Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents – which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Paul the Apostle was the chief catalyst in the early Christian movement. Under the direction of God, he was responsible for establishing successful missionary activity in Asia Minor and Greece. He was directly involved in the expansion of the Christian message into the western world. Against unbelievable odds this man moved forward with unswerving confidence to do the job that God had called him to do. There are three motivating features that characterized this man’s life and ministry:
1. He was a man of VISION – He believed his message was intended for the entire world.
2. He was a man of CONVICTION – He believed his message was the only message for the world.
3. He was a man of COURAGE – He believed that in spite of
overwhelming odds against him, that message must be disseminated and he was
determined at all costs to see that happen (Isaiah mentality cf. Isa. 6:8).
Paul was a man who encouraged others to get involved
in the work of the gospel. Nowhere is
this seen more strongly than in Philippians 1:27-30.
In this first chapter he has shared his love and concern for them (vs. 3-11); he has explained his circumstances to them (vs. 12-18); he has discussed life and death issues with them (vs. 19-26) and now he encourages them in their Christian efforts in the work of the gospel.
Paul’s word of exhortation to the Philippians is for them to make sure that their conduct made the gospel look attractive. They are to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of CHRIST! Furthermore, he states that whether present or absent he wanted to hear that they remained steadfast and unified in one spirit and that they were striving together in the unity of the faith for the progress of the gospel in their community outreach. Also, they were not to become alarmed by those who opposed their efforts. Such an attitude was a two-fold sign: First, a sign of destruction and judgment for their adversaries. It also confirmed their own salvation as from their God.
He then explains the reason behind their conflicts - for Christ’s sake! They had been divinely appointed to both believe in Him and to suffer for His sake. The two go together. The apostle Paul is the Biblical example in the New Testament. in suffering for the gospel. He assured them that they were experiencing the same conflict they had seen in him. That conflict was continuing in prison. The Philippians had heard of it.
What was true of the Philippian believers is also true of us, beloved. We must make sure that our life makes God look good! We must also band together in unity for the faith of the gospel. Don’t be alarmed by those who oppose us and our message. This God given attitude confirms our salvation. Just remember faith in Christ brings with it conflict. Both are appointed to us. We go all the way back to Paul as our example. This should encourage us in our daily struggles. God bless and keep serving Him in the Spirit.
Love to you all,