Chapter 4
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The
apostle exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord
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1
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Gives
directions to some, and to all in general
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2–9
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Expresses
contentment in every condition of life
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10–19
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He
concludes with prayer to God the Father, and his usual blessing
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20–23
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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.
Verses 2–9
Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other.
As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how
comfortable it would be to his fellow-labourers to have the help of others. Let
us seek to give assurance that our names are written in the book of life. Joy
in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be
again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let
their enemies perceive how moderate they were as to outward things, and how
composedly they suffered loss and hardships. The day of judgment will soon
arrive, with full redemption to believers, and destruction to ungodly men.
There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and agrees with a wise forecast
and due concern; but there is a care of fear and distrust, which is sin and
folly, and only perplexes and distracts the mind. As a remedy against
perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for
prayer, but in every thing by prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers
and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have
received. God needs not to be told our wants or desires; he knows them better
than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our
dependence on him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of being reconciled
to God, and having a part in his favour, and the hope of the heavenly
blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will
keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning
under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with inward
satisfaction. Believers are to get and to keep a good name; a name for good
things with God and good men. We should walk in all the ways of virtue, and
abide therein; then, whether our praise is of men or not, it will be of God.
The apostle is for an example. His doctrine and life agreed together. The way
to have the God of peace with us, is to keep close to our duty. All our
privileges and salvation arise in the free mercy of God; yet the enjoyment of
them depends on our sincere and holy conduct. These are works of God,
pertaining to God, and to him only are they to be ascribed, and to no other,
neither men, words, nor deeds.
Verses 10–19
It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in
trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for
our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. The apostle
was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to
be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. Pride,
unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish
of present things, make men discontented even under favourable circumstances.
Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility
and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper
of mind always. And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust
his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous
condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than
the other; for the temptations of fulness and prosperity are more than those of
affliction and want. The apostle had no design to urge them to give more, but
to encourage such kindness as will meet a glorious reward hereafter. Through
Christ we have grace to do what is good, and through him we must expect the
reward; and as we have all things by him, let us do all things for him, and to
his glory.
Verses 20–23
The apostle ends with praises to God. We should look upon
God, under all our weakness and fears, not as an enemy, but as a Father,
disposed to pity us and help us. We must give glory to God as a Father. God’s
grace and favour, which reconciled souls enjoy, with the whole of the graces in
us, which flow from it, are all purchased for us by Christ’s merit, and applied
by his pleading for us; and therefore are justly called the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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