Paul’s Demands

Let us muse some more today on Philippians 4:3-5 and his thinking principles. If we are to get free in unwelcome situation we must change our thinking. In our text we find Paul’s demands. In verse 3 Paul demands a helping hand. Paul here calls on the stronger to help the weaker brothers and sisters. He says these folks names are in the book of life, as well as ours, they are just carnal. The writer of Hebrews says lift up the fallen and those with feeble hands. Let us take heed less we fall. In verse 4 Paul demands to be happy. Rejoice not in your prison, but the Lord of your prison. In verse 5 Paul demands to be holy in heart. We need to do things in moderation. The word means to be balanced, don’t get in the ditches because the Lord is at hand. John Buyan in Pilgrim’s Progress gave the picture of a man who is working in mud and mire with muck rake. Behind him is an angel reaching out to him with a golden crown. He never turns around, he just keeps raking. Paul tells us put your rake down, don’t miss your crown.