27

Philippians 1:27–2:1 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. 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

Philippians 1:27–29 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,

(ENGAGEMENT)

Have you ever given in on something you know you should have stood your ground?

FCF: Growing up, I knew how to wear my parents down and even who to go to first.

There are some 300K congregations across the country many of which profess a belief in Christ, but evidence of his power & promises is MIA in far to many cities.

(TEXT BACKGROUND)

The book of Phillipians is authored by the Apostle Paul was written “to the Saints in Christ Jesus who are at Phillipi”.

The purpose of the letter is in response to problems that were developing in the church”

Rivalry & gossip starting to separate leaders

Hostility & skepticism in the surrounding world was challenging the faith of saints’ faith in Christ

Spirituality of impressive religious teachers promoting a bogus formula for perfect success was starting to gain steam stealing away new converts.

If I read any of these as newspaper headlines, any of them could fit into today’s culture!!!

(TRANSITION)

Phillipians 2:3 tells us to, “do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

But before the saints who are reading this letter can accept that, they needed to see and understand Paul’s motivation:

Philippians 1:21–26 ESV

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

phil 1 2

Paul says effectively, “I chose this life” EXPOUND…Are you choosing what happens in your days or are you going with the flow? How much of your day is entrenched in YOUR PURPOSE

Paul says if you understand your purpose, then....

Yet he says in

Philippians 1:27 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,

Stand for Something

STANDARD

STANDING

STRIVING