Conversation in verse 5 is more than
just talk. It is our behavior, our deportment, our manner of living in front of
others. Here are some examples.
Psalm 37:14
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast
down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
Galatians 1:13
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion,
how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that
whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that
ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of
the gospel;
1Peter 1:18
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your
fathers;
This includes what we hold as valuable and important in front of the
world. Paul has also made this doctrinal statement elsewhere with regard to our
expectations in this life.
1Timothy 6:6 ¶
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and
it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into
temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown
men in destruction and perdition. 10 For
the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they
have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things;
and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good
profession before many witnesses.
Philippians 4:10 ¶
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me
hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how
to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to
be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.
He makes the point in verse 5 about how Christ has promised to always be
with us. We are, as it were, inseparable.
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they
shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My
Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck
them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and
my Father are one.
We can set our expectations as Paul commands because of Christ being ever
present with us. We can do without. If all we have is nothing and Christ we
have everything.
Luke 12:15
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a
man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.
For verse 6 let’s look at some declarations made in Psalms.
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my
strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and
my high tower.
Psalm 27:1 ¶
«A Psalm of David.» The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I
fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
With God on your side you should not be afraid of man.
Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
God is our helper in all things pertaining to His will, in obedience to
Him.
Verse 7 refers to spiritual rule with the word in the scriptures leading.
This is repeated somewhat in verse 17 here.
17 Obey them
that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your
souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not
with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Notice Peter’s command towards the leaders of the church.
1Peter 5:1 ¶
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of
God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but
willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage,
but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And
when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that
fadeth not away.
See Paul’s command in another letter.
1Thessalonians 5:
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know
them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for
their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
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