My dear readers,

(Extract from RPG, January 1987, Edited by Dr SH Tow)

1. BROTHERS AND FELLOWSOLDIERS (Philippians 2:17-30)

In trade and industry a key ingredient of success is team-work. This is no less true in the business of the King. Some great servants of God may appear to be "loners." But backing them are many prayer partners and behind-the-scene helpers. Spurgeon preached to thousands at the London Metropolitan Tabernacle. An admiring visitor asked him his secret. Dr. Spurgeon took him to a basement room. Opening the door he revealed 300 men and women in prayer — a source of Spurgeon's pulpit power.

Paul had a team of faithful co-workers. Today we read of two names: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy, a spiritual son and fellow soldier had proved most valuable and trustworthy. What qualities made him so useful? He was likeminded and caring (v20). He sought not his own interests but the things of the Lord (v21). In the Gospel ministry, he served Paul as a son serving his father (v22). Besides these qualities here mentioned, we know that Timothy was well versed in the Scriptures (2 Tim 3:15) and had a good report even before he joined Paul (Acts 16:2).

Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippians to the aid of Paul in Rome. He proved to be an extraordinary helper who was a brother to Paul, a companion in labour, and fellowsoldier (v25). He was totally devoted to the work given to him even at the risk to his own life. For the Gospel's sake he hazarded his life and was sick, nigh unto death (vv 26, 27, 30). To the sending church at Philippi, such an emissary would surely have gladdened the hearts of the believers. Rightly, the Apostle wrote, "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation" (v 29).

Paul's high commendation for his co-workers speaks well for his own love and friendship toward them. As Solomon wisely said, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Prov 18:24).

QUESTION: Are you a "befriender" for the Gospel's sake?
THOUGHT: More basement prayer means more pulpit power.

2. GAIN AND LOSS: REVERSE ACCOUNTING (Philippians 3:4-8)

The Christian experience results in a reversal of values, of direction and goals. Paul's life, and the life of all true believers, bears testimony to this truth. Once upon a time, the Apostle took great pride in his carnal achievements: his legal fulfilment (circumcision), his pedigree (stock of Israel, tribe of Benjamin), his religious affiliation (a Pharisee), his zeal (persecuting Christians), his "righteousness" in keeping the law.

This was before the Lord caught up with him and revealed the Gospel truth to him. Then all those things which in the past had given him confidence and pride crumbled to the dust; things on which he had been building his whole future destiny were seen to be without any merit whatever, but totally false. As far as his eternal security was concerned those things were absolutely worthless. As soon as he saw through them, he made that historic statement, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ" (Phil 3:7)

Paul's testimony and experience is ours as well. Christ is the "Pearl of great price" (Matt 13:46). Before Him all other "pearls" fade into nothing, not worth a second look. The knowledge of the Saviour and His undying love more than makes up for the loss of all else. It more than compensates for any kind of inconvenience or suffering that might come our way. Paul was writing from prison. With Christ, prison, tribulation and death are of little consequence. So Paul, writing to the Romans, asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?..." (Rom 8:35) Then he follows with a list of his own experiences: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword. Even if it meant that one had to go through all these to gain Christ, it was worth it!

But who among us has experienced sufferings? It is more realistic if we ask ourselves: To win Christ, am I willing to forgo a social occasion, to give up a doubtful entertainment or pastime, a TV serial, an hour of sleep, a worldly friend, some luxury or extra comfort?

THOUGHT: With Christ an endless hope; without Christ a hopeless end.
PRAYER: Lord, help me set my values right.

3. LET YOUR MODERATION BE KNOWN (Philippians 4:4,5)

The Christian character is one of moderation, meaning gentleness, graciousness, consideration, forbearance. Moderation is the most powerful advertisement of our faith. Others are not interested in our beliefs and doctrines, but they are very interested in our conduct. If our conduct fails to make a favourable impact, what hope have we of touching others by our preaching? Our Lord has set us the example. We do well to follow.

It was a wife's moderation that converted a Hindu businessman. He was enraged when she embraced Christianity. He thought that by harsh treatment he could break her and turn her back to Hinduism. After almost a year of his unreasonable behaviour, an amazing thing happened. His resistance broke down and he followed his wife to receive the Saviour. The surprised missionary asked the woman later, "How did you do it?"

"Well," she said, "it was simply like this. When my husband is angry with me, I cook better meals for him. When he grumbles, I do my housework better, sweep cleaner and make the rooms more tidy. When he loses his temper, I answer him gently. I smile when he treats me roughly. I try to show him that when I become a Christian, I become like my Master. I. become a better wife and mother." Her moderation worked!

Lau Ching was the terror of the town in South China. Everyone was afraid of him. Like a wild animal, he roamed the neighbourhood picking quarrels and fighting with all and sundry. That was before his conversion. One day, he came under strong conviction after hearing the Gospel. He received the Lord in repentance, and his life was amazingly changed. The people in the neighbourhood were surprised by the transformation. One day, a missionary visiting someone in the neighbourhood asked, "Have you heard of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?" He answered, "No, but I have seen it! Lau Ching's life tells me that the Gospel is powerful. His transformation is almost unbelievable!"

THOUGHT: Keep your temper to yourself. It's no use to anyone!
PRAYER: Lord, make me more Christ-like each day.

God bless all readers.

Yours faithfully in the Saviour’s Service,
Dr SH Tow, Founding Pastor