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STAND FAST. Philippians 1:27-30. 10/11/20. #5.
Philippians 1:27-30 [New King James Version]
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
- Passing the baton
- Paul appreciated the concern of the Philippians church for his welfare, but he reminds them that they are called to proclaim the same Gospel as he is
- They will also experience the same resistance
- Paul’s lot in many ways is theirs also
- Paul calls them to walk worthy of the Gospel
- “Worthy conduct” (politeuesthe) = the English word “politic” comes from this Greek word
- “Be worthy citizens” = act as good members of your city (polis; police comes from this word)
- The Philippians were proud of their Roman citizenship
- They would be embarrassed to disgrace Rome
- Walk worthy as citizens of heaven
- Those who are in Christ are to proclaim the Gospel
- Those who proclaim the Gospel must act godly
- Character must align with testimony
- Paul appreciated the concern of the Philippians church for his welfare, but he reminds them that they are called to proclaim the same Gospel as he is
- You, too
- Paul wants the Philippians to know that they would be opposed
- The same adversaries who attacked Paul would also be the enemies of the Philippians believers
- There is a chain: hatred to Jesus (Matthew 10) => hatred of Paul => hatred of converts => and of us
- Paul urges the Philippians saints to do three things:
- To stand in one spirit
- A united bond of defense of Gospel
- Galatians 6:9 not to whither under opposition
- Those who faint under persecution are weak and not worthy of the gospel
- Strive together = to fight alongside each other
- We fight a great spiritual battle (Ephesians 6)
- Paul calls for a unified effort for the faith
- Do not be afraid of adversaries (Matthew 10:28)
- Many saints shrink from witness for fear
- We are commanded to be brave in Christ
- To stand in one spirit
- The Gospel has one of two impacts on people:
- To the enemies of Christ, it is the sign of judgment
- Condemnation is why they hate believers
- Christ’s enemies rather hate than repent
- To the save the Gospel is the proof of salvation
- Believers love the Gospel of Christ
- Even false believers hate the Gospel
- To the enemies of Christ, it is the sign of judgment
- Both the confirmation of judgment to the eternally lost and confirmation of blessing to the eternally saved are of God
- Paul wants the Philippians to know that they would be opposed
- Tribulation Trail
- Paul informs the Philippians that with belief comes suffering
- They should not be surprised at suffering or fear it
- Salvation and suffering are sisters here (I Peter 4:12-19)
- John 16:33 tribulation is not pleasant (Hebrews 12:11), but trials yield the fruit of testimony, strengthened faith, and reward
- Righteous suffering is for the sake of Christ
- Persecution is not to be enjoyed, but embraced as the necessary call of and identity with Christ
- We are Christ’s soldiers and will be shot at
- Along with their concern the Philippians must observe the lesson
- The same conflict they see in Paul is theirs also
- Paul showed the Philippians how to suffer for Christ
- What they saw in Paul’s life was their destiny
- They were responsible to stand firm in faith and teach it
- As Paul was their example, they were to do same
- Each generation must show the next how to stand
- Paul informs the Philippians that with belief comes suffering
Key Verse: I Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.