Text: Philippians 1:27-30
When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, there were very few problems that he needed to address. These brethren were faithfully following the Lord and were an encouragement to the apostle. So he encouraged them to continue serving the Lord in a way that would please Him. He told them to “conduct [themselves] in a manner worthy of the gospel.” What does this mean? How can we do this today?
Not Dependent Upon the Approval of Others (v. 27)
- Whether Paul came to them or remained absent, he wanted them to be faithful (cf. Philippians 2:12)
- Christians provide a benefit to one another – encouragement (Hebrews 3:12-13); accountability (Galatians 6:1)
- But we must be of the mind that we will serve God no matter what others do or don’t do for us – do what is right even if no one knows any different (cf. Genesis 39:11-12); our goal is to please God, not man (Galatians 1:10)
Stand Firm (v. 27)
- Paul wanted them to remain faithful – he also wanted them to do this consistently
- The gospel is an unchanging standard (Galatians 1:6-9) – it provides us with a firm foundation; Christ is the cornerstone of the church (Ephesians 2:19-20) and He is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8)
- If we do not stand firm, we WILL depart from the faith (Hebrews 3:12-13; 2:1-3) – repeated emphasis in the NT on the need for us to stand firm (Ephesians 6:11-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Peter 5:12)
Be of One Spirit and One Mind (v. 27)
- As we have already mentioned, Christians benefit from one another – so work to preserve unity (Ephesians 4:3)
- One spirit – united in purpose (Philippians 2:1-5); do not let petty conflicts disrupt the unity in the church (Philippians 4:3)
- One mind – united in doctrine and practice (Philippians 3:16-17; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10)
Strive Together for the Faith of the Gospel (v. 27)
- Work together for a common cause – this is to do the work God has given the church to do; evangelism (1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:8; Philippians 1:5; 4:15-16); edification (Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:16; Philippians 4:3)
- This also means limiting ourselves to the works that God has authorized (Colossians 3:17) – engaging in something other than or contrary to what God has said distracts from this work
Be Ready to Suffer for Christ’s Sake (v. 28-30)
- Paul told them not to be alarmed at their opposition – it would exist, so they were to be ready for it; this was a sign of destruction/salvation; God would justly punish/reward (2 Thessalonians 1:5-7)
- It had been “granted” to them that they would suffer for Christ’s sake – glorify God in this (1 Peter 4:16); persecution will come (2 Timothy 3:12); those who endure will be rewarded (Matthew 24:13; 2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Conclusion
- The gospel calls us to live to a higher standard – to follow the will of the Lord
- We must be willing to do this, no matter what consequences come as a result of it
- In the end, it will be far better to be with Christ (Philippians 1:21-23) – so let’s make sure we’re walking with Him