Two characters, representing two aspects of Christian work.
I. TIMOTHY, A MAN OF SYMPATHY. The secret of true sympathy is to be seeking for the things of Jesus Christ. He who seeks for these feels, as his Master feels, for all human sorrows. Such a one is thoroughly "like-minded," and is delivered from the selfishness which cares for nothing but self. None can work for Christ except they are possessed of this sympathy.
II. EPAPHRODITUS, A MAN OF ACTIVE MINISTRY, He is the chosen messenger of the Church at Philippi to minister, in its name, to St. Paul's wants. The sickness from which he was recovering was probably caused by his exertions in this work (Philippians 2:30).
III. ST. PAUL COMBINES IN HIMSELF BOTH THESE ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN WORK, He is a man of intense sympathy. Notice his readiness to deny himself the society of these two men in order that the Philippians may be benefited. His reward will be sufficient if he hears a good report of them. At the same time, his whole life is a life of active ministry.
IV. THE SECRET OF BOTH SYMPATHY AND ACTIVITY, His life is lived "in the Lord" (verses 19, 24, 29).—V.W.H.
HOMILIES BY W.F. ADENEY
Brotherly union.
St. Paul had already much joy in contemplating the spiritual prosperity of the Philippians (Philippians 1:4). One thing only was wanting to make that joy complete. There was some danger lest a spirit of faction should creep in and mar the family unity of the Church, especially among the women (Philippians 4:2). If this danger were averted and harmony established, the joy of the apostle would be full
I. BROTHERLY UNION IS THE CROWNING GRACE OF THE CHURCH. Many other graces may be attained before this is realized—knowledge as in the Corinthian Church, a faithful martyr spirit as in the Philippian Church. But the chief grace is brotherly love. The idea of the Church is essential to Christianity. The gospel does not simply offer individual salvation and call to isolated missions. It brings men into a family and unites them in close bonds. The ideal Christian is not the lonely hermit, but the large-hearted, sympathetic, social man. Close union, however, is only possible on conditions of deep sympathy. We may differ and yet be at peace while we live apart, with sufficient "elbow-room" for our several crotchets. But Church fellowship necessitates internal harmony for the maintenance of peace. Intellectual unity, unity of thought, is impossible to thinking men. The essential unity is unity of purpose and of sympathy—the one mind and the one love. Christians above all men must realize the duties of a democracy—how to subordinate private ends to the general good, how to yield individual opinions in obedience to the general voice of the community. Party spirit, personal ambition, self-will, domineering self-assertion in the leaders, and obstructive self-assertion in the rank-and-file, are the dangers that threaten such communities as were founded by the apostles. Only a spirit of love can conquer them.
II. GREAT CHRISTIAN MOTIVES URGE US TO BROTHERLY UNION.
1. Our living union with Christ. "Any comfort"—i.e. practical experience, help, grace of fellowship—"in Christ." Christians are united together through a common union with Christ. Connection with the Head leads to harmonious co-operation of the members of the body.
2. The blessedness of love. It is found to be a joy, a strength, and a comfort. In trouble and persecution especially it is happy and helpful to unite our individual feelings in love one to another.
3. The fellowship of the Spirit. The one Spirit of God that inhabits the whole Church is a mystical bond of union and inspiration of love.
4. Natural affection. "Tender mercies and compassions," which are natural to humanity, are never so well employed as in Christian brotherhood.—W.F.A.