Philippians 1:27-30

In this section Paul gives three important essentials for victory in our partnership in the gospel:

Consistency – 27a

Cooperation – 27b

Confidence – 28-29

Consistency – 27a

Conduct yourselves – This word is similar to our word “politics”. It literally means “to be a citizen” or to “behave as a citizen”. As citizens of heaven we should conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects our citizenship!

In a manner worthy of the gospel – “Gospel” means “good news”. Here it is the good news of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is a way of saying, “live life in view of all that you are in Christ”. This is similar to all the “walk” passages in the New Testament (Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10, etc.)

We do not walk (behave) to be saved or to become citizens of heaven. We walk because WE ARE citizens of heaven! Our motivation for serving Christ is because of who He is and what He has done for us. We do not serve to enter the kingdom; we serve to inherit the kingdom as proper citizens.

Cooperation – 27b

Standing firm in one spirit with one mind – Unity in the church is not optional; it is essential. There were some conflicts in the church at Philippi (4:2-3). Jesus prayed for our unity in John 17:23 so that the world would know that Jesus was sent from the Father.

Striving together – This word is a combination of the prefix “sun” which means “with, or together” and the word “athleho” from which we get the word “athletics”. The church is a team and it is teamwork that wins victories. We are all gifted with spiritual gifts as Christ purposed.

The faith of the gospel - The body of truth found in the gospel. The good news of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.

Confidence – 28-30

In no way alarmed by your opponents –

John 16:33 – …In the world you have tribulation… In Me you have peace…

2 Timothy 3:12 - …all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

A sign of salvation for you - When we are persecuted for the sake of the gospel it should encourage us that we are working out our salvation. John 15:18 - “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.”

It has been granted to you… to suffer –

Granted = To do something pleasant or agreeable, to do a favor. Suffering is not because of God’s displeasure with us but because of His grace to us. Note Hebrews 2:2-20, James 1:2-3,12.

Experiencing the same conflict – They were well aware of how Paul was treated while in Philippi and also of his current condition in prison. Paul’s attitude was to rejoice in every situation (4:4).

Do we conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel?