Php 2:12-“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” As we return to Philippians, today, we see Paul’s endearing greeting, his complement of their obedience, and challenge to them in their Christian walk. We will break this verse down into these three natural parts. Today we consider-“Wherefore, my beloved…” The “Wherefore” ties back to the preceding verses describing the full condescension of our Lord, His death, and ensuing glorification by the Father. This should challenge us to full obedience and commitment. “My beloved” is one of the several times Paul uses a term of endearment for the Philippians. Other examples are 1:3, 1:7, 3:1, 3:13, and 4:1. Hear John Gill-“… he having a strong affection for them, which he frequently expresses in this epistle; and he chooses to make use of such an endearing appellation, that it might be observed, that what he was about to say to them sprung from pure love to them, and a hearty desire for their welfare, and from no other end, and with no other view…” Peter uses the term “dearly beloved also in 1 Pet. 2:11. Paul again uses it in I Cor. 10:14. Interesting that the traditional marriage ceremony begins with “Dearly beloved…” It is a tender term of endearment among brothers and sisters in Christ. It is in the spirit of Jesus who said in Joh 13:34-35-“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Amen! Let us live in this love and express it by close fellowship and good deeds. How great to be part of God’s family! Hallelujah!
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:28:16 +0000
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