Lesson 6

Christian Conduct

Philippians 1:27-30

Our text today is Philippians 1:27-30. This passage is part of a letter written by Paul in Roman imprisonment to an assembly of believers in the city of Philippi. Paul purpose for writing this letter is to encourage this congregation of believers and to instruct them in how to maintain Christian joy in the midst of difficulties.

The beginning of Philippians (1:1-26) is auto- biographical, that is, Paul speaks of himself. He greets them (1:1-2); he expresses his appreciation for them and his desire to see them, (1:3-8); he prays for them (1:9-11), he tells them how his own difficulties have actually resulted in the advancement of the gospel (1:12-18) and he expresses that living, for him, means serving Christ (1:19-26).

Up to this point then, you see, Paul has not given any instructions; he has simply written about himself. It is clear that Paul is single minded. His only concern is the gospel. Everything else is secondary. Paul's own life illustrates that Christian joy is possible in spite of difficult circumstances if you are single minded about the gospel,(1:7,12,).

That theme continues into our text today. Paul continues to speak about the gospel (v.27;28). But now, Paul turns his attention away from himself and his own experiences and toward the Philippians. For the first time in this letter he gives them some direct instructions. The words that Paul uses, as we shall see, is the language of war, of battle. The word of "stand fast" (v.27) is a military term. So is the word for "striving together" (27). Paul speaks of adversaries (28), of suffering(29) and of conflict(30)

Paul is like a commanding officer who is rallying and inspiring his troops, preparing them to go into battle.

The main theme, the main command, of this officer to his troops is stated in verse 27 - "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ". This command begins with the word "only". This word means "this one thing is essential"; "make sure that you do this". Do you see the single mindedness?

What "one thing is essential"? Answer -"that your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ". There are some words used here which need some explanation. When we think of the word "conversation" we usually understand it to mean a dialogue between 2 or more people. Today the word has to with talk, with spoken words. But is not what the word meant in 1611 when the King James translators used it. Then it meant, your lifestyle, your manner of living, your conduct. So they would often use that word when they spoke of how a Christian should conduct himself (see Gal.1:13;Eph.4:22; I Pet.2:12;3:1-2). The Greek word translated here "conversation" means "conduct, manner of living". It goes beyond that even to express our citizenship (see Luke 15:15; Acts 23:1; II Cor.1:12; Phil. 3:20). The idea then is that, as Christians, we are not citizens of this world, our citizenship is in heaven. We are strangers (foreigners) and pilgrims down here. We must be careful that our conduct represents our kingdom well.

There is another word here worth explaining, "becometh". I remember, as a boy, my mother would always use this word to describe someone or something that was very attractive. She would especially use it to describe how garments suited the person. If she said, "That's very becoming" she meant, "That looks good on you- your style, color, fits well, etc". If something was not "becoming" it meant "it doesn't look good." We don't hear that word used like that often nowadays. But that is the way the word is used in our text. Paul is saying that our conduct should enhance and make the gospel attractive. As he said in Titus 2:10, we should "adorn the doctrines of Christ". We are called to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ; in a way which brings honor to the gospel of Christ. (2:15-16).

Frankly, folks I think it is very questionable whether God's people are living today in a manner which makes the gospel attractive. Today we see immoral church leaders and church members, we hear of adultery and fornication as common right in the church. Christians are not respected at work because they lie or are lazy or lose their temper or cuss or cheat. Christian young people have no testimony at school because they drink and party. Christians go to the same wicked places as sinners. They rent the same videos. There is little difference between the church and the world. And the lost world asks, "Does the gospel accomplish anything?" "Will having Christ in my life make any difference?" ILLUSTRATION: Ghandi was asked, "What is the greatest hinderance to Christian missions in India. He answered, "Christians!"

Paul says, "Make sure that your conduct makes the gospel of Christ attractive!" He adds, "It shouldn't depend on whether I am around or not"(v27). Our lives should be consistent whether we are at church or in a room full of wicked sinners, whether the preacher is around or not, whether our parents are with us or not, whether the teacher is in the room or not, whether the boss is watching or not. "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, beholding good and evil!"

With that as the main theme of this passage, Paul goes on to remind them that a church can demonstrate conduct worthy of the gospel in 3 specific ways and to reassure them of 3 promises for those in the battle.

Reminder #1 - You Are Not Alone, 1:27b.

The emphasis here is on a church's unity and harmony. Paul tells them to stand fast which means stand your ground, stand firm, continue strong (see also 4:1). This is a military word (see Eph. 6:11-14a). We are called upon to be people of uncompromising convictions that do not waver. We stand against sin and won't budge. We teach God's word and won't move. But notice, there is an emphasis on unity and harmony with the church.

® We must be "in one spirit", with one purpose.

® We must be "of one mind" i.e. as if we were a single person. I constantly pray that Dearborn Baptist Church will be of one mind, that there will not be divisions and factions and conflicts between us. On this rests the testimony of a church within its community. If the world looks at this church and sees bickering and arguing and strife and quarrels, we have no testimony. But if they hear us say the same thing, we will have a powerful testimony.

® We must have one purpose - striving together means working with teamwork. What is the purpose? The faith of the gospel. This, too, is not an easy phrase to understand. Whenever you find the word "faith" preceded by the definite article "the" (the faith) it means "the body of truth". Thus, the faith of the gospel is "the body of truth of the gospel".

Reminder #2 - You're On The Right Side, 1:28.

The second thing which will enable you to conduct yourself in a manner which is worthy of the gospel, is not being afraid of those who oppose you. Paul tells them "in nothing (being) terrified by your adversaries". The word for "terrified" is a very interesting word. I believe this is the only place where this particular Greek word is used in scripture. In other classical Greek literature, this word was used to describe when a horse would be spooked & run away. It carries with it the idea of being intimidated. It is easy for Christians to be intimidated by opposition. But if we want to represent Christ well, we must have courage.

How is such courage possible? Paul says, "Courage comes from knowing your opposition is wrong and you are right."

The fact that they oppose the gospel is "evident token" (proof) that they lost and headed for destruction (perdition) and that you strive to contend the gospel proves that God has saved you (28).

Take courage. Don't be afraid. You're on the right side!

Reminder #3 - Suffering For Christ Is A Gift From God, 1:29-30.

God has given you 2 great privileges. First, to believe on him (that's salvation) and second, to suffer for his sake. To suffer in behalf of Christ is to suffer in the place of Christ. When Christ was here he suffered. He was hated and persecuted and eventually murdered. Now Jesus Christ is not here. But the hatred that the world has for Christ hasn't dissipated. The world shows its hatred for Christ by persecuting Christians (Matthew 10:24-25; John 15:20; Acts 5:41; Col. 1:24; Phil. 3:10). Suffering then is a gift (Matthew 5:10-12). Paul said (v.30) "You are having the same conflicts (struggles) which you know that I had in Philippi (Acts 16:16-24; I Thess 2:2) and which you are hearing that I am having now. (II Tim. 3:12).

The call then is for Christians and churches to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel; to make the gospel attractive by our lifestyle. Are you? We are to stand fast; we are take courage, we are to endure persecution. But we given assurances that we are not alone, we are on the winning side, and suffering is a gift from God.

Examine yourself. Does your conduct befit the gospel?