Worthy of the Gospel

Introduction

Last week, we saw that Paul would love nothing more than to go and be with Jesus.

Yet, he knew that the churches that he started, and cared for still need him.

So he concluded our passage last week by saying he was convinced that he would remain here on the earth so that he could continue to have fruitful labor for him.

Worthy of the Gospel

Philippians 1:27 NIV84

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

No Matter What Happens

(whether Paul lives or dies), the church at Philippi is to live in a manner that is worthy (or displays) the gospel of Jesus (v. 27a).

Paul Hopes To Visit

If Paul can come and visit them he will hear about their deeds (v. 27b).

If Paul can’t visit them and only hears about them, he will hear about their deeds (v. 27c).

Stand Firm

He will hear how they stand firm in one Spirit (v. 27c).

Striving Together

Striving together (Gk. fighting together) united by their faith in the gospel (v. 27d).

No Fear

Philippians 1:28 NIV84

without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

Without being frightened in any way by the opposition (v. 28a).

A Sign to the Opposition

In fact, their lack of fear will be a sign that the opposition will be destroyed (v. 28b).

And they will know you—the Church—will be saved by God’s work (v. 28c).

Suffering for Christ

This is a passage that some people don’t like. We love it when Scripture talks about all the good that will happen to someone who believes. But look at verse 29—because this verse actually says the opposite.

Remember that the last part of verse 28, says that we will be saved by God (v. 28).

Philippians 1:29 NIV84

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,

Granted for Us to Believe in Jesus

But it has been granted by Jesus for us to believe in Him (v. 29a).

Granted for Us to Suffer for Jesus

We have also been granted by Jesus to suffer for him (v. 29b).

Philippians 1:30 NIV84

since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

They Suffer Like Paul Suffered

Paul says that he sees they are having the same kind of struggles that he had and is still having (v. 30).

So What?

As I studied this passage, verse 27 stood out to me. I believe that is a crucial verse for every follower of Jesus—and that is why I chose it as our memory verse this week.

Philippians 1:27 NIV84

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

Question 1: Would Jesus say you conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel?

Question 2: Do you stand firm in One spirit?

Question 3: Do we contend (fight) as one man for the faith of the gospel?

Verse 28 tells us that we are to not be afraid of those who oppose us!

Question 4: Does the opposition make you afraid?

If your answer is yes, then remember that our God is called the Almighty God! Look at 2 Corinthians 6:18

2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV84

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Paul goes on to say that our lack of fear will prove to the opposition that they will be destroyed

In the book of Revelation, Jesus has a message for seven churches. He warns the church at Laodicea that then need to be either hot or cold, but lukewarm doesn’t hack it. Revelation 3:15-16 .

Revelation 3:15–16 NIV84

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Everyone loves all the talk about being not fearing any opposition.

Everyone loves hearing that when Christians will cause those against us to quake in their shoes.

But NO One like the idea of suffering for Jesus.

That’s because we have a false theology that if we come to Jesus we will have the “happy life!” But that is NOT what Jesus told His disciples. He said:

John 16:33 NIV84

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Yes, Jesus over came the world, but He tells His disciples and us that you and I will have trouble.

But we can take heart—have courage—because Jesus has overcome—or conquered—the world!

In John 15, Jesus said that we should not be surprised that the world hates us. After all, they crucified Jesus. Look at John 15:18.

John 15:18 NIV84

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

While all of this sounds discouraging, the truth is we should rejoice. Because you and I have been counted worthy. Worthy of the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ.