“Conduct Worthy of the Gospel” – Philippians 1:27-30

Introduction

Paul’s mind had just been directed to the possibility of seeing the Philippian saints again. He now feels he should give direct counsel even in his enforced absence. He frequently expresses the thought of his personal presence with the churches even though he cannot be with them in person (I Corinthians 5:3; Colossians 2:5). In the case of the Philippians he has in mind the need to caution them against a spirit of divisiveness and self-seeking as well as to offer them encouragement in the conflict which they were apparently facing.

It is reasonable to think that part of the trouble inside the church was a loss of confidence arising out of unexpected suffering. Philippians 2:14 warns against “grumbling” and “disputing.” Both terms suggest that there was quarreling and perplexity at what was happening to the church. Why should they have to suffer for their faith and endure a bitter conflict? This church, like the church at Philippi, has experienced unexpected sufferings. There is a danger of losing our confidence in the Lord causing us to complain and argue. Paul’s reply is to justify their circumstances in the light of the purpose of God and the nature of the Christian life which does not exempt Christians from misfortune and trials (v. 29-30). Part of Paul’s reply is the example of his own experience of suffering, both past and present, and to implore the Philippians to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The suffering of Jesus and the apostle Paul together prove that there is nothing inconsistent with the church of Christ living lives of persecution and suffering in a world that is opposed to us (2:15). Paul’s tone in his reply is similar to his appeal in I Thessalonians 3:3-4.

The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground. We are soldiers defending the faith of the gospel, and the believer can have joy in the midst of the battle if he possesses the single mind. But the enemy is out to rob us of our joy and faith, and if successful, can cause damage to the ministry of the gospel. We are an army, and we must fight our battle together. This is the message that Paul is teaching the church at Philippi.

1:27

“Only” means just one thing, above all else, or at all costs. It is an admonition lifted like a warning finger. Paul said that above all else and no matter what “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” “Conduct yourselves” is related to our word politics. It is a verb that meant literally “to live as a citizen.” He desires that the church members at Philippi live together according to the standard set by allegiance to the gospel of Christ. The life of the church community is likened to the citizenship which the citizens at Rome enjoyed in the ancient world. So Paul’s verb should be rendered to bring out this flavor. An exclusively political meaning has been suggested. Brewer translates it, “discharge your obligations as citizens.” But it is more likely that Paul is using a technical verb to call the Philippians to their double responsibility. They were proud of being treated under Roman law as citizens of the empire with privileges to enjoy and responsibilities to fulfill. They must also remember that they are citizens of a heavenly kingdom (3:20), and by this membership of Christ’s kingdom on earth their conduct within the church and in the world is to be determined. The earliest members of the Philippian church would have known that Paul had used his Roman citizenship to bring about his release from prison there (Acts 16:12, 20-21). Out of this background the readers were challenged to live as those who hold a higher and vastly more significant citizenship (3:20). So Paul was telling them to behave the way good citizens are supposed to behave. They must remember that they are citizens of heaven.

Paul tells them that their conduct must in a “manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” “Manner worthy” means to weigh as much, have equal value to, or be worth as much. The notion of a worthy standard is frequent in Paul’s writing as part of his ethical mandate directed to the churches (I Thessalonians 2:12; Romans 16:2; Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1). Here it is the gospel which sets the ethical norm. The essence of Paul’s appeal is, as Gnilka says, “Live as converted people,” both in church fellowship and in the outside world. This is the apostle’s earnest wish for them, even if he cannot be personally by their side. By speaking of a conduct worthy of the gospel it is implied that those who live otherwise do injustice to the gospel.

Am I conducting myself in a manner worthy of the gospel? This is a good question to ask ourselves regularly (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10). We must remember that the world around us knows only the gospel that it sees in our lives, which includes our actions and speech. The gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (I Corinthians 15:1-8). This is the only way of salvation; any other message is false (Galatians 1:6-10). The message of the gospel is that sinners can be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. This alone is the source of salvation. Nothing must be added to it. A church that conducts itself according to what it believes is going to win the battle, and the gospel will be spread (II Corinthians 3:2).

In this passage Paul instructs us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. As a result of this worthy conduct it will be evident that we are standing firm as one for the gospel, and we will not being alarmed by our opponents. To conduct ourselves in a worthy manner also entails the realization that God has granted that we will suffer.

I. Stand firm as one for the gospel – 1:27

Paul is realistic in his understanding of the church’s struggle against a hostile enemy. He realizes that it is truly a battle, and he addresses it as such. This section is rich in military terms: “Standing firm” means to be resolute as soldiers set at their post; “striving together” or contending carries association of a contest, either in battle or in the arena where the gladiators struggled in a life and death combat; “opponents” or adversaries whether human or demonic; “conflict” such as Paul had known at the time of his first visit to their city (I Thessalonians 2:2 uses the same noun) and possibly endured at the time of his writing (Colossians 2:1).

So Paul says that conducting ourselves properly involves standing firm in one spirit. It is possible that the word “spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit (as in Ephesians 4:3), but his next phrase “with one mind” seems to suggest that these phrases are descriptions of Christian unity of thinking and purpose. It is true that this type of unity must be produced by the Holy Spirit, but the result, not the source, is what is stressed here. It was by their unified faithfulness to the apostolic teaching, which was evidently under fire at Philippi, that they would be able to win through in their conflict, even if Paul’s presence with them is not possible.

Standing firm in one spirit is one of the main attributes of the church, and it is also vital in preserving its health as the enemy seeks to divide it. A twofold unity is described: “one spirit” and “one mind.” The first is that we have the same views, and the second is that we be united in heart. We must first have agreement of our beliefs, and then our hearts will be inclined in the same direction.

Remember, there was a problem with unity in the Philippian church. 4:2 tells us that two women in the church were not getting along. In order to overcome the enemy we must stand together in our beliefs and in our hearts. One topic that Paul emphasizes in this letter is unity. (In the Greek language, the prefix, ‘sun’ means with or together, and when used with other words, strengthens the idea of unity. Paul uses this prefix at least sixteen times in the letter). Unfortunately, there are people in the church who want to receive glory. Even James and John asked to have special thrones. Earlier in this chapter Paul reported that some preached Christ out of selfish ambition. Our church is not immune to this possibility, and we must be on guard against divisiveness and selfishness which could cause division in our church. This is not to be the conduct of believers, and it is certainly not worthy of the gospel.

Paul goes on and gives the goal of Christian unity in our conduct: “striving together for the faith of the gospel.” What a strong bond we have when we fight together under the same banner. Paul wanted to confirm the unity that existed among the Philippians so he tells them that they are fellow-soldiers, who have a common enemy and share a common warfare. Because of this they ought to be of the same mind in the battle. The same is true for us today. If we believe the gospel and claim Jesus Christ as Lord, then that common belief ought to unite us together. Faith here is referring to the body of truth which is the gospel message. We are to be striving or contending to promote and protect the message of Christ. In order to do this, adversaries must be faced. (See Jude 3). The word together shows the need for this to be a joint effort. This is also seen by the previous references to “one spirit” and “one mind.”

The Word of God is what our common belief is based upon, and the one goal is to magnify Christ. This demands discipline as circumstances and adversaries are coming against us. Paul is again reminding us to have a single mind. We are citizens of heaven, and as such, we should walk accordingly. To have a conduct worthy of the gospel, we must stand firm as one and strive together even in the most difficult circumstances.

II. Do not be alarmed by your opponents – 1:28

1:28

When believers stand firm and strive together for the gospel, there will be opposition. But when Christ lives His life in us, we will have courage to face our opponents, and this will be seen in our conduct. Paul did not want the Philippians to be terrified by their adversaries causing them to pull away from the battle. The word “alarmed” was used by the Greeks in referring to a horse shying away from battle (see Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 10:28; Hebrews 13:5-6). At this time in history the most cruel persecutions against Christians occurred almost everywhere. Satan was working to stop the progress of the gospel, but God used his efforts to actually advance the message of Christ. Paul reported earlier in the chapter of this very thing in his own life (1:12-14). Satan hates the gospel today as much as he did in the first century, and this church will face opposition in its efforts to live lives worthy of the gospel. Paul exhorts the Philippian church to stand with courage and not be thrown into alarm, and that message has passed through church history to this very day.

Paul does not say exactly who these opponents were. Clearly they are non-Christians since they are on the road to destruction (I Corinthians 1:18 uses the same Greek term in its verbal form to denote eschatological judgment reserved for the church’s enemies in the world). It is likely that these were external enemies and not false teachers within the church. I believe Paul was speaking of adversaries of the church of whatever kind. These opponents were causing hardships within the church as Paul’s call to steadfastness in this section has in mind a struggle or conflict (v. 30) which the Philippians’ associated with Paul’s situation at the time when he was with them (“you saw”) and which he was presently enduring (“and now hear to be in me”). Because of the struggles caused by these opponents is was crucial that the church be unified and courageous.

Who are the opponents that you face that may be causing you to retreat from the battle? Many are suffering in our body and because of that we all suffer with you. The whole world system is completely contrary to the Word of God. Seemingly good people are preaching and writing of a false gospel that is inclusive of every good intent. We are bombarded with this thinking from co-workers, neighbors, family members, government, books, and the media. It is everywhere. While this passage is specifically referring to opposition from the outside world, there are many who are suffering in other ways. Some have relationships that are in turmoil, and others are enduring extreme suffering with regards to health. At times your grief and fear may even cause you to be immobilized. You may be insulted, made fun of, and treated unfairly even in the places that you should feel safe. My heart breaks for you, but the message to you is do not be alarmed. Do not be shaken away from the battle. Continue in the battle, and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Paul’s outlook is optimistic. Although the church is feeling the pressure of persecution, he is confident that its final salvation is assured provided the believers persevere (v. 27). Paul desires that the Philippians’ faith remain constant under trial, and that they stand firm as one, not alarmed by the conflict. This type of courageous living comes from Paul’s conviction that even the persecution of the church is from God, and it is His purpose which is being served.

Paul adds in this verse that their courageous actions are a sign of the enemies’ destruction. Their rejection of the truth only gives proof of their destiny unless the Lord changes their heart. The church of Christ will prevail, and their attacks are futile. On the other hand, the believer, whose conduct is one of courageously standing firm, is showing evidence of their salvation.

The last phrase of the verse is “and that too, from God.” It is referring to the entire fact that believers have been granted courage from God to stand firm in their struggles and so are demonstrating their salvation. In the times of your life that you feel like you are all alone, and your enemies are all around you, and you are tempted to be afraid, the grace of God gives you evidence of salvation as you strive together for the faith. What an encouragement in the battle as God turns a miserable situation into an evidence of great benefit. Your worthy conduct that is carried out together for the gospel, even in the face of enemies, is a sign of your salvation, therefore do not be alarmed by your opponents.

III. Realize that belief and suffering are from God – 1:29-30

1:29

It is not new for Christians who are proclaiming the message of the gospel to attract hatred from the world. Jesus warned about this in John 15:18-25. If anyone defends the truth he will face opposition. In this verse Paul connects believing on Christ with suffering for Him. The two are inseparable. This does not mean that we are in any way adding to the sacrificial work of Christ, but we are sharing in the same kind of rejection that Jesus faced from people who did not accept Him. We, as servants, are not greater than our Master, therefore we should expect the same type of treatment that He received. We must understand that if our conduct is to be worthy of the gospel there will be times when it will be lived in the midst of suffering.

Paul offered this statement to help the Philippians understand their suffering at least in part. The passive voice “has been granted” is Paul’s way of ascribing the activity to the will of God. The ‘divine passive,’ as J. Jeremias calls it, is an Old Testament manner of speech to emphasize that God is in control of all events. Therefore, the Philippians should not be upset by their bitter experience as if God had forgotten them or were angry with them. On the contrary, the verb would remind them that even this trial comes to them as an unmerited gift of God. He says expressly that belief and suffering have been “granted for Christ’s sake.” Our struggles are such a privilege that we do not even merit them on our own. They are a gift from God used to fulfill His purposes. Only in faith, which comes from grace, can suffering be regarded as a privilege. When our purpose in life is fixed on Jesus Christ, then we will have this type of mindset concerning our suffering, and then we will conduct our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel.

A major idea that Paul was teaching his readers lies in the fact that fellowship with a suffering Christ – “for Christ’s sake” – (3:10) by necessity involves a sharing of His destiny. Paul insisted that the Christian life must be lived along a road of personal identity with a Christ who was exposed to all the risks and hazards of a world that hated Him. Paul was opposing the false teaching that regarded apostolic and Christian sufferings as an unnecessary intrusion and believed that Christians were already advanced to a blissful state on earth and exempt from life’s stresses and humiliations. These false teachers may have claimed that glory was the badge of the Christian. Paul insisted that the distinctive mark is the cross.

The whole situation is part of God’s gracious provision for the church. It is certainly a privilege to be given the ability to believe in Christ initially and subsequently throughout our Christian life. But it is also a privilege to suffer for Him. We must remember that God uses suffering as a means of accomplishing His will. Hebrews 2:10 says that He did this in His Son, and He does this in us as well (James 1:2-4; I Peter 1:6-7). If we can just believe this more fully, what progress we would make for the cause of Christ. It is a great honor to suffer by ridicule, conflict, beatings, and even death for His name’s sake.

1:30

In this matter of suffering, the Philippians were experiencing the same sort of struggle Paul had endured throughout his ministry. The readers would well recall the circumstances of Paul’s struggle which they had seen at the time their church was founded (Acts 16:22-ff; I Thessalonians 2:2). “Conflict” is the same word that is used for Christ’s struggle in the garden where it is translated “agony” (Luke 22:44). These uses of the term are also consistent with the idea expressed elsewhere of the obstacles, dangers, and even catastrophes that the Christian may face. It certainly expresses very well the nature of the battle in which believers find themselves.

Not only did Paul experience suffering before his imprisonment, he was still facing it. Later reports of his experiences would also have been known to them (“and now hear to be in me”). This was probably due to reports from travelers or other messengers, including those who conveyed the information about Epaphroditus (2:26). We must also remember his present trial, which for him was even more serious since it brought him face to face with death’s reality (1:20; 2:17). The Philippians were doubtless wondering how he was doing in captivity (1:12). He wanted to encourage and assure them concerning his suffering. Even though his struggle was fierce and he was faced with momentous issues of life and death, he knew that his apostolic ministry was in God’s hands and that the outcome would be “deliverance” (1:19) because his hope was set on God (II Corinthians 1:8-10). This was precisely the hope he offered to the Philippians, since they were engaged in the same struggle and could know the same confidence as he did.

Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation” (see also II Timothy 3:12). So why are we surprised when we experience conflict and are engaged in a struggle? It is from the hand of our good, all knowing God, and it is meant for our good. We must not allow the circumstances of life to shake our faith and cause us to pull away from the battle. Understand that it is by the grace of God that we believe and suffer as we conduct our lives in a worthy manner.

Conclusion

In this passage Paul felt the need in his absence to give counsel to the church at Philippi. They were in the midst of a conflict that was endangering the health of the church. He did not want them to be divisive and self-seeking. He was also concerned that their opponents might cause them to be alarmed. With the battle raging around them, they must be as soldiers fighting the battle together for the truth of the gospel. This colony of Roman citizens must remember that they are citizens of heaven, and they must behave as such. Paul said that above all else “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” They were to remain unified and courageous in the face of opposition.

The Philippian church was in a bitter struggle, and it seemed to be causing some to argue and complain. The temptation for us is the same. When conflicts and struggles come, it is easy to be self-seeking. A worthy conduct demands that we strive together as one man with the same beliefs and the same heart. The battle is not easy, and many of you are struggling greatly. How will you respond as the whole world seems to be against you? Do you truly believe that God is sovereign over the events of your life? Then know that His will is being done in your life and gain courage and comfort from that. Paul realized that his imprisonment caused a greater advancement of the gospel. Is the purpose of your life fixed on Jesus Christ? Then issues as great as life and death will not rob us of our joy, and even death itself will be gain. Are you conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel? If so, then you will be found to be standing firm as one body; you will not be alarmed by the opponents of the gospel; and you will understand that with belief comes suffering and both have been granted by God.