The Expression Of A Life Which Lives Christ
THE EXPRESSION OF A LIFE
WHICH LIVES CHRIST
Chapter four of Philippians is a word of con clusion. As Paul was composing this concluding word, he was still motivated by those factors which caused him to write the first three chap ters. He was still considering such matters as thinking the same thing by pursuing Christ and rejoicing in the Lord in order to enjoy the riches of Christ. In the first three chapters of Philippi ans Paul refers to the inner reality of the experi ence of Christ. But prior to chapter four, he does not give any illustrations of the outer expression of this reality. If we enjoy Christ and experience Him, we shall have a certain inner reality. Such an inward reality invariably issues in an outward expression. In Philippians 4:5-9 we find a full ex pression of this inward reality, a full expression of a life that lives Christ.
In Philippians 1:21 Paul declares, "To me to live is Christ." This statement is a testimony of Paul's inner reality. But what is the real expres sion of a life that lives Christ? This expression is found in the virtues listed in Philippians 4:5-9.