Title: Living Like A Christian
Text: Philippians 1:27-30
Date: March 3, 2024

Introduction: The name “Christian” was given to the early followers of Christ as a name of derision. Gradually, it became something to be proud of. If someone was a Christian, it meant that a person had a unique relationship with Jesus Christ. That person followed the teachings of Christ and tried to live like Him. Now, one wonders if the term means anything at all to many people. All kinds of people claim to be a Christian with little, if any, lifestyle changes. Many who profess Christianity and belong to churches show little evidence of Christianity. In fact, in many churches today one can live almost any lifestyle and still be a member in good standing in a local church. We come today to deal with the issue of living the Christian life. How should one live in this world if he/she is a Christian? What does it really mean to live like a Christian?

Paul addresses that question in our text. Verse 27 records, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The King James Version of this verse, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” misses the meaning of Paul’s statement. The Greek word translated “conversation” in the King James Version is the word from which our word “politics” comes. It derives from the Greek word, polis, which means “city.” Literally the word means “citizenship.” It refers not to our conversation but to our conduct. The meaning of the word goes deeper than that. The word refers not just to our conduct but to the conduct that is our duty because we are members of a certain group. As a Christian, we are a part of the family of God. Or to use the idea of a citizenship, we are citizens in the kingdom of God. As a citizen of God’s kingdom, we have certain responsibilities to the group. Paul has those responsibilities in mind in verse 27. What is our obligation as members of the kingdom of God? Paul declares “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

At this point, some of the Philippians probably said to themselves, “This sounds good; however, what does it mean to conduct our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel?” In the remainder of our text, Paul answers that question. What does it mean to live like a Christian?

I.

Without Division (Philippians 1:27a)

II.

Without Compromise (Philippians 1:27b)

III.

Without Fear (Philippians 1:28)

IV.

Without Shame (Philippians 1:29-30)

Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church-Oneonta