Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:… Conversion is a great change; but the converted need frequent caution lest they should return to pollution in consequence of their surroundings and temptations, and constant exhortations to follow holiness. Hence the rules before us. I. THE CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT, the cultivation of which is commanded. 1. The spirit which Christians are to cherish towards God — "without murmuring," i.e., impatient discontent with God as have imposed harsh laws, and required difficult obedience. This is the temper of unconverted men, but many professors are in danger of cherishing it. Reflect then — (1) That Christ's burden is easy, and that His commandments are not grievous. (2) That they are given to prevent injury to the soul. (3) That obedience is claimed as a testimony of gratitude. (4) That there is a heavenly recompense. If these weigh with you, so far from murmuring you will love the law of your God and rejoice in His testimonies. 2. The spirit which Christians are to cherish towards men — "without disputings."(1) The spirit of contention is most injurious to the individual and the Church, and is everywhere condemned. (2) It is to be feared that this consideration is largely disregarded, witness our internal disputes and the strife of sects. (3) As the reasons for unity are most cogent, Christians and Churches should love one another. 3. The spirit Christians are to cherish in relation to the public interests and extension of the truth. "Shine...word of life."(1) The advocacy of the truth is not to be confined to the ministry; these words were addressed to saints as well as bishops. How can Christians better shine as lights than by exhibiting the lamp of truth either by preaching, Sunday school teaching, Bible or tract circulation, family instruction, etc. To this end we need the Pentecostal fire. II. THE MOTIVES by which the cultivation of this deportment is commanded. 1. The just vindication of the Christian character in the presence of the ungodly world. As they exhibited the elements of the Christian character indicated they would be "blameless," etc., and compel adversaries to render the gospel the tribute of their homage. The importance of this motive is seen — (1) In the constancy and energy with which it is urged. (2) The damage inflicted on Christianity by inconsistent Christians. 2. The joy which this exhibition will produce to the minister of the gospel in the day of Christ. Then — (1) The holy deportment of believers will be made the subject of public acknowledgment at the last day (Matthew 25). What an inspiring thought! (2) It will then be the cause of ministerial joy. There is joy in conversion, progress, usefulness, triumphant death, but no joy can equal the last of all. (3) This, then, should prove a powerful argument for the cultivation of this deportment. The benefits received from the ministry demand this grateful return. Conclusion: A revival of religion, in the way indicated by the text, would speedily inaugurate the triumph of Christianity. (J. Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Do all things without murmurings and disputings: |
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