Philippians 1:27-30 DUMP - Our Conduct
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INTRO:
Your life is anything but easy and your walk with Jesus has more worries than victories. We’re going to see in our passage for this morning that Paul has moved from his personal situation to the problems of the Philippians. He’s told them that he will win either way, that his circumstances will turn out for the advance of the gospel, and that his joy will continue to increase. Now his concern is for the church. He’ll be OK, but what about them? Will they go in the tank when trials come? Will they pout when they have problems? Will they fold instead of being faithful? Will they turn on each other instead of working with each other? When things are not easy will they get queasy and begin to question their faith? The first part of Php 1:27 shows Paul’s passion for the Philippians: “…conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” He’s essentially saying, “Walk the talk” or “live up to who you are.” This is a command in the present tense, meaning this is a call for continuous activity. His choice of words is really interesting and is lost on us in our setting. The Greek word translated “conduct” is where we get “political” or “metropolitan.” This is the main verb in these four verses, which in the Greek is just one long sentence. The basic idea is one of citizenship. Later in Philippians 3:20, Paul says that our “citizenship is in heaven.”...Paul is saying that we’re to live as if we’re being watched! Remember that people judge heaven by the conduct of its citizens. We represent the gospel of Christ and therefore must live in a worthy way.
The Philippian church was a great church, and Paul wanted it to remain great. Therefore, he reviewed with them the marks of a great Christian church.
Paul is basically said my conduct is to live is Christ to die is gain
He said its a win win for him
If on earth serving Christ its good
If in Heaven with Christ even better
So basically Paul shows the Philippians
you dont need to worry about me
Im not backing down
but he wants to be sure the Philippians will continue on well
so now he will start addresing the Philippians
to help them continue to do well
and even grow
This is going to push us to continue to do well
and even grow.
An OUTLINE:
A. The Command: Live Worthy of the Gospel (Php 1:27a-b)
B. The Way: (Php 1:27c-28)
1. By Contending for the Faith of the Gospel
2. By Not Being Frightened
C. The Reason (Php 1:29-30)
1. The Ultimate reason for Suffering (Php 1:29)
2. The Example (Php 1:30)
we cant do it perfectly
but we can represent you.
v.27
conduct
connect conduct with stead fast. like he wants to know that their conduct is steadfast that it doesnt change.
politeuomai from polítes = citizen from polis = city)
11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
that God may be glorified
His goal is that God be glorified
He had an earnest expecation to Live is Christ (check)
Now maybe
I know I used to think when I was younger...
if people don’t have any idea
I am a believer in Jesus
or that I go to church
then I dont have to worry about misrepresenting Him
or the gospel
but thats not the answer
that not a loophole to the system
because if I truely believe in Jesus
to be my savior from my sins that i so desperately need
I know that others need Jesus too
so withholding Jesus from someone is one of the worst things I can do
But when i share Jesus
when I identify with Him
when people see me as a Christian
a Christ follower
well that means
my conduct is communicating a message
of how important the gospel is
who I believe Jesus to be
Luke recognized their status when he identified Philippi as "a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony." (Acts 16:12). Later Luke recorded that the uproar which resulted in the imprisonment of Paul and Silas arose because the magistrates in Philippi thought these men were violating Roman customs, "proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.” (Acts 16:21).
Philippi as a colony possessed Roman citizenship (see note below) and Paul was proud of his own possession of this right, but even "prouder" of his heavenly citizenship. And so the Philippians who also are citizens of heaven should behave accordingly. They should be in practice what they are in position, which applies to saints of all times.
Just as Philippi was a colony of Rome with all the rights and privileges bestowed on those who were born in Rome, in a similar way the church at Philippi was a colony of heaven, and the members were commanded to walk as citizens of that unseen country, not so much by keeping outward regulations, but by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Their worthy walk was to reflect the transformation wrought in them by the gospel of Jesus Christ. God wanted the Philippians' daily conduct to betray them as pilgrims and strangers on earth and as citizens of "the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (He 11:20-note), citizens of "a better country, that is, a heavenly one" (He 11:16-note) and of "the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem and to myriads of angels" (He 12:22-note). A life worthy of the gospel is a life lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the earthly walk of a heavenly minded man.
The distinctive thing about these colonies was their fanatic loyalty to Rome. The citizens kept all their Roman ties: the Roman language, titles, customs, affairs, and dress. They refused to allow any infiltration of local influence whatsoever. They totally rejected the influence of the world around them. They were Roman colonists within an alien environment.
The Philippian church knew exactly what Paul was saying: they were citizens of heaven. Therefore, they must …
• keep their close ties with heaven
• speak the clean and pure language of heaven
• bear the title of heaven, Christian, and do so proudly
• bear witness to the customs of heaven
• carry on the affairs of heaven
• dress as a citizen of heaven
• allow no infiltration of worldly influence whatsoever
• live and conduct themselves as a heavenly colony within a polluted and dying environment
Because Philippi was a Roman colony this word becomes extremely interesting and noteworthy. The Romans took great pride in their citizenship and took very seriously its accompanying responsibilities. This comes out very clearly in Acts 16 in the chapter which describes the founding of the Philippian church:
Acts 16:12
Acts 16:21
Acts 16:37
Acts 16:38
Thus Paul is playing on their naturally strong sense of Roman identity, citizenship, and responsibility; but directing it first and foremost to their new and real citizenship--heaven. "For our citizenship is in heaven . . . " (Phil. 3:20). He is exhorting them to live "worthily" of their heavenly identity and to conduct themselves in a manner that well represents their eternal homeland. From this we may gain a fitting title for this great epistle: EARTHLY CONDUCT OF HEAVENLY CITIZENS. This entire letter will describe in one way or another how we, the citizens of heaven should conduct ourselves during our brief stay on earth.
THE CHURCH: A COLONY
OF HEAVEN ON EARTH!
Wiersbe - Paul is suggesting that we Christians are the citizens of heaven, and while we are on earth we ought to behave like heaven’s citizens. He brings this concept up again in Php 3:20. It would be a very meaningful expression to the people in Philippi because Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens were actually Roman citizens, protected by Roman law. The church of Jesus Christ is a colony of heaven on earth! And we ought to behave like citizens of heaven.
Conduct yourselves is a command (imperative mood) in the present tense, calling for continuous conduct.
The following poem written by Paul Gilbert is intended to encourage us as Christians to be persuasive, flesh-and-blood testimonies for our Savior.
You're writing a "gospel,"
A chapter each day,
By the deeds that you do,
By the words that you say;
Men read what you write,
Whether faithless or true;
Say, what is the "gospel"
According to you?
worthy
as Jesus says
we become born again in the Spirit
or as Titus 3:5-6
5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
and
1 John 3:24 (NKJV)
24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
God lives in us
and their is fruit from that
and there is also a change that takes place
Colossians 3:8-10 talks about the old things to be passed away
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
and Colossians 3:12-14 talks about ti
After a person believes the Gospel, there are some things that he must "put off and some things he must "put on." Notice Colossians 3:8-10 (Ed: Have you "put off" these filthy garments? Or do others still see these garments on you in you everyday life? To walk worthy of the Gospel is to put these off, something you can do only by relying on the Spirit - see Ro 8:13-note). Paul instructs us to put off some things (the negative) and to put on some things (the positive). Colossians 3:12-14. Do your spiritual garments "become" your Christian profession (Ed: Are they "becoming"?)? Are you concerned about adorning the Gospel of Christ by your manner of life as you are your body by the clothing you wear? Our manner of life either helps or hinders the Gospel. It either recommends the truth to others or else makes the truth repulsive. Paul is pleading for Gospel-worthy Christians who will carry on for Jesus Christ without the prop of the apostle's presence. Paul is saying, "Live for Christ whether I am with you or absent from you."
The most important weapon against the enemy
Is not a stirring sermon or a powerful book.
It is the consistent life of believers.
of the gospel
We must not forget that the gospel of Christ is holy. It never excuses sin: it pardons it, but only through an atonement. If our life is to resemble the gospel, we must shun, not merely the grosser vices, but everything that would hinder our perfect conformity to Christ. For his sake, for our own sakes, and for the sakes of others, we must strive day by day to let our conversation be more in accordance with his gospel.
whether I come see you or absent
Paul tells the Philippians, “Hey, you don’t need me in order to move forward in the mission. Whether or not I’m there, keep pressing on.”
Hear of your affairs
stand fast
What did Paul desire to hear about the believers in Philippi? -
That they were standing firm. Is this not that which every preacher or teacher longs to hear when they receive news of their former congregation or former students/disciples?
The apostle John said it beautifully
"I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth."
(3 Jn 1:4 )
The Philippians were attacked for believing in Christ as King. Consequently, Paul urges them to remember that they’re engaged in a war. They must not disavow their loyalty to Jesus, but must instead faithfully stand firm in the face of intimidation. We have strength to stand firm because of our union with Christ
Steko indicates the determination of a soldier who stands his ground not budging one inch from his post. Like "good soldiers of Christ Jesus" (2 Ti 2:3,4-note) they were to stand fast as a united front, the body of Christ. The idea is to keep one’s ground in battle, and in order to do this, one must be settled on the firm foundation of the Rock of Ages. Paul's exhorts spiritual solidarity and an esprit de corps. The Holy Spirit unites Christians into one body (1 Co 12:13, Eph 4:4-note). If they can stand firm in the Spirit (but see Vincent's discussion below regarding the meaning of "in one spirit"), they can overcome small differences among individual members and work forcefully toward a common goal—to withstand external persecution related to the gospel
Many saints are “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Remember the enemy is a liar and traffics in half-truths and overt lies, so for believers to be able to stand, they must know the truth on which they stand! The battle field is our minds and the battle is over truth. Take your stand on the truth of God's Word and do not be moved from it.
Paul encouraged the Christians at Philippi to "stand firm in one spirit" against their opponents—the opponents of the gospel of Christ. It would take more than a Christian here or there to "hold the line." It would take the whole "Christian team" at Philippi. Together they had to take a defensive stance. And it was to be "in one spirit"—that emotional feeling that draws a team (a body of believers) together. Many a game has been lost in the world of sports because of fractured morale. One bad attitude can destroy unity and oneness. That is why even a very skilled player can be benched and see little action. Skill is necessary, yes, but a bad attitude will undermine the "oneness of spirit" that is vital to winning
Hold your ground regardless of danger!
its easy to stand still, or to hide, or duck,
its about faith
hold your ground
the gates of hell will not prevail against church
we get knocked down in this life
it hits us with hard stuff
you may get knocked down
but we stand fast in the faith.
24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
In one Spirit
One spirit means that all the members of a church must be born again by the Spirit of Christ. All members must have a renewed spirit from the same source, from the same Person. They must all be committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. They must all have a heart given to Him.
Eph 4:3
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
.
In one spirit means in the spirit of unity and harmony; for bickering, contention, and self-seeking hinder and mar the gospel witness.
with one mind
Why would Paul emphasize one spirit and one mind which both speak of unity? He gives us a clue in Php 4:2where two women were not getting along with each other. Apparently the members of the fellowship were taking sides, as is often the case, and the resulting division was hindering the work of the church.
I know of nothing that mars a gospel testimony as does disunity among God's people caused by self-seeking. Nothing is more harmful to the unsaved than to discover division among Christians. If Satan can disrupt the ranks of God's children, he has won a great victory. He knows the truth of our Lord's statement: "Every city or house divided against itself shall not stand" (Matt. 12:25).... Our Lord prayed for His own, "That they all may be one... that the world may believe" (John 17:21). To stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, means to face the opposition unitedly. Unity is essential in the home, in business, and in the Church. We must stand firm and upright in perfect oneness.
Nothing mars a Gospel testimony as disunity among God's people caused by self-seeking, petty gripes, and misunderstanding. Nothing is more harmful to the unsaved than to discover division among Christians. If Satan can disrupt the ranks of God's people, he has won a great victory. F. A. Noble said, "A church in which the unity has been displaced by bitterness might as well go at once into the hands of a receiver. The days of its usefulness and prosperity are at an end." Beloved, we are to stand hand to hand, heart to heart, and shoulder to shoulder
One mind means that all members must be set upon the same purpose; they must all be focused upon the purpose of Jesus Christ. The point is this: the world—its people, families, and nations—may be split and divided, arguing and differing, fussing and feuding, fighting and divorcing, warring and killing, seeking and grasping; but the church is not to live that way. The church is to be unified; it is to be one in spirit and one in mind; one in heart and one in purpose. (cf 1 Cor 1:10, 2 Cor 13:11, Eph 4:3, Php 2:2-4, 1 Pe 3:8)
striving together for the the faith of the gospel
We must start by standing together but then we need to do more than that. We must also strive together:
Too often a local body of believers depends on "the pastor" to contend for the faith. Or they depend on the elders or some other small group in the church. Paul made it clear to the Philippians that every believer in Philippi was to be involved in advancing the cause of Christ. (This begs the question: Are you on the playing field contending earnestly for the faith or are you in the grandstands spectating leisurely?)
What a great prayer to pray for your church dear pastor, elder, deacon, member! God answers prayers prayed according to His will!
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Remember the Titans is one of my favorite sports movies. It’s the story of a high school football team in Virginia in their first season as an ethnically integrated unit. They had to overcome some serious internal strife before they could win games against their opponents. They resolved many of the tensions at a two-week training camp at Gettysburg. Before they could win, they had to become a unit. Don’t spend your energy on foolish debates and on things that don’t center on advancing the gospel. We have a mission field to engage; we don’t need fighting in the barracks and in the locker room!
v.28
not in any way terrified by adversaries
people are watching
Paul now gives instructions concerning the opposition we will face as we struggle together for the faith of the gospel. The certainty of opposition is seen clearly from here and Php 1:29. All who live godly in Christ Jesus will face the consequences of going against the grain of this world. Yet as opposition assails us, how are we to respond? We are not to be intimidated or frightened. He doesn't tell us to retaliate against them or Rive in to them. He gives us the supernatural response--don't be intimidated. Go about with our business as usual and don't allow these agents of Satan to terrify or intimidate us.
proof of perdition
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
The Philippians' refusal to be intimidated by external foes was evidence that the salvation they had experienced was real and even more ominous, that their enemies were doomed to eternal loss and destruction.
Believers have a word of confirmation, as God assures them in the struggle that they really are God’s people and they will be saved on the last day. Notice how non-politically correct this statement is. Contrary to what you hear, not everyone is going to heaven. We don’t all believe the same thing. Like the judge in the gladiator games, we give a “thumbs up” to some and a “thumbs down” to others. Therefore, the decisive issue is, What will you do with that man on the cross?....We need to remember that our opponents won’t win. We shouldn’t live hopelessly. God the Judge will have the last word. Some Christians live this life in a very sad, hopeless way. But we shouldn’t. The wicked prosper only for a season (Ps 73). People may oppose you, but that doesn’t mean you should live in discouragement. Many of the pagans in Philippi probably looked at the small band of Christians and thought, We’re winning, and from the surface, the church may have looked like a small, weak, pathetic band of people. But God will have the last word; a sign is given, and it’s a “thumbs down” to those who persecute you and a “thumbs up” to those who take a stand for the gospel. Don’t panic. God is reigning, and God’s glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:14). Go on speaking the gospel, and don’t be deterred by what you read in popular literature or online
to you of Salvation
from God
Paul as saying in essence
‘You are facing, and you will face, great conflict and opposition because you’re Christians. Don’t be frightened about that. Don’t be discouraged by that. Don’t feel threatened by that, because you’ve been given the gift of faith, you’ve been given the gift of suffering, and you’re going through the same thing that I’m going through.’ He gives three encouragements in verses 29-30, so that they can follow the exhortation that he gave them in verse 28.
If you’ll allow me to do a little imaginative paraphrase of this passage just to re-emphasize the flow of thought, it would go something like this. Paul says to these Philippian Christians, and to you,
‘These conflicts that you are experiencing with unbelieving Gentiles who are persecuting you, and who will persecute you, and with the Judaizers who want to tear you apart from one another, and they want to tear you away from the gospel…don’t be frightened or threatened, or discouraged by the fact that you are experiencing those conflicts.’
Now let me just stop right there and say something. Any time you come to a place in the Bible where God says, “Don’t be afraid…don’t be frightened…don’t be discouraged,” understand this very encouraging truth: Paul and God are not saying that there is nothing frightening, nothing threatening, nothing fearful in the Christian life. They’re saying the exact opposite. They’re saying that because there are things that are frightening and threatening, and fearful, and discouraging, here’s an encouragement to you. Here’s an encouragement from God. The very fact that God tells you in the word, “Don’t be frightened,” lets you know that God knows that you struggle with being frightened sometimes. And the very fact that He tells you “Don’t be discouraged” is not an indication that discouragement should play no part in the Christian life. It’s an indication that it’s all over the Christian life! And God in His love and kindness, and encouraging mercy, wants to comfort His people and give them reasons why, despite the fact that they do have reasons that they could be discouraged, they have greater reasons why they should not be discouraged. And that’s exactly what the Apostle Paul is doing here.
‘Don’t be frightened,’ he’s saying. ‘I understand that you are in a threatening, frightening, discouraging situation, but don’t be frightened.’ He goes on, ‘You may be tempted to view these kinds of conflicts as an indication that God is displeased with you, and He is punishing you for something.’ The Apostle Paul says, ‘Don’t do that.’ ‘Or, you may be tempted to look at your circumstances and say, ‘God has abandoned us.’ And the Apostle Paul is saying, ‘Don’t do that. That’s exactly wrong. That’s exactly the opposite of what is happening here. That could not be farther from the truth. In fact,’ Paul says [I’m still paraphrasing], ‘you need to understand this suffering is under the sovereign control of God. He is the one who has ordained it, not for your destruction, but for your everlasting good. Indeed, this kind of suffering [suffering for Christ’s sake] is just another proof of your salvation, because unbelievers persecuted the Lord Jesus Christ, and what happens to the master happens to disciples. And what did Jesus Himself say in the first words of the greatest sermon ever preached? ‘Blessed are you when you are persecuted for My sake.’’ The Apostle Paul says, ‘The fact that you are being persecuted for Christ’s sake is a proof of your salvation. It is a confirmation that God is saving and will save you. Indeed, dear friends,’ the Apostle Paul goes on to say, ‘both your faith and your suffering for Christ are gifts of our loving heavenly Father, and suffering is the way to glory.’
V.29
Granted on behalf of Christ
to believe in Him
to suffer for His sake
The Greek word translated “granted” is derived from a word meaning “grace” or “favor.” The noun form is used for spiritual gifts, and has the idea of “bestowing graciously.” Everything comes from God. I want you to notice that we have been “granted” two things: salvation and suffering. We are quick to attribute our salvation to God’s grace but slow to realize that suffering is also a gift. Do you see your problems as a privilege? The apostles had this perspective in Acts 5:41. Some of us think we suffer because of our sins, and maybe we do bear the consequences of our actions, but suffering is also part of God’s plan for each of us. 2 Timothy 3:12. Friends, salvation comes from the Lord, and so does suffering. When you go through a tough time it doesn’t mean that God let something get through while He was asleep. Everything comes to you through the filter of His faithfulness. And suffering is part of his plan for each of us. Some of us are surprised and then become angry when we go through tough times. It’s almost like we say, “Hey, what happened here? I didn’t ask for this. This isn’t what I signed up for. I have a right to be happy and blessed.” When you’re being tossed around by trials remember the words of 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ…” Here’s the deal: we are blessed up when we’re messed up.
how
its been gifted to you to be an example of Christ.
(1) The gift of faith which enables us to believe in Christ in the first place. Without this gift from the Lord, we would never be saved in the first place. (2) Then there is the gift of suffering—but it is the gift no one wants.
When you suffer, apply this litmus test -- for whose sake am I suffering? for my name's sake or His? And remember you are not alone…
11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
"GRACE THAT COMES
FROM GRIEF"
Brian Bill - There are a number of purposes behind suffering. We could call this the grace that comes from grief or the promises that come from our problems:
Suffering matures us. James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”Suffering weans us from self-reliance. 2 Corinthians 1:9: “Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”Suffering is an evangelistic tool. Philippians 1:12: “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”Suffering increases our eternal reward. Matthew 5:12: “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”Suffering helps us minister to others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”Suffering helps keep down pride. 2 Corinthians 12:7: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.”Suffering shows we belong to Christ. Phil 3:10: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
this really is the test of Phil … to live is Christ
or is to live to make life easier.
to live is Christ is to take the gift of believing in Him
and the gift of suffering for His sake
I think I can relaly share on the gift of suffering....
Webster (1828) says that to suffer is "To feel or bear what is painful, disagree able or distressing, either to the body or mind. We suffer pain of body; we suffer grief of mind. The criminal suffers punishment; the sinner suffers the pangs of conscience in this life, and is condemned to suffer the wrath of an offended God. We often suffer wrong; we suffer abuse; we suffer injustice… To feel or undergo pain of body or mind; to bear what is inconvenient. We suffer with pain, sickness or sorrow. We suffer with anxiety. We suffer by evils past and by anticipating others to come. We suffer from fear and from disappointed, hopes.
Of mental suffering (Pilate's wife Mt 27:19), of one suffering from epilepsy (Mt 17:15), of the events in Jesus' life leading up to and including the Cross (Mt 16:21, 17:12, Mk 8:31, 9:12, 22, Lk 17:25, 22:15, 24:26, 46, Acts 1:3, 3:18, 17:3, He 13:12, 1Pe 2:21, 23, 4:1), of physical harm as from poison (Acts 28:5), of suffering for what is right (Php 1:29, 1Th 2:14, 1Pe 2:19, 20, 3:14, 17), of suffering according to the will of God (1Pe 4:9). Pascho in the NT describes suffering that has a termination (1Pe 5:10) and is not to be feared by believers (Re 2:10).
Paul understood this divine gift (cp 2Ti 1:12-note - notice why he suffered [2Ti 1:11] and how he was enabled to suffer - it was not just what he knew but Who he knew!). Jesus understands your suffering for He has walked this road as no other man (see passages above on events leading to the Cross, cp He 2:18-note, He 5:8-note, 1Pe 2:21-note)
It is a privilege thus to suffer in the cause of Christ, because
(1.) we then resemble the Lord Jesus, and are united with Him in trials;
(2.) because we have evidence that we are His, if trials come upon us in His cause;
(3.) because we are engaged in a good cause, and the privilege of maintaining such a cause is worth much of suffering; and
(4.) because it will be connected with a brighter crown and more exalted honour in heaven.
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Suffering is sometimes allowed in the life of a child of God as a means for increasing his testimony. The Apostle Paul himself, when he first trusted in the Lord, was informed that he was called to a life of suffering and that through this suffering he would be a testimony for Jesus Christ. Often the presence of suffering in the life of a believer is an occasion for demonstrating his own trust in the Lord and encouragement of others who are in need. The sustaining grace of God manifested in Paul is a testimony to the grace and faithfulness of God in upholding him in his hour of need.
v.30
having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me
I thin paul is writing this so that they too would be confident in preaching the gospel. as the other believers in Rome saw Paul in his chains confident (v.14)
1. Response toward God -
In a word, rejoice! (cp 1Pe 4:12, 13-note, Jas 1:2-note, always = Php 4:4-note, all circumstances = 1Th 5:18-note, with thanks = Eph 5:20-note - which is in context of being filled with the Spirit explaining how this supernatural response is even possible).
"God often digs wells of joy with the spade of sorrow!" (Anonymous)
Illustration - Learning in the Dark - We have read that during World War 1, when it was no longer possible to import those beautiful singing canaries from the Harz Mountains, Germany, a dealer in New York decided to start a system of training canaries to sing. He had bird songs put on records, and these proved of value. But one day he made a real discovery which meant success. He found that if he covered the cages with thick cloths, completely shutting out the light, the birds learned their song. The song of the Christian originates in the heart, and many a Christian has learned that God sometimes teaches His children to sing in darkness. Verily, "He giveth songs in the night."—Moody Monthly
2. Response toward the person causing the suffering -
When God's enemies are persecuting you, you are not to be terrified but instead should respond to them with gentleness and reverence (Php 1:28, 1Pe 3:14, 15, 16-note). We are to respond to our (God's) enemies the way He responds -- in love (Mt 5:44, 45-note). We are to bless them and do good to them (Ro 12:14-note, Ro 12:17-note, Ro 12:18, 19, 20, 21-note)
3. Response toward believers -
Believers are to be of one mind and one heart, united in spirit knowing that the enemy wants to separate believers from the fold (cp Php 2:1-note)
The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground. We are sons in the family, enjoying the fellowship of the Gospel (Php 1:1-11); we are servants sharing in the furtherance of the Gospel (Php 1:12-26); but we are also soldiers defending the faith of the Gospel. And the believer with the single mind can have the joy of the Holy Spirit even in the midst of battle…
Message on Conduct
Message on Conduct
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We must be Steadfast.
We must Preserve the Spirit of Unity.
We must Show Courage in the Presence of our Enemies.
Courage Becomes God's Servant.
We must Accept Suffering as a Gift from God.
Our Victories are Our Lord's.
Suffering for Christ's Sake is a Gift.
So how do we conduct ourselves?
are we disunited
are we afraid of adversaries
Do we speak the gospel
Do we walk the walk?
Are we afraid to suffer?
Are living more like citizens of earth or of Heaven.