Philippians 1:27-30

Introduction

Philippians 1:27–30 ESV

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Explanation

How do we let our lives be worthy of the gospel of Christ. (v27a)

“axios” - The word means, “worthy.” However, the flavor of the word is really rich. The more full word picture is “a balancing of the scales.”

We can never balance the scales of God’s justice with our lives. However, we can attempt to live our lives in a way that our lives mirror the beauty and depth of the gospel that has been given to us.

When I was a boy working on my dad’s farm, we used 5 gallon buckets to carry everything. Feed, milk to little calves, water to broken water troughs, etc.

Now, I am going to find out who has ever carried something in a five gallon bucket.

Is it easier to carry one bucket or two? TWO! More weight, but balance and equilibrium.

Another interesting word is “conduct yourselves.” Paul coined a few of his own words - this one one of them. It means “to conduct oneself as a citizen.”

What does it mean to be a citizen of God? What does it mean to be a citizen of God instead of just your country?

We have responsibility to the kingdom of God.

What blesses a Christian leader’s heart concerning his faith family? (v27)

Standing firm in one spirit - unity.

Unity is not enough. Nazi Germany had remarkable unity. You can have unity around the wrong things.

One mind - striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.

A lot of churches have unity around the carpet color.

They have unity around the programs they already offer.

Do they have unity around the most important things - the cause of Christ.

Courage in the face of opposition shows the enemy two things - your salvation from God and their destruction.

This next generation is bold. They don’s spare feelings. If they believe it, they say it.

Courage and boldness in opposition is necessary.

If the world is bold in their error, then we must be bold in the truth.

This doesn’t mean that you are a jerk. It means that you boldly and truthfully speak in love.

Suffering for Jesus is a privilege - the conflict they have with you, they once had with him.

How is suffering a privilege?

Suffering identifies with Jesus.

Suffering will rid you of sin and help you towards holiness.

Suffering strengthens our faith.

Invitation

Live a life worthy of the gospel.

Work towards unity in the right things.

Live boldly.

Suffer well.