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Studies in Philippians Things Noted to Date:. The Salutation of the letter, Philippians 1:1,2. Paul’s prayer for the saints at Philippi, Philippians 1:3-11 . Paul’s bonds had fallen out to the “furtherance of the gospel ,” Phil. 1:12-14,.
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Studies in PhilippiansThings Noted to Date: • The Salutation of the letter, Philippians 1:1,2. • Paul’s prayer for the saints at Philippi, Philippians 1:3-11. • Paul’s bonds had fallen out to the “furtherance of the gospel,” Phil. 1:12-14,. • The all-important proclamation – Christ was being preached, Philippians 1:15-20. • “To live is Christ…to die is gain,” Phil. 1:21-26.
Philippians 1:27-28 • V. 27: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. • V. 28. “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
Philippians 1:29,30 • V. 29: “For unto you it is given in the behald of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. • V. 30. “Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
This Lesson, based On these Verses, may be broken down in to two parts: • 1. Conduct worthy of the gospel, Philippians 1:27,28. • 2. The gift of Suffering, Philippians 1:29,30. • Note: In these verses the apostle begins a series of practical exhortations concerning the life of a Christian – exhortations which will largely continue throughout the remainder of this epistle.
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel, Philippians 1:27,28. • “…Let your conversation (conduct, NKJV) be as it becometh the gospel…,” v. 27 • “Conversation” in 17th century meant more than mere speech. • Rendered “conduct” in NKJV, from peripateo, meaning “to walk,” or “to live.” cf. Romans 6:4; 8:4; 13:13; I Cor. 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:7; Ephesians 4:1. • Word, as used in our text, is from politeuma, which meant to “behave as citizens.” Same word used in Philippians 3:20 – our citizenship is “in heaven!”
The Behavior of Christians • Must not be determined by who is present, Philippians 1:27! • Many “Christians” behave differently when: • In presence of non-Christians. • On vacation, or a place of entertainment. • Involved in athletic event. • Standing at the returned items desk at a store. • Having a difficult day on the job.
Some things Involved in Conduct Becoming a Christian: • Standing “fast with one spirit,” Phil. 1:27. • God wants His people to stand! • “With one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, Philippians 1:27. • “One mind,” I Corinthians 1:10. • “Striving together for the faith of the gospel.” • Not being “terrified by your adversaries, v. 28 • “Adversaries” can be expected!
The Gift of Suffering, Philippians 1:29,30! • “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ: • Not only to believe on Him, Philippians 1:29 • We must believe in Jesus, John 8:24. • Properly understood, faith is a gift. • But also to suffer for His sake,” 1:29. • Possible to suffer as evil doers, I Peter 4:15. • Better to suffer as a Christian, I Peter 4:16. • In our society we have come to look upon any kind of suffering as a curse, a tragedy
Suffering For righteousness’ Sake • Is made Easier when we realize that we are not alone! • Paul had to “suffer for His sake,” v. 29, when he first went to Philippi. Acts 16:16-24. • When he wrote the epistle to the saints at Philippi, Paul was still suffering “for His sake;” he was in “chains” or bonds, 1:13.
Practical Lesson to be Gleaned from these Verses • If one is not a faithful Christian Everywhere He is not a faithful Christian Anywhere! • This fact is clearly inferred in verse 27: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
Lesson: The Way of Christ is the Way of the Cross, Matthew 10:34-38! • There is work that must be done, I Cor. 15:58. • There are battles that must be fought, I Tim. 6:12. • Hardships that must be borne, 2 Timothy 2:3. • Sufferings that must be endured, 2 Tim. 2:10. • There is a godly live that must be lived, Titus 2:11,2. • There is faithful service that must be rendered, Acts 2:42; Revelation 2:10.
Lesson: The Blessings Christians Receive Make all earthly Suffering Worthwhile! • Our earthly sufferings are “not worthy to be compared” with the glory that shall be revealed, Romans 8:18! • We enjoy “all spiritual blessings” in Christ, Ephesians 1:3, peace of mind, Philippians 4:7, and live “in hope of eternal life,” Titus 1:2.
Conclusion: • Writing to saints at Philippi, a Roman Colony, Paul apprised them of their heavenly citizenship, 1:27; 3:20! • They were living in this world, but their citizenship was in heaven! This citizenship: • Was to affect how they lived on earth. • Give them something to live for! This is what being a Christian is all about; they have something to live for! Are you a Christian?