Check Your Conduct

Introduction

Today we a continuing out look at the book of Philippians. We are looking at this book in the place that it was written in the book of Acts. You might remember that Paul is under house arrest.

Today we begin with verse 12. A lot of people believe when persecution increases, people begin to avoid sharing the Gospel. Look at what Paul says.

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Philippians 1:12–14 NIV84

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Paul wants his readers to know that his suffering for the gospel has actually resulted in it advancing more.

Palace Guard

Paul says it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard that Paul is in chains for sharing Christ.

Everyone Else

Paul says everyone else knows that he is in chains for sharing Jesus.

Because of His Chains

Most of the brothers have been encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Think about that statement. Paul is in prison—chains—house arrest—and he says that because of his chains, the brothers and sisters in Christ are sharing Christ more courageously and more fearlessly. That is not what you would expect.

Philippians 1:15–18 NIV84

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

Philippians 1:15-18

Two Reasons for Sharing

Envy and Rivalry

These believe they will cause Paul more distress.

Goodwill

These do so in love. They share the Gospel because they love Paul. They share the gospel because they love people. And they share the gospel—more of all—because they love the Lord Jesus.

The Important Thing

The motive do not matter. No matter what happens, the important thing is that Christ is preached.

Paul says because the gospel is being preached, Paul will rejoice! And Paul will continue to rejoice.

Philippians 1:19-

Philippians 1:19–26 NIV84

for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

No Matter What!

Paul believes that given the amount of help he received from the church at Philippi, he would be delivered.

Finish Well

Paul says he eagerly expect and hopes that he will in no way be ashamed.

He won’t be ashamed to live or die. No matter what happens Paul wants to exalt Jesus.

To Live is Christ—To Die Gain

To go on living means fruitful labor. To die means being with Jesus.

To die

When you get to verse 23 Paul says that torn between departing and being with Christ, or remain here sharing Jesus.

Convinced!

Paul was convinced that he will remain and continue to encourage them in their progress and joy in the faith.

Philippians 1:27–30 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 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. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Your Conduct

Paul says no matter what happens—whether Paul lives or dies—they are to worry about their conduct.

Their conduct should be worthy of the gospel of Jesus.

QUESTION: What does it mean to live worth of the gospel?

The Greek word translated “conduct yourselves” is a political term that could be translated, “live as citizens.” As a Roman colony, the Philippians would understand this idea. Each of us need to live as though we are citizens of Heaven.

As a citizen of Heaven we ought to display four characteristics:

Stand Firm

This has the idea of unflinching courage that keeps them from moving.

One in Spirit

Contending as one man.

Without Being Frightened

When we are standing firm, fighting as one man we end up with a confidence that dispels fear when we face fearful circumstances.

This lack of fear when we face opposition, will actually serve as a sign to the opposition of their coming destruction of God.

On Behalf of Christ

On behalf of Christ we have been granted two things.

First we were granted the ability to believe in Christ. This is the thing that everyone really likes. We like the belief in Christ which results in so many things.

It results in a right relationship with God. It resulted in our eternal existence with God in Heaven. It results in our having a full life here on earth.

But not only have we been granted the ability to believe. But we have been granted the ability (or opportunity) to suffer for Jesus!

Remember, you cannot come to Jesus without first counting the cost! Some have been granted the opportunity to suffer for the name of Christ!