(c) The faith of the gospel {it xJtrris tov eiaYy^'^lov) (l-'-2' 3i_49) — 'Y^g Philippians were anxious as to how St. Paul's state would atlect the cause of Christ, and he also is anxious for them, not so much as to their condition viewed by itself, but as to its ettect on the gospel as a whole. If his com- ing is to bring them Christian exultation, then it is on condition that they live worthily of the gospel whether he be with them or not.
The gospel is the charter of the commonwealth VOL. II. — 15
to which they belong', and fidelity to it is therefore imperative. By faitli here we are to understand not individual trust in Christ, but a communal esprit de corps. The community to which thcj- really belong is not simply their own church in Philippi, but the heavenly. This is the ideal, yet it is through jiarticipation in it that all existing Christian coinTiiunities receive their value. Be- sides, their Lord, w hom they expect, will give them full possession of tliis commonwealth and prepare them for it by giving them each an organism freed from all the weaknesses and debasing associations of the present body. His power to do this is un- limited (3-"- -'}.
Fidelity to the gospel then is imjierative, and is to be exhibited negatively and positively. (1) Fidelity to the gospel is to be exhibited negatively by their presenting a strenuous united front to their enemies. They are to be as one single person. The elements of personality are spirit and soul, and both these in their communal life are to be unified in themselves and together in a determined stand against opponents. Tlieir united determina- tion will be a proof of their salvation — a Divine salvation — and will terrify their enemies into a hastening destruction. So then let them not be scared as horses are sometimes scared by shadows, for to sutler on Christ's behalf is a Divine favour — as they see in his own case — as surely as that Christ called them to rely on Him is a favour. Who these enemies were we are not told, but it is reasonable to believe that they are referred to in ch. 3, because there we have illustrations of their opponents, as in ch. 4 we have illustrations of the perils which threaten their inward unit}'. These passages are the illustrative exemplifications of the <louble warnings conveyed in l-'-2'. They were Jews and libertines. Of the former they are to beware. They have nothing to gain from them. Let them learn from his own case. He had all the privileges that these Jews could give, but for the excellency of Christ's friendship he parted with them all, and he is as convinced now, as when he first did this, that he did right.
For Christ gave him the power to get into right relations with God on the ground of faith, while Judaism trusts in a legal righteousness which can- not save. It is true that even he has not yet reached perfection, but Christ is leading him on, and he strenuously and lovingly follows Him. The power of Christ's Resurrection-life is being gradually realized in him, inasmuch as he is able to follow Him into sutterings ; and the spirit which enabled Jesus to suffer as He did sutler is in St. Paul also, and when it takes complete possession of him then he shall perfectly participate in the glorified exalted life of the Redeemer. The right- eousness which is in Christ is not a modihcation of the present earthly statusquo — as the Jews thought — but a complete transformation of it by the jiower of Christ, who already has perfection and who shall bring His people into it as He Himself came into it through sulferings and death. It is thus a call — but not therefore like the longing of Tantalus, or the labour of Sisyphus ; it is attainable, but it needs all the energy of the soul ; it demands perfect absorption of interest, because it is their Lord's own grasp that is uplifting them out of spiritual death into a life of glory. This he can personallj' testify. Let them beware also of those who live for earthly things, forgetting their high calling, and their great hope, men who claim spiritual per- fection, but are really concerned with earthlj' gratilication and spiritual liberty, meaning thereby sensual licence. ' I call them, says the Apostle, 'enemies of the Cross of Christ, for they fail to understand to my .sorrow and their own woe that the tlesh has no function in the spiritual common-
226 PHILIPPIANS, EPISTLE TO THE
PHILIPPIA2fS, EPISTLE TO THE
wealth over which Christ is King and from wliitli He shall come to prej)are His people by furnish- ing tliem with bodies like His own present glorified bo<ly' (IMi 3">'-).
(2) Positively they must show their fidelity to the gospel by inward union. In ch. 4 they are dirertly reminded of the variance between Euodia and Syntyclie, and both these women are exhorted to practical unity in the Lord. Others are to help them t« attain tins entl — recognizing their former diligence and associations with St. Paul and his fellow-labourers. This unity is enforced by their standing in Christ. From this vantage-point the Apostle can appeal to them with strong and tender rier.'iuasion. Are they not loving brethren and fellow-participators in the Spirit ? He can also add his own personal appeal, for they are his beloved, his joy and his crown. Therefore let them abjure party-strife, and vainglory, and let them imitate their Lord in His self-denying humility for others. Let His example be their constant rule. Let them do all things without murmurings and disputings, for the word of life is theirs. Let tlieir light sliine before men, lest his labour among them end in shame in.stead of exult- ant joy, for he is ready even to be poured out as a libation to complete the self-denial of their faith, and he does this with joy ; let them also with single and united effort imitate him ; for none else but God Himself is energizing in them to effect the complete salvation thej' long for. Let them keep their eye on him and those who walk as he walks, maintaining their place in the way, waiting for God's light to shine on the path along which they now advance. ' Whatever they learned, and re- ceived, and heard from him, whatever they saw in him, let them do' (4'). Let them also think constantly of those moral virtues which are every- where recognized. Let them remember the near- ness of their Lord's approach, and let them wait upon Him in prayer. Then shall their life be freed from the paralysis of distraction and graced with the calm sweetness and orderliness of the forward full vision, with the joy of singleminded- ness. For God gives peace — i.e. a life full of self- sufficiency and inward security — and this peace shall like a garrison safeguard them in Christ {i*''). Let them then rejoice in the Lord. Let all men see the strength, the sweetness, and the sensible- ness of their faith.