Paul has been describing the Melchizedek-Priesthood of Christ in all its glory. He has shown it to be: 1) An ETERNAL priesthood; 2) A priesthood confirmed by a DIVINE OATH; 3) A priesthood that is founded on PERSONAL GREATNESS, rather than on legal appointment or racial qualifications; 4) A priesthood that death can never touch or silence; 5) A priesthood that provides such a sacrifice as never needs repeating; 6) A priesthood SO PURE that there is no need to offer sacrifice for any sin of its own! This is the kind of priest that we have in Jesus Christ!
    As the "high priest over the house of God", Jesus has now taken His appointed seat at the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens, (Heb. 2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14; 5:5, 10; 6:20; 7:26). This picture of Christ at God's right hand comes from Psalm 110:5. More than a place of HONOR, to be exalted to God's right hand is to share the fulness of DIVINE POWER, (comp. Psa. 16:10-11). To Jesus has been given "ALL POWER .. in heaven and on earth". This involves the ultimate authority to rule as "King

    Peace is something that is desired by all men. To experience it is one of life's great blessings. The peace that Jesus gives is a peace that passes understanding. It springs from the heart. It endures, (Jn. 14:17).
    But, a desire for "peace" should not hold the place of priority in the hearts of men. Something else must come first - as a pre-requisite to TRUE PEACE, (Jas. 3:17). We are to "seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matt. 6:33). And, since all our righteousness is "as filthy rags" in the sight of God (Isa. 64:6), we need the "righteousness of Jesus Christ" IMPUTED TO US, by faith, (Phil. 3:9; Rom. 4:5-8).
    Our Lord expects His people, so far as possible, to live peaceably with ALL men. He does NOT, however, require us to make peace-at-any-price! Instead, He challenges us to a victorious conquest over every evil power. But our warfare must be waged in the "spirit of Christ", and with the weapons of truth and righteousness.


"THEREFORE, my brethren dearly beloved

and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved," (Philippians 4:1).

    Paul's beloved brethren are "very dear" to him, (Phil. 1:2; 3:1, 13, 17; I Thes. 3:8). There is an intense yearning within his heart to see them face-to-face.
    It is as A LOVER that Paul addresses his brethren at Philippi - urging them to "Stand fast in the Lord!" (comp. I Cor. 16:13; Gal. 5:1) They are his JOY and CROWN, (comp. I Thes. 1:19-20). The word he uses for "crown" is the Greek "stephanos" - the crown of a VICTOR, rather than the diadem worn by priest or king. Both of these terms are used by Isaiah in describing what the Lord will ultimately make of His covenant people, (Isa. 62:3).
    The crown of the VICTOR is very closely associated with our Lord's return - bringing His REWARD with Him, that He may give to every man "according as his work shall be",

(Phil. 3:20-21; Rev. 22:12). Thus, Paul exhorts his brethren to steadfastness IN THE LORD! (comp. 1:14, 27; 2:19, 24, 29). Their very steadfastness will be the authentication of their heavenly citizenship, (1:1).


    "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche that they be of the sane mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life", (Phil. 4:2-3).
    Here are two women (leading women in the church) who are not on proper terms with each other. There is no hint as to what is troubling them, but they are working against each other - causing division in the body. So, Paul makes a direct, personal appeal to them - urging that they "be of the same mind IN THE LORD!" They are called upon "to think the same thing", (Rom. 12:16; I Thes. 4:1, 10; 4:11, 14). Both must recognize themselves as being under the Lord's authority and responsible to possess and be controlled by "the mind of Christ", (comp. 2:2-8; Jn. 13:12-17).
    Paul also appeals to one whom he identifies as his "true yokefellow" to help restore these two sisters to fellowship and unity. It is most likely that he refers to Epaphroditus, by whom this letter is sent to Philippi, (vs. 18). Because of differences in translations, it is difficult to determine whether this yokefellow is to help Euodias and Syntyche directly (as

indicated by the ASV), or whether he is directed to help certain sisters in the church who are ready to make an effort to bring about their reconciliation (as the KJV suggests). In either case, they have previously assisted both Paul and Clement. Their reconciliation will be to the glory of God, the good of the church and the furtherance of the Gospel. E.G.


    Before His departure, our Lord specifically commissioned His own blood-bought church to "preach the gospel" to all nations, (Matt. 28:18-20). Nor was it an INCOMPLETE gospel that was to be proclaimed; it was "the gospel of the Kingdom", (Matt. 24:14). The tragic truth is that THIS ASPECT of the Gospel has been almost totally abandoned in our day! Though it was the main emphasis of the message of Jesus and His apostles!
    Not all men respond to the Gospel in the same way, (2 Cor. 4:1-7). Some will believe, (I Cor. 1:21). Others, refusing to believe, will be HARDENED, (2 Thes. 2:10-12) - "the witness" becoming a basis for their accusation, reproof and ultimate CONDEMNATION!
    Within the Lord's church there is a special, God-called ministry - sent by Jesus, even as He was sent by the Father, (Jn. 20:21). There is a special ministry that is rendered "for the elect's sake", (2 Tim. 2:10). Those who minister faithfully will often suffer persecution for the truth's sake, (2 Tim. 3:11-12; I Tim. 4:10). All who hold fast to the truth will

be despised by some, (2 Tim. 4:3-4; I Thes. 4:8).
    It is possible for the Gospel to be received IN VAIN, (2 Cor. 6:1). Such will be the case when it has no practical affect on the lives of those who hear, and even profess to believe it.
    In direct opposition to "the Gospel of the Kingdom", there is a pseudo-gospel ministry, directed by Satan. It contradicts, and attempts to compromise, the true gospel, (I Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:5; 2 Thes. 2; Acts 20:30; 2 Cor. 11: 13). Many who consider themselves the "ministers of Christ" will find themselves both REJECTED and CAST FROM Him at His appearing and kingdom, (Matt. 7:22-23; I Jn. 2:28).
    Let us make certain that we are proclaiming the gospel that our Lord actually SENT US TO PROCLAIM! Our Lord, and the end of the age, will come ONLY when "the gospel of the kingdom" has been preached AS A WITNESS to all nations! E.G.


    On May 2, I went for my 18-month check-up, following an operation for colon cancer in October 1987. Though the doctor found, and removed two small polyps, they both turned out to be benign.
    The blood tests revealed NO new cancer activity. Thus, the doctor said that he did not need to see me again until October of 1990.
    I deeply appreciate your prayers and continuing interest.

of kings and Lord of lords!" And He will soon come again to establish, on earth, a Kingdom of Righteousness. He will reign over this kingdom until He has subdued ALL enemies under His feet, (I Cor. 15: 25-28).
    This exaltation to God's right hand is the final proof of His GLORY! (Heb. 1:3; 10:12; 12:2; comp. Mk. 16:19; 2 Pet. 1:17). "We have SUCH a High Priest" emphasizes the SUPERIORITY of Jesus' PRESENT, PRIESTLY MINISTRY over the Levitical order to which Paul's brethren were being tempted to return - thus abandoning their loyalty to Jesus.
    There can be no greater glory than that of the exalted and ascended JESUS! (Phil. 2:8-11). Such is the glory that He purposes to

share with His beloved CHURCH! Thus exalted, Jesus is a Minister of the sanctuary - the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. He has entered into heaven itself - there to appear before the FACE of God in our behalf, (Heb 9:24; 7:2; comp. Matt. 18:1-7, 10; Rom. 8:31-39; I Jn. 2:1-2). This is adequate PROOF of His PRESENT SERVICE in behalf of the church which He purchased with His own blood, (comp. Matt. 20:27-28; John 13:12-17; 2 Cor. 8:9; I Tim. 2:5- 6; Tit. 2:14; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 1:4-7).
    We need to understand what great emphasis our Lord has placed on loving, loyal, faithful and obedient service, (Jn. 12:20-26). If our service is to be acceptable, it must be rendered to Him through the ochurch that He established! (Eph. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:5).
    Jesus Christ NEVER regarded KINGLY MAJESTY as something to be selfishly enjoyed. He viewed kingship - not in terms of MAJESTY, but of SERVICE! Nor does He view His supremacy as something to be guarded jealously; He purposes to share it with those who love and serve Him. And this involves the sharing of ALL HIS GLORIOUS FULNESS!
    But, if WE would share His glory and majesty, we must FIRST become identified with Him in humble, prompt and joyful SERVICE! (Acts 20:18-19; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; Psa. 40:8; 126:5-6; Jn. 4:36; Lk. 12:31-37; Heb. 12:28). E.G.     God has made us His fellow-laborers. Do we appreciate the honor?