacific spirit, because he is a follower of the Prince of Peace, and because contention cannot consist with a healthy Christian experience, and mars usefulness. II. POSITIVELY. The exhibition of Christian light. 1. Where? (1) In the sphere in which he personally moves. (2) In the sphere over which his influence extends. (a) How wide these are in the narrowest life. (b) How dark and needing illumination. 2. How? (1) By his good works. (2) By holding forth the word of life. 3. Let the millions perishing at home and abroad for lack of Christian light and influence stimulate the Christian. (T. Page, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Do all things without murmurings and disputings: |
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