Conduct

Phil-04 - Conduct – Phil 1:27-30

 

So far in Phil – we’ve looked at Paul’s Circumstances

we’ve looked at how he views (or Doesn’t view) Motives

& last week we clearly saw Paul’s single Priority

 

All these subjects really lead up to today’s subject - Conduct

 

Because ultimately – what we believe MUST effect the way we ACT

 

If you are a Christian today –

then Who you are must effect the way you ACT

 

Christians are called to live worthy of their spiritual position / citizenship

 

If you are a Christian, Who you are in Christ is of no virtue of your own

you didn’t earn it, & you don’t deserve it –

 

It has been given freely to you as a gift –

but now that you have it - you are called to live worthy of your position

 

If you are not a Christian today –

I pray you would receive the gift of eternal life - & eternal inheritance

that Jesus Christ offers you freely . . .

 

& it’s important that you know – Conduct doesn’t Earn you salvation –

Conduct is In Response to the Free Gift of Salvation

 

 

Again – we’ve come off of 3 msg’s that deal with

how we are to view things in this world . . .

 

& today we look at how we view things (what we believe) –

MUST effect the way we ACT

 

Let’s start with just the 1^st part of Phil 1:27

 

Phil 1:27(A)

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .

 

Last week we ended w/ Paul’s dilemma about desiring to be w/ Jesus –

Or staying here for the benefit of the body of Christ

 

& in the previous Vs’s he says – He’s confident he’s going to

stick around a while for the benefit of the church . . .

 

& then he says Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . .

 

& - the Holy Spirit chooses Paul’s words carefully here

because He uses a word for conduct that is not normally used –

 

The normal word would be “peripatein” which LIT = ‘to walk about’ –

 

but here He uses “politeuesthai” – which LIT = ‘citizen’ –

it comes from the word “poli” which means – CITY

 

Now - the impact of this Gk word in the 1^st century

would’ve been much greater that it is today

 

In the 1^st Century - to say you were a citizen of a certain city -

Especially a Roman city – effected every part of your life

 

It’s laws governed your life – it’s customs were your customs –

it demanded your complete loyalty –

& there were very strong ties between ALL it’s citizens

 

So Paul is actually connecting our CONDUCT – with our CITIZENSHIP

 

The NLT nails this translation of V.27

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ

 

Paul was writing from the center of the Roman empire (Rome itself) –

& he was writing to a city that had become a Roman colony

 

To become a Roman Colony was a very prestigious title –

& it came with substantial responsibilities

 

The Philippians;

Spoke the language of Rome

Wore the clothes of Rome

Called their leaders by Roman Titles

Followed Roman Law & Custom –

& they even called themselves Romans (Acts 16)

 

The Philippians knew full well what it meant

to conduct themselves worthy of being Roman citizens –

even tho they were not physically in Rome

 

& that is the exact thought the Holy Spirit is getting across thru Paul . . .

 

We must conduct ourselves worthy of being citizens of heaven –

even tho we are not physically in Heaven – do you see it?

 

Paul’s saying to the Philippians –

“you & I know full well the privileges & responsibilities

of being Roman citizens – yet not being in Rome

 

How much more should we know the privileges & responsibilities

of being heavenly citizens – yet not being in heaven!

 

& that is the parallel Paul is drawing for us today . . .

 

if we call ourselves Citizens of Heaven –

then we should conduct ourselves worthy of that citizenship

 

The laws of heaven must govern our lives

its customs should be our customs –

our Heavenly Citizenship should have our absolute loyalty –

& we should stand arm-in-arm with ALL of our fellow citizens of heaven

 

Phil 3:20

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

 

Eph 2:19

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

 

We must conduct ourselves WORTHY of our Heavenly Citizenship - -

Because there are ALWAYS problems in the church when we don’t

 

in the book of Judges – as Israel fell away from the Lord we read

“each one did what was right in their own eyes”

 

& when believers start doing that – trouble is very close behind

(just like it was for Israel)

 

 

So – Paul’s going to list 3 requirements for us to Conduct ourselves

Worthy of our heavenly citizenship - & worthy of the gospel of Christ

 

Let’s re-read Phil 1:27-28(A)

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28(a) and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, . . .

 

These 3 requirements of Worthy Conduct of the Gospel of Christ

are an explanation of what it means to live worthy

of our Heavenly Citizenship

 

Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

1) Stand Together in Unity

2) Strive Together for the Faith

3) Don’t Be Intimidated by your enemies

 

#1) STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY

Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (v.27)

To conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel –

we are to keep the Unity of the Spirit In the Bond of Peace

 

Eph 4:1-3

1 . . . walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 

Endeavor means – make every effort – earnestly strive – exert yourself

 

Do you think the church is “Earnestly Striving”

to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace

 

Or are we more often “Earnestly Striving”

to prove our own point & have our own way ?

 

Guys – we have got to get a little better at knowing

when to draw the line – & where to pick our battles . . .

 

Let me give you an example . . .

1) Is believing in Jesus Christ the ONLY way to heaven? YES

(we can draw that line - & we can stand firm on it)
2) Is the rapture going to be pre – mid – or post tribulation? DON’T KNOW
(we can’t draw that line – we can’t be divided over it)

 

Unfortunately – the divisions we most often see In the body of Christ

are over matters that are either “unclear” in the Bible –

or not even addressed in the Bible

 

& very often – those divisions take us out of the real battle

 

But IF we will Stand together in Unity – It will cause us to do two things ;

1) Stand together against the enemy

2) Strive together for the advancement of the gospel of Christ –

not our own agenda

 

So - #1 Worthy Conduct is - STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY

 

#2) STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH

 

2^nd half of V.27 . .

that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

 

This means we are to be Edifying & Strengthening one another –

never abandoning hope, never giving up

 

that ‘striving together’ DOES NOT mean ‘striving between one another’ –

 

it means striving together ALONGSIDE one another -

standing arm in arm for the faith - striving together in the battle

 

It means locking arms together - & standing against the enemy

 

Let’s take a multiple choice quiz to illustrate this – OK?

 

QUESTION

Which is the greatest danger (& does the most damage) to the church ?

1) The temptation attack of the world ?
2) The spiritual attack of the enemy ?
3) The fact that we can’t stand together in the battle because we’re always
fighting among ourselves ?

 

We CAN’T stand against the enemy –

until we CAN stand together for the Faith . . . (amen?)

 

Conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ (& of our citizenship)- IS;

#1) - STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY

#2) - STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH

 

& #3 is found in the beginning of V.28 . . .

 

#3) DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY YOUR ENEMIES

 

Let’s read the end of V.27 & V.28

27 . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

 

The NLT uses the word – intimidated –

“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies”

 

If we will Conduct Ourselves worthy of our citizenship & calling –

then we will have NO REASON to be terrified or intimidated

by our enemies (speaking of our human enemies)

 

Because if we’re Conducting ourselves Worthy of our Citizenship & Calling

then there’s nothing our enemies can do to actually hurt us

 

& so then Paul says (same Vs.) - the way we respond to our adversaries

is a sign – both to them - & to us !!

 

How we respond to our enemies – is to be both,

a sign of their ‘lostness’ & a sign of our ‘salvation’ –

 

The purpose is us being light in the darkness – a city set on a hill –

a Witness (a testimony) to the Lord Jesus

 

Jn 8:12

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

 

How are we doing (in general) – in this “SIGN” area ?

 

Are we are clear sign (a light) to our enemies

that our salvation is something they really need ?

 

Are we a sign to them - that they are

lost without the salvation of Christ that we have

 

& Notice – Paul doesn’t say here (tho he does elsewhere)

that we are to convince them by “talking” to them

 

This sign is NOT about TELLING - - this sign is about SHOWING

 

In fact - one of my all time favorite sayings is

“Your actions are speaking so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying”

 

& remember Francis of Asicci said: (tho I don’t think he was really a sissy)
Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words

 

It’s very important we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church here –

 

If we are going to be a Sign (testimony) to the world –

to those who speak & act AGAINST the church . . .

 

Then we must DO 3 things – not SAY 3 things – DO 3 things . . .

1) Stand Together in Unity

2) Strive Together for the Faith

3) Never Be Intimidated by our enemies

 

IF we could stand together like that – THEN our enemies would realize

we really do have something they don’t have - & they would want it

 

But when the church is acting basically the same as the World –

Then what do we have to offer those in the world . . .

How can we say we’re better off than them

 

So – Paul takes this 3^rd requirement for Worthy Conduct –

& he ties it to being a “SIGN” to our enemies & to us –

 

& then he goes right into the greatest sign of our salvation in V.29

 

Phil 1:29

29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

 

As Paul begins to talk about a SIGN of our Salvation –

his natural progression is to the subject of suffering . . . why is that ?

 

Because . . . the way we handle suffering is the number one sign

of our salvation – both to our enemies & to ourselves

 

Listen – anyone can have the NORMAL / NATURAL response to suffering –

 

That doesn’t take the Power of God living in you –

you respond like that in your own nature

 

But when you respond to suffering CONTRARY to your own nature -

now THAT is a sign (both to others, & to yourself)

that Jesus Christ is actually living IN you & THRU you

 

Whenever a Christian carries the light into the darkness –

they’re going to get some persecution

 

2Tim 3:12

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

 

We know in the Christian life will come suffering – that’s not the question –

the question is – How will we respond?

 

What will be our witness to those around us –

& especially to our adversaries –

(who may’ve even had a hand in our suffering?)

 

The true sign (Witness) – that Christ is Living in Us –

is in our response to that suffering

 

& our supernatural response – comes from the absolute knowledge –

that God truly is with us – that He will never leave us nor forsake us –

 

& that by His Spirit we can face all circumstances with the same Priority –
that is – CHRIST, and Him Magnified . . .

 

That indeed is the real privilege – the real sign –

that we are Conducting ourselves Worthy of Citizens of Heaven –

& Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

 

& sometimes our suffering even comes

from the hand of others in the church, doesn’t it?

 

I’m currently involved in some suffering of a Christian Student

at the hand of a Christian School Administrator

 

Actually – in our culture – the possibility of you suffering

at the hand of those INSIDE the church

is greater than those OUTSIDE the church

 

But the point today is – WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE to suffering –

is your Conduct Worthy of the gospel of Christ ?

Is it Worthy of your citizenship in heaven ?

 

When a Christian stands in the face of persecution –

with conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .

 

It is ALWAYS a sign – both to the ones doing the persecuting –

& to the Christian himself . . .

 

It is always a sign of the power of God in the Christians life –

& it always speaks much louder than words

 

When you see the power of God at work in you in the face of suffering –

you know your salvation is real, & Jesus is alive in you

 

& when an unbeliever sees the power of God at work in you –

in the face of persecution & suffering . . .

 

it is a sign to them that you have something that they don’t have –

& the end result - prayerfully - being their salvation

 

Let’s wrap up – Phil 1:29-30

29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

 

The inference is - the church is having similar conflict

as what they saw in Paul, & now hear he is going thru

 

Paul’s suffering was – in part – due to those in the church –

both the Pharisees - & - the Self-Seeking promoters

 

But Paul’s response to their persecution was an incredible sign

of the power of God in Paul’s life

 

in fact, his response to the suffering & persecution

is what “PROVED” his testimony

 

Let me say that again – Paul’s response to his suffering & persecution

is what “PROVED” his testimony

 

How about us – does our response to suffering & persecution

PROVE that our Conduct is Worthy of the gospel of Christ

 

or does our response to suffering & persecution

prove that we are really just like the world ?

 

ALL we have to do – to Conduct ourselves Worthy of the gospel of Christ –
is to Crucify our SELF - & allow Jesus Christ to live in us

 

Gal 2:20

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

& if we will do that – we will easily live WORTHY -

of both our Heavenly Citizenship – AND the Gospel of Jesus Christ

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Phil-04 - Conduct – Phil 1:27-30
 
So far in Phil – we’ve looked at Paul’s Circumstances
we’ve looked at how he views (or Doesn’t view) Motives
& last week we clearly saw Paul’s single Priority
 
All these subjects really lead up to today’s subject - Conduct
 
Because ultimately – what we believe MUST effect the way we ACT
 
If you are a Christian today –
then Who you are must effect the way you ACT
 
Christians are called to live worthy of their spiritual position / citizenship
 
If you are a Christian, Who you are in Christ is of no virtue of your own
you didn’t earn it, & you don’t deserve it –
 
It has been given freely to you as a gift –
but now that you have it - you are called to live worthy of your position
 
If you are not a Christian today –
I pray you would receive the gift of eternal life - & eternal inheritance
that Jesus Christ offers you freely . . .
 
& it’s important that you know – Conduct doesn’t Earn you salvation –
Conduct is In Response to the Free Gift of Salvation
 
 
Again – we’ve come off of 3 msg’s that deal with
how we are to view things in this world . . .
 
& today we look at how we view things (what we believe) –
MUST effect the way we ACT
 
Let’s start with just the 1st part of Phil 1:27
 
Phil 1:27(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .
 
Last week we ended w/ Paul’s dilemma about desiring to be w/ Jesus –
Or staying here for the benefit of the body of Christ
 
& in the previous Vs’s he says – He’s confident he’s going to
stick around a while for the benefit of the church . . .
 
& then he says Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . .
 
& - the Holy Spirit chooses Paul’s words carefully here
because He uses a word for conduct that is not normally used –
 
The normal word would be “peripatein” which LIT = ‘to walk about’ –
 
but here He uses “politeuesthai” – which LIT = ‘citizen’ –
it comes from the word “poli” which means – CITY
 
Now - the impact of this Gk word in the 1st century
would’ve been much greater that it is today
 
In the 1st Century - to say you were a citizen of a certain city -
Especially a Roman city – effected every part of your life
 
It’s laws governed your life – it’s customs were your customs –
it demanded your complete loyalty –
& there were very strong ties between ALL it’s citizens
 
So Paul is actually connecting our CONDUCT – with our CITIZENSHIP
 
The NLT nails this translation of V.27
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ
 
Paul was writing from the center of the Roman empire (Rome itself) –
& he was writing to a city that had become a Roman colony
 
To become a Roman Colony was a very prestigious title –
& it came with substantial responsibilities
 
The Philippians;
Spoke the language of Rome
Wore the clothes of Rome
Called their leaders by Roman Titles
Followed Roman Law & Custom –
& they even called themselves Romans (Acts 16)
 
The Philippians knew full well what it meant
to conduct themselves worthy of being Roman citizens –
even tho they were not physically in Rome
 
& that is the exact thought the Holy Spirit is getting across thru Paul . . .
 
We must conduct ourselves worthy of being citizens of heaven –
even tho we are not physically in Heaven – do you see it?
 
Paul’s saying to the Philippians –
“you & I know full well the privileges & responsibilities
of being Roman citizens – yet not being in Rome
 
How much more should we know the privileges & responsibilities
of being heavenly citizens – yet not being in heaven!
 
& that is the parallel Paul is drawing for us today . . .
 
if we call ourselves Citizens of Heaven –
then we should conduct ourselves worthy of that citizenship
 
The laws of heaven must govern our lives
its customs should be our customs –
our Heavenly Citizenship should have our absolute loyalty –
& we should stand arm-in-arm with ALL of our fellow citizens of heaven
 
Phil 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
 
Eph 2:19
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
 
We must conduct ourselves WORTHY of our Heavenly Citizenship - -
Because there are ALWAYS problems in the church when we don’t
 
in the book of Judges – as Israel fell away from the Lord we read
“each one did what was right in their own eyes”
 
& when believers start doing that – trouble is very close behind
(just like it was for Israel)
 
 
So – Paul’s going to list 3 requirements for us to Conduct ourselves
Worthy of our heavenly citizenship - & worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
Let’s re-read Phil 1:27-28(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28(a) and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, . . .
 
These 3 requirements of Worthy Conduct of the Gospel of Christ
are an explanation of what it means to live worthy
of our Heavenly Citizenship
 
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Don’t Be Intimidated by your enemies
 
#1) STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (v.27)
To conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel –
we are to keep the Unity of the Spirit In the Bond of Peace
 
Eph 4:1-3
1 . . . walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 
Endeavor means – make every effort – earnestly strive – exert yourself
 
Do you think the church is “Earnestly Striving”
to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace
 
Or are we more often “Earnestly Striving”
to prove our own point & have our own way ?
 
Guys – we have got to get a little better at knowing
when to draw the line – & where to pick our battles . . .
 
Let me give you an example . . .
1) Is believing in Jesus Christ the ONLY way to heaven? YES
(we can draw that line - & we can stand firm on it)2) Is the rapture going to be pre – mid – or post tribulation? DON’T KNOW (we can’t draw that line – we can’t be divided over it)
 
Unfortunately – the divisions we most often see In the body of Christ
are over matters that are either “unclear” in the Bible –
or not even addressed in the Bible
 
& very often – those divisions take us out of the real battle
 
But IF we will Stand together in Unity – It will cause us to do two things ;
1) Stand together against the enemy
2) Strive together for the advancement of the gospel of Christ –
not our own agenda
 
So - #1 Worthy Conduct is - STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
 
#2) STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
2nd half of V.27 . .
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
 
This means we are to be Edifying & Strengthening one another –
never abandoning hope, never giving up
 
that ‘striving together’ DOES NOT mean ‘striving between one another’ –
 
it means striving together ALONGSIDE one another -
standing arm in arm for the faith - striving together in the battle
 
It means locking arms together - & standing against the enemy
 
Let’s take a multiple choice quiz to illustrate this – OK?
 
QUESTION
Which is the greatest danger (& does the most damage) to the church ?
1) The temptation attack of the world ?2) The spiritual attack of the enemy ?3) The fact that we can’t stand together in the battle because we’re always fighting among ourselves ?
 
We CAN’T stand against the enemy –
until we CAN stand together for the Faith . . . (amen?)
 
Conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ (& of our citizenship)- IS;
#1) - STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY
#2) - STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
& #3 is found in the beginning of V.28 . . .
 
#3) DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY YOUR ENEMIES
 
Let’s read the end of V.27 & V.28
27 . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
 
The NLT uses the word – intimidated –
“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies”
 
If we will Conduct Ourselves worthy of our citizenship & calling –
then we will have NO REASON to be terrified or intimidated
by our enemies (speaking of our human enemies)
 
Because if we’re Conducting ourselves Worthy of our Citizenship & Calling
then there’s nothing our enemies can do to actually hurt us
 
& so then Paul says (same Vs.) - the way we respond to our adversaries
is a sign – both to them - & to us !!
 
How we respond to our enemies – is to be both,
a sign of their ‘lostness’ & a sign of our ‘salvation’ –
 
The purpose is us being light in the darkness – a city set on a hill –
a Witness (a testimony) to the Lord Jesus
 
Jn 8:12
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
 
How are we doing (in general) – in this “SIGN” area ?
 
Are we are clear sign (a light) to our enemies
that our salvation is something they really need ?
 
Are we a sign to them - that they are
lost without the salvation of Christ that we have
 
& Notice – Paul doesn’t say here (tho he does elsewhere)
that we are to convince them by “talking” to them
 
This sign is NOT about TELLING - - this sign is about SHOWING
 
In fact - one of my all time favorite sayings is
“Your actions are speaking so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying”
 
& remember Francis of Asicci said: (tho I don’t think he was really a sissy) Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words
 
It’s very important we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church here –
 
If we are going to be a Sign (testimony) to the world –
to those who speak & act AGAINST the church . . .
 
Then we must DO 3 things – not SAY 3 things – DO 3 things . . .
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Never Be Intimidated by our enemies
 
IF we could stand together like that – THEN our enemies would realize
we really do have something they don’t have - & they would want it
 
But when the church is acting basically the same as the World –
Then what do we have to offer those in the world . . .
How can we say we’re better off than them
 
So – Paul takes this 3rd requirement for Worthy Conduct –
& he ties it to being a “SIGN” to our enemies & to us –
 
& then he goes right into the greatest sign of our salvation in V.29
 

Phil 1:29
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
 
As Paul begins to talk about a SIGN of our Salvation –
his natural progression is to the subject of suffering . . . why is that ?
 
Because . . . the way we handle suffering is the number one sign
of our salvation – both to our enemies & to ourselves
 
Listen – anyone can have the NORMAL / NATURAL response to suffering –
 
That doesn’t take the Power of God living in you –
you respond like that in your own nature
 
But when you respond to suffering CONTRARY to your own nature -
now THAT is a sign (both to others, & to yourself)
that Jesus Christ is actually living IN you & THRU you
 
Whenever a Christian carries the light into the darkness –
they’re going to get some persecution
 
2Tim 3:12
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
 
We know in the Christian life will come suffering – that’s not the question –
the question is – How will we respond?
 
What will be our witness to those around us –
& especially to our adversaries –
(who may’ve even had a hand in our suffering?)
 
The true sign (Witness) – that Christ is Living in Us –
is in our response to that suffering
 
& our supernatural response – comes from the absolute knowledge –
that God truly is with us – that He will never leave us nor forsake us –
 
& that by His Spirit we can face all circumstances with the same Priority – that is – CHRIST, and Him Magnified . . .
 
That indeed is the real privilege – the real sign –
that we are Conducting ourselves Worthy of Citizens of Heaven –
& Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
 
& sometimes our suffering even comes
from the hand of others in the church, doesn’t it?
 
I’m currently involved in some suffering of a Christian Student
at the hand of a Christian School Administrator
 
Actually – in our culture – the possibility of you suffering
at the hand of those INSIDE the church
is greater than those OUTSIDE the church
 
But the point today is – WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE to suffering –
is your Conduct Worthy of the gospel of Christ ?
Is it Worthy of your citizenship in heaven ?
 
When a Christian stands in the face of persecution –
with conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .
 
It is ALWAYS a sign – both to the ones doing the persecuting –
& to the Christian himself . . .
 
It is always a sign of the power of God in the Christians life –
& it always speaks much louder than words
 
When you see the power of God at work in you in the face of suffering –
you know your salvation is real, & Jesus is alive in you
 
& when an unbeliever sees the power of God at work in you –
in the face of persecution & suffering . . .
 
it is a sign to them that you have something that they don’t have –
& the end result - prayerfully - being their salvation
 
Let’s wrap up – Phil 1:29-30
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
 
The inference is - the church is having similar conflict
as what they saw in Paul, & now hear he is going thru
 
Paul’s suffering was – in part – due to those in the church –
both the Pharisees - & - the Self-Seeking promoters
 
But Paul’s response to their persecution was an incredible sign
of the power of God in Paul’s life
 
in fact, his response to the suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
Let me say that again – Paul’s response to his suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
How about us – does our response to suffering & persecution
PROVE that our Conduct is Worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
or does our response to suffering & persecution
prove that we are really just like the world ?
 
ALL we have to do – to Conduct ourselves Worthy of the gospel of Christ – is to Crucify our SELF - & allow Jesus Christ to live in us
 
Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
 
& if we will do that – we will easily live WORTHY -
of both our Heavenly Citizenship – AND the Gospel of Jesus Christ

[view] =>

Phil-04 - Conduct – Phil 1:27-30
 
So far in Phil – we’ve looked at Paul’s Circumstances
we’ve looked at how he views (or Doesn’t view) Motives
& last week we clearly saw Paul’s single Priority
 
All these subjects really lead up to today’s subject - Conduct
 
Because ultimately – what we believe MUST effect the way we ACT
 
If you are a Christian today –
then Who you are must effect the way you ACT
 
Christians are called to live worthy of their spiritual position / citizenship
 
If you are a Christian, Who you are in Christ is of no virtue of your own
you didn’t earn it, & you don’t deserve it –
 
It has been given freely to you as a gift –
but now that you have it - you are called to live worthy of your position
 
If you are not a Christian today –
I pray you would receive the gift of eternal life - & eternal inheritance
that Jesus Christ offers you freely . . .
 
& it’s important that you know – Conduct doesn’t Earn you salvation –
Conduct is In Response to the Free Gift of Salvation
 
 
Again – we’ve come off of 3 msg’s that deal with
how we are to view things in this world . . .
 
& today we look at how we view things (what we believe) –
MUST effect the way we ACT
 
Let’s start with just the 1st part of Phil 1:27
 
Phil 1:27(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .
 
Last week we ended w/ Paul’s dilemma about desiring to be w/ Jesus –
Or staying here for the benefit of the body of Christ
 
& in the previous Vs’s he says – He’s confident he’s going to
stick around a while for the benefit of the church . . .
 
& then he says Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . .
 
& - the Holy Spirit chooses Paul’s words carefully here
because He uses a word for conduct that is not normally used –
 
The normal word would be “peripatein” which LIT = ‘to walk about’ –
 
but here He uses “politeuesthai” – which LIT = ‘citizen’ –
it comes from the word “poli” which means – CITY
 
Now - the impact of this Gk word in the 1st century
would’ve been much greater that it is today
 
In the 1st Century - to say you were a citizen of a certain city -
Especially a Roman city – effected every part of your life
 
It’s laws governed your life – it’s customs were your customs –
it demanded your complete loyalty –
& there were very strong ties between ALL it’s citizens
 
So Paul is actually connecting our CONDUCT – with our CITIZENSHIP
 
The NLT nails this translation of V.27
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ
 
Paul was writing from the center of the Roman empire (Rome itself) –
& he was writing to a city that had become a Roman colony
 
To become a Roman Colony was a very prestigious title –
& it came with substantial responsibilities
 
The Philippians;
Spoke the language of Rome
Wore the clothes of Rome
Called their leaders by Roman Titles
Followed Roman Law & Custom –
& they even called themselves Romans (Acts 16)
 
The Philippians knew full well what it meant
to conduct themselves worthy of being Roman citizens –
even tho they were not physically in Rome
 
& that is the exact thought the Holy Spirit is getting across thru Paul . . .
 
We must conduct ourselves worthy of being citizens of heaven –
even tho we are not physically in Heaven – do you see it?
 
Paul’s saying to the Philippians –
“you & I know full well the privileges & responsibilities
of being Roman citizens – yet not being in Rome
 
How much more should we know the privileges & responsibilities
of being heavenly citizens – yet not being in heaven!
 
& that is the parallel Paul is drawing for us today . . .
 
if we call ourselves Citizens of Heaven –
then we should conduct ourselves worthy of that citizenship
 
The laws of heaven must govern our lives
its customs should be our customs –
our Heavenly Citizenship should have our absolute loyalty –
& we should stand arm-in-arm with ALL of our fellow citizens of heaven
 
Phil 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
 
Eph 2:19
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
 
We must conduct ourselves WORTHY of our Heavenly Citizenship - -
Because there are ALWAYS problems in the church when we don’t
 
in the book of Judges – as Israel fell away from the Lord we read
“each one did what was right in their own eyes”
 
& when believers start doing that – trouble is very close behind
(just like it was for Israel)
 
 
So – Paul’s going to list 3 requirements for us to Conduct ourselves
Worthy of our heavenly citizenship - & worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
Let’s re-read Phil 1:27-28(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28(a) and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, . . .
 
These 3 requirements of Worthy Conduct of the Gospel of Christ
are an explanation of what it means to live worthy
of our Heavenly Citizenship
 
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Don’t Be Intimidated by your enemies
 
#1) STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (v.27)
To conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel –
we are to keep the Unity of the Spirit In the Bond of Peace
 
Eph 4:1-3
1 . . . walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 
Endeavor means – make every effort – earnestly strive – exert yourself
 
Do you think the church is “Earnestly Striving”
to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace
 
Or are we more often “Earnestly Striving”
to prove our own point & have our own way ?
 
Guys – we have got to get a little better at knowing
when to draw the line – & where to pick our battles . . .
 
Let me give you an example . . .
1) Is believing in Jesus Christ the ONLY way to heaven? YES
(we can draw that line - & we can stand firm on it)2) Is the rapture going to be pre – mid – or post tribulation? DON’T KNOW (we can’t draw that line – we can’t be divided over it)
 
Unfortunately – the divisions we most often see In the body of Christ
are over matters that are either “unclear” in the Bible –
or not even addressed in the Bible
 
& very often – those divisions take us out of the real battle
 
But IF we will Stand together in Unity – It will cause us to do two things ;
1) Stand together against the enemy
2) Strive together for the advancement of the gospel of Christ –
not our own agenda
 
So - #1 Worthy Conduct is - STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
 
#2) STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
2nd half of V.27 . .
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
 
This means we are to be Edifying & Strengthening one another –
never abandoning hope, never giving up
 
that ‘striving together’ DOES NOT mean ‘striving between one another’ –
 
it means striving together ALONGSIDE one another -
standing arm in arm for the faith - striving together in the battle
 
It means locking arms together - & standing against the enemy
 
Let’s take a multiple choice quiz to illustrate this – OK?
 
QUESTION
Which is the greatest danger (& does the most damage) to the church ?
1) The temptation attack of the world ?2) The spiritual attack of the enemy ?3) The fact that we can’t stand together in the battle because we’re always fighting among ourselves ?
 
We CAN’T stand against the enemy –
until we CAN stand together for the Faith . . . (amen?)
 
Conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ (& of our citizenship)- IS;
#1) - STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY
#2) - STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
& #3 is found in the beginning of V.28 . . .
 
#3) DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY YOUR ENEMIES
 
Let’s read the end of V.27 & V.28
27 . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
 
The NLT uses the word – intimidated –
“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies”
 
If we will Conduct Ourselves worthy of our citizenship & calling –
then we will have NO REASON to be terrified or intimidated
by our enemies (speaking of our human enemies)
 
Because if we’re Conducting ourselves Worthy of our Citizenship & Calling
then there’s nothing our enemies can do to actually hurt us
 
& so then Paul says (same Vs.) - the way we respond to our adversaries
is a sign – both to them - & to us !!
 
How we respond to our enemies – is to be both,
a sign of their ‘lostness’ & a sign of our ‘salvation’ –
 
The purpose is us being light in the darkness – a city set on a hill –
a Witness (a testimony) to the Lord Jesus
 
Jn 8:12
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
 
How are we doing (in general) – in this “SIGN” area ?
 
Are we are clear sign (a light) to our enemies
that our salvation is something they really need ?
 
Are we a sign to them - that they are
lost without the salvation of Christ that we have
 
& Notice – Paul doesn’t say here (tho he does elsewhere)
that we are to convince them by “talking” to them
 
This sign is NOT about TELLING - - this sign is about SHOWING
 
In fact - one of my all time favorite sayings is
“Your actions are speaking so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying”
 
& remember Francis of Asicci said: (tho I don’t think he was really a sissy) Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words
 
It’s very important we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church here –
 
If we are going to be a Sign (testimony) to the world –
to those who speak & act AGAINST the church . . .
 
Then we must DO 3 things – not SAY 3 things – DO 3 things . . .
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Never Be Intimidated by our enemies
 
IF we could stand together like that – THEN our enemies would realize
we really do have something they don’t have - & they would want it
 
But when the church is acting basically the same as the World –
Then what do we have to offer those in the world . . .
How can we say we’re better off than them
 
So – Paul takes this 3rd requirement for Worthy Conduct –
& he ties it to being a “SIGN” to our enemies & to us –
 
& then he goes right into the greatest sign of our salvation in V.29
 

Phil 1:29
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
 
As Paul begins to talk about a SIGN of our Salvation –
his natural progression is to the subject of suffering . . . why is that ?
 
Because . . . the way we handle suffering is the number one sign
of our salvation – both to our enemies & to ourselves
 
Listen – anyone can have the NORMAL / NATURAL response to suffering –
 
That doesn’t take the Power of God living in you –
you respond like that in your own nature
 
But when you respond to suffering CONTRARY to your own nature -
now THAT is a sign (both to others, & to yourself)
that Jesus Christ is actually living IN you & THRU you
 
Whenever a Christian carries the light into the darkness –
they’re going to get some persecution
 
2Tim 3:12
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
 
We know in the Christian life will come suffering – that’s not the question –
the question is – How will we respond?
 
What will be our witness to those around us –
& especially to our adversaries –
(who may’ve even had a hand in our suffering?)
 
The true sign (Witness) – that Christ is Living in Us –
is in our response to that suffering
 
& our supernatural response – comes from the absolute knowledge –
that God truly is with us – that He will never leave us nor forsake us –
 
& that by His Spirit we can face all circumstances with the same Priority – that is – CHRIST, and Him Magnified . . .
 
That indeed is the real privilege – the real sign –
that we are Conducting ourselves Worthy of Citizens of Heaven –
& Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
 
& sometimes our suffering even comes
from the hand of others in the church, doesn’t it?
 
I’m currently involved in some suffering of a Christian Student
at the hand of a Christian School Administrator
 
Actually – in our culture – the possibility of you suffering
at the hand of those INSIDE the church
is greater than those OUTSIDE the church
 
But the point today is – WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE to suffering –
is your Conduct Worthy of the gospel of Christ ?
Is it Worthy of your citizenship in heaven ?
 
When a Christian stands in the face of persecution –
with conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .
 
It is ALWAYS a sign – both to the ones doing the persecuting –
& to the Christian himself . . .
 
It is always a sign of the power of God in the Christians life –
& it always speaks much louder than words
 
When you see the power of God at work in you in the face of suffering –
you know your salvation is real, & Jesus is alive in you
 
& when an unbeliever sees the power of God at work in you –
in the face of persecution & suffering . . .
 
it is a sign to them that you have something that they don’t have –
& the end result - prayerfully - being their salvation
 
Let’s wrap up – Phil 1:29-30
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
 
The inference is - the church is having similar conflict
as what they saw in Paul, & now hear he is going thru
 
Paul’s suffering was – in part – due to those in the church –
both the Pharisees - & - the Self-Seeking promoters
 
But Paul’s response to their persecution was an incredible sign
of the power of God in Paul’s life
 
in fact, his response to the suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
Let me say that again – Paul’s response to his suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
How about us – does our response to suffering & persecution
PROVE that our Conduct is Worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
or does our response to suffering & persecution
prove that we are really just like the world ?
 
ALL we have to do – to Conduct ourselves Worthy of the gospel of Christ – is to Crucify our SELF - & allow Jesus Christ to live in us
 
Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
 
& if we will do that – we will easily live WORTHY -
of both our Heavenly Citizenship – AND the Gospel of Jesus Christ

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Phil-04 - Conduct – Phil 1:27-30

 

So far in Phil – we’ve looked at Paul’s Circumstances

we’ve looked at how he views (or Doesn’t view) Motives

& last week we clearly saw Paul’s single Priority

 

All these subjects really lead up to today’s subject - Conduct

 

Because ultimately – what we believe MUST effect the way we ACT

 

If you are a Christian today –

then Who you are must effect the way you ACT

 

Christians are called to live worthy of their spiritual position / citizenship

 

If you are a Christian, Who you are in Christ is of no virtue of your own

you didn’t earn it, & you don’t deserve it –

 

It has been given freely to you as a gift –

but now that you have it - you are called to live worthy of your position

 

If you are not a Christian today –

I pray you would receive the gift of eternal life - & eternal inheritance

that Jesus Christ offers you freely . . .

 

& it’s important that you know – Conduct doesn’t Earn you salvation –

Conduct is In Response to the Free Gift of Salvation

 

 

Again – we’ve come off of 3 msg’s that deal with

how we are to view things in this world . . .

 

& today we look at how we view things (what we believe) –

MUST effect the way we ACT

 

Let’s start with just the 1^st part of Phil 1:27

 

Phil 1:27(A)

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .

 

Last week we ended w/ Paul’s dilemma about desiring to be w/ Jesus –

Or staying here for the benefit of the body of Christ

 

& in the previous Vs’s he says – He’s confident he’s going to

stick around a while for the benefit of the church . . .

 

& then he says Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . .

 

& - the Holy Spirit chooses Paul’s words carefully here

because He uses a word for conduct that is not normally used –

 

The normal word would be “peripatein” which LIT = ‘to walk about’ –

 

but here He uses “politeuesthai” – which LIT = ‘citizen’ –

it comes from the word “poli” which means – CITY

 

Now - the impact of this Gk word in the 1^st century

would’ve been much greater that it is today

 

In the 1^st Century - to say you were a citizen of a certain city -

Especially a Roman city – effected every part of your life

 

It’s laws governed your life – it’s customs were your customs –

it demanded your complete loyalty –

& there were very strong ties between ALL it’s citizens

 

So Paul is actually connecting our CONDUCT – with our CITIZENSHIP

 

The NLT nails this translation of V.27

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ

 

Paul was writing from the center of the Roman empire (Rome itself) –

& he was writing to a city that had become a Roman colony

 

To become a Roman Colony was a very prestigious title –

& it came with substantial responsibilities

 

The Philippians;

Spoke the language of Rome

Wore the clothes of Rome

Called their leaders by Roman Titles

Followed Roman Law & Custom –

& they even called themselves Romans (Acts 16)

 

The Philippians knew full well what it meant

to conduct themselves worthy of being Roman citizens –

even tho they were not physically in Rome

 

& that is the exact thought the Holy Spirit is getting across thru Paul . . .

 

We must conduct ourselves worthy of being citizens of heaven –

even tho we are not physically in Heaven – do you see it?

 

Paul’s saying to the Philippians –

“you & I know full well the privileges & responsibilities

of being Roman citizens – yet not being in Rome

 

How much more should we know the privileges & responsibilities

of being heavenly citizens – yet not being in heaven!

 

& that is the parallel Paul is drawing for us today . . .

 

if we call ourselves Citizens of Heaven –

then we should conduct ourselves worthy of that citizenship

 

The laws of heaven must govern our lives

its customs should be our customs –

our Heavenly Citizenship should have our absolute loyalty –

& we should stand arm-in-arm with ALL of our fellow citizens of heaven

 

Phil 3:20

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

 

Eph 2:19

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

 

We must conduct ourselves WORTHY of our Heavenly Citizenship - -

Because there are ALWAYS problems in the church when we don’t

 

in the book of Judges – as Israel fell away from the Lord we read

“each one did what was right in their own eyes”

 

& when believers start doing that – trouble is very close behind

(just like it was for Israel)

 

 

So – Paul’s going to list 3 requirements for us to Conduct ourselves

Worthy of our heavenly citizenship - & worthy of the gospel of Christ

 

Let’s re-read Phil 1:27-28(A)

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28(a) and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, . . .

 

These 3 requirements of Worthy Conduct of the Gospel of Christ

are an explanation of what it means to live worthy

of our Heavenly Citizenship

 

Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

1) Stand Together in Unity

2) Strive Together for the Faith

3) Don’t Be Intimidated by your enemies

 

#1) STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY

Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (v.27)

To conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel –

we are to keep the Unity of the Spirit In the Bond of Peace

 

Eph 4:1-3

1 . . . walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 

Endeavor means – make every effort – earnestly strive – exert yourself

 

Do you think the church is “Earnestly Striving”

to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace

 

Or are we more often “Earnestly Striving”

to prove our own point & have our own way ?

 

Guys – we have got to get a little better at knowing

when to draw the line – & where to pick our battles . . .

 

Let me give you an example . . .

1) Is believing in Jesus Christ the ONLY way to heaven? YES

(we can draw that line - & we can stand firm on it)
2) Is the rapture going to be pre – mid – or post tribulation? DON’T KNOW
(we can’t draw that line – we can’t be divided over it)

 

Unfortunately – the divisions we most often see In the body of Christ

are over matters that are either “unclear” in the Bible –

or not even addressed in the Bible

 

& very often – those divisions take us out of the real battle

 

But IF we will Stand together in Unity – It will cause us to do two things ;

1) Stand together against the enemy

2) Strive together for the advancement of the gospel of Christ –

not our own agenda

 

So - #1 Worthy Conduct is - STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY

 

#2) STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH

 

2^nd half of V.27 . .

that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

 

This means we are to be Edifying & Strengthening one another –

never abandoning hope, never giving up

 

that ‘striving together’ DOES NOT mean ‘striving between one another’ –

 

it means striving together ALONGSIDE one another -

standing arm in arm for the faith - striving together in the battle

 

It means locking arms together - & standing against the enemy

 

Let’s take a multiple choice quiz to illustrate this – OK?

 

QUESTION

Which is the greatest danger (& does the most damage) to the church ?

1) The temptation attack of the world ?
2) The spiritual attack of the enemy ?
3) The fact that we can’t stand together in the battle because we’re always
fighting among ourselves ?

 

We CAN’T stand against the enemy –

until we CAN stand together for the Faith . . . (amen?)

 

Conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ (& of our citizenship)- IS;

#1) - STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY

#2) - STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH

 

& #3 is found in the beginning of V.28 . . .

 

#3) DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY YOUR ENEMIES

 

Let’s read the end of V.27 & V.28

27 . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

 

The NLT uses the word – intimidated –

“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies”

 

If we will Conduct Ourselves worthy of our citizenship & calling –

then we will have NO REASON to be terrified or intimidated

by our enemies (speaking of our human enemies)

 

Because if we’re Conducting ourselves Worthy of our Citizenship & Calling

then there’s nothing our enemies can do to actually hurt us

 

& so then Paul says (same Vs.) - the way we respond to our adversaries

is a sign – both to them - & to us !!

 

How we respond to our enemies – is to be both,

a sign of their ‘lostness’ & a sign of our ‘salvation’ –

 

The purpose is us being light in the darkness – a city set on a hill –

a Witness (a testimony) to the Lord Jesus

 

Jn 8:12

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

 

How are we doing (in general) – in this “SIGN” area ?

 

Are we are clear sign (a light) to our enemies

that our salvation is something they really need ?

 

Are we a sign to them - that they are

lost without the salvation of Christ that we have

 

& Notice – Paul doesn’t say here (tho he does elsewhere)

that we are to convince them by “talking” to them

 

This sign is NOT about TELLING - - this sign is about SHOWING

 

In fact - one of my all time favorite sayings is

“Your actions are speaking so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying”

 

& remember Francis of Asicci said: (tho I don’t think he was really a sissy)
Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words

 

It’s very important we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church here –

 

If we are going to be a Sign (testimony) to the world –

to those who speak & act AGAINST the church . . .

 

Then we must DO 3 things – not SAY 3 things – DO 3 things . . .

1) Stand Together in Unity

2) Strive Together for the Faith

3) Never Be Intimidated by our enemies

 

IF we could stand together like that – THEN our enemies would realize

we really do have something they don’t have - & they would want it

 

But when the church is acting basically the same as the World –

Then what do we have to offer those in the world . . .

How can we say we’re better off than them

 

So – Paul takes this 3^rd requirement for Worthy Conduct –

& he ties it to being a “SIGN” to our enemies & to us –

 

& then he goes right into the greatest sign of our salvation in V.29

 

Phil 1:29

29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

 

As Paul begins to talk about a SIGN of our Salvation –

his natural progression is to the subject of suffering . . . why is that ?

 

Because . . . the way we handle suffering is the number one sign

of our salvation – both to our enemies & to ourselves

 

Listen – anyone can have the NORMAL / NATURAL response to suffering –

 

That doesn’t take the Power of God living in you –

you respond like that in your own nature

 

But when you respond to suffering CONTRARY to your own nature -

now THAT is a sign (both to others, & to yourself)

that Jesus Christ is actually living IN you & THRU you

 

Whenever a Christian carries the light into the darkness –

they’re going to get some persecution

 

2Tim 3:12

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

 

We know in the Christian life will come suffering – that’s not the question –

the question is – How will we respond?

 

What will be our witness to those around us –

& especially to our adversaries –

(who may’ve even had a hand in our suffering?)

 

The true sign (Witness) – that Christ is Living in Us –

is in our response to that suffering

 

& our supernatural response – comes from the absolute knowledge –

that God truly is with us – that He will never leave us nor forsake us –

 

& that by His Spirit we can face all circumstances with the same Priority –
that is – CHRIST, and Him Magnified . . .

 

That indeed is the real privilege – the real sign –

that we are Conducting ourselves Worthy of Citizens of Heaven –

& Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

 

& sometimes our suffering even comes

from the hand of others in the church, doesn’t it?

 

I’m currently involved in some suffering of a Christian Student

at the hand of a Christian School Administrator

 

Actually – in our culture – the possibility of you suffering

at the hand of those INSIDE the church

is greater than those OUTSIDE the church

 

But the point today is – WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE to suffering –

is your Conduct Worthy of the gospel of Christ ?

Is it Worthy of your citizenship in heaven ?

 

When a Christian stands in the face of persecution –

with conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .

 

It is ALWAYS a sign – both to the ones doing the persecuting –

& to the Christian himself . . .

 

It is always a sign of the power of God in the Christians life –

& it always speaks much louder than words

 

When you see the power of God at work in you in the face of suffering –

you know your salvation is real, & Jesus is alive in you

 

& when an unbeliever sees the power of God at work in you –

in the face of persecution & suffering . . .

 

it is a sign to them that you have something that they don’t have –

& the end result - prayerfully - being their salvation

 

Let’s wrap up – Phil 1:29-30

29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

 

The inference is - the church is having similar conflict

as what they saw in Paul, & now hear he is going thru

 

Paul’s suffering was – in part – due to those in the church –

both the Pharisees - & - the Self-Seeking promoters

 

But Paul’s response to their persecution was an incredible sign

of the power of God in Paul’s life

 

in fact, his response to the suffering & persecution

is what “PROVED” his testimony

 

Let me say that again – Paul’s response to his suffering & persecution

is what “PROVED” his testimony

 

How about us – does our response to suffering & persecution

PROVE that our Conduct is Worthy of the gospel of Christ

 

or does our response to suffering & persecution

prove that we are really just like the world ?

 

ALL we have to do – to Conduct ourselves Worthy of the gospel of Christ –
is to Crucify our SELF - & allow Jesus Christ to live in us

 

Gal 2:20

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

& if we will do that – we will easily live WORTHY -

of both our Heavenly Citizenship – AND the Gospel of Jesus Christ

[format] => 1 [safe] =>

Phil-04 - Conduct – Phil 1:27-30
 
So far in Phil – we’ve looked at Paul’s Circumstances
we’ve looked at how he views (or Doesn’t view) Motives
& last week we clearly saw Paul’s single Priority
 
All these subjects really lead up to today’s subject - Conduct
 
Because ultimately – what we believe MUST effect the way we ACT
 
If you are a Christian today –
then Who you are must effect the way you ACT
 
Christians are called to live worthy of their spiritual position / citizenship
 
If you are a Christian, Who you are in Christ is of no virtue of your own
you didn’t earn it, & you don’t deserve it –
 
It has been given freely to you as a gift –
but now that you have it - you are called to live worthy of your position
 
If you are not a Christian today –
I pray you would receive the gift of eternal life - & eternal inheritance
that Jesus Christ offers you freely . . .
 
& it’s important that you know – Conduct doesn’t Earn you salvation –
Conduct is In Response to the Free Gift of Salvation
 
 
Again – we’ve come off of 3 msg’s that deal with
how we are to view things in this world . . .
 
& today we look at how we view things (what we believe) –
MUST effect the way we ACT
 
Let’s start with just the 1st part of Phil 1:27
 
Phil 1:27(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .
 
Last week we ended w/ Paul’s dilemma about desiring to be w/ Jesus –
Or staying here for the benefit of the body of Christ
 
& in the previous Vs’s he says – He’s confident he’s going to
stick around a while for the benefit of the church . . .
 
& then he says Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . .
 
& - the Holy Spirit chooses Paul’s words carefully here
because He uses a word for conduct that is not normally used –
 
The normal word would be “peripatein” which LIT = ‘to walk about’ –
 
but here He uses “politeuesthai” – which LIT = ‘citizen’ –
it comes from the word “poli” which means – CITY
 
Now - the impact of this Gk word in the 1st century
would’ve been much greater that it is today
 
In the 1st Century - to say you were a citizen of a certain city -
Especially a Roman city – effected every part of your life
 
It’s laws governed your life – it’s customs were your customs –
it demanded your complete loyalty –
& there were very strong ties between ALL it’s citizens
 
So Paul is actually connecting our CONDUCT – with our CITIZENSHIP
 
The NLT nails this translation of V.27
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ
 
Paul was writing from the center of the Roman empire (Rome itself) –
& he was writing to a city that had become a Roman colony
 
To become a Roman Colony was a very prestigious title –
& it came with substantial responsibilities
 
The Philippians;
Spoke the language of Rome
Wore the clothes of Rome
Called their leaders by Roman Titles
Followed Roman Law & Custom –
& they even called themselves Romans (Acts 16)
 
The Philippians knew full well what it meant
to conduct themselves worthy of being Roman citizens –
even tho they were not physically in Rome
 
& that is the exact thought the Holy Spirit is getting across thru Paul . . .
 
We must conduct ourselves worthy of being citizens of heaven –
even tho we are not physically in Heaven – do you see it?
 
Paul’s saying to the Philippians –
“you & I know full well the privileges & responsibilities
of being Roman citizens – yet not being in Rome
 
How much more should we know the privileges & responsibilities
of being heavenly citizens – yet not being in heaven!
 
& that is the parallel Paul is drawing for us today . . .
 
if we call ourselves Citizens of Heaven –
then we should conduct ourselves worthy of that citizenship
 
The laws of heaven must govern our lives
its customs should be our customs –
our Heavenly Citizenship should have our absolute loyalty –
& we should stand arm-in-arm with ALL of our fellow citizens of heaven
 
Phil 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
 
Eph 2:19
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
 
We must conduct ourselves WORTHY of our Heavenly Citizenship - -
Because there are ALWAYS problems in the church when we don’t
 
in the book of Judges – as Israel fell away from the Lord we read
“each one did what was right in their own eyes”
 
& when believers start doing that – trouble is very close behind
(just like it was for Israel)
 
 
So – Paul’s going to list 3 requirements for us to Conduct ourselves
Worthy of our heavenly citizenship - & worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
Let’s re-read Phil 1:27-28(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28(a) and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, . . .
 
These 3 requirements of Worthy Conduct of the Gospel of Christ
are an explanation of what it means to live worthy
of our Heavenly Citizenship
 
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Don’t Be Intimidated by your enemies
 
#1) STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (v.27)
To conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel –
we are to keep the Unity of the Spirit In the Bond of Peace
 
Eph 4:1-3
1 . . . walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 
Endeavor means – make every effort – earnestly strive – exert yourself
 
Do you think the church is “Earnestly Striving”
to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace
 
Or are we more often “Earnestly Striving”
to prove our own point & have our own way ?
 
Guys – we have got to get a little better at knowing
when to draw the line – & where to pick our battles . . .
 
Let me give you an example . . .
1) Is believing in Jesus Christ the ONLY way to heaven? YES
(we can draw that line - & we can stand firm on it)2) Is the rapture going to be pre – mid – or post tribulation? DON’T KNOW (we can’t draw that line – we can’t be divided over it)
 
Unfortunately – the divisions we most often see In the body of Christ
are over matters that are either “unclear” in the Bible –
or not even addressed in the Bible
 
& very often – those divisions take us out of the real battle
 
But IF we will Stand together in Unity – It will cause us to do two things ;
1) Stand together against the enemy
2) Strive together for the advancement of the gospel of Christ –
not our own agenda
 
So - #1 Worthy Conduct is - STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
 
#2) STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
2nd half of V.27 . .
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
 
This means we are to be Edifying & Strengthening one another –
never abandoning hope, never giving up
 
that ‘striving together’ DOES NOT mean ‘striving between one another’ –
 
it means striving together ALONGSIDE one another -
standing arm in arm for the faith - striving together in the battle
 
It means locking arms together - & standing against the enemy
 
Let’s take a multiple choice quiz to illustrate this – OK?
 
QUESTION
Which is the greatest danger (& does the most damage) to the church ?
1) The temptation attack of the world ?2) The spiritual attack of the enemy ?3) The fact that we can’t stand together in the battle because we’re always fighting among ourselves ?
 
We CAN’T stand against the enemy –
until we CAN stand together for the Faith . . . (amen?)
 
Conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ (& of our citizenship)- IS;
#1) - STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY
#2) - STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
& #3 is found in the beginning of V.28 . . .
 
#3) DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY YOUR ENEMIES
 
Let’s read the end of V.27 & V.28
27 . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
 
The NLT uses the word – intimidated –
“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies”
 
If we will Conduct Ourselves worthy of our citizenship & calling –
then we will have NO REASON to be terrified or intimidated
by our enemies (speaking of our human enemies)
 
Because if we’re Conducting ourselves Worthy of our Citizenship & Calling
then there’s nothing our enemies can do to actually hurt us
 
& so then Paul says (same Vs.) - the way we respond to our adversaries
is a sign – both to them - & to us !!
 
How we respond to our enemies – is to be both,
a sign of their ‘lostness’ & a sign of our ‘salvation’ –
 
The purpose is us being light in the darkness – a city set on a hill –
a Witness (a testimony) to the Lord Jesus
 
Jn 8:12
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
 
How are we doing (in general) – in this “SIGN” area ?
 
Are we are clear sign (a light) to our enemies
that our salvation is something they really need ?
 
Are we a sign to them - that they are
lost without the salvation of Christ that we have
 
& Notice – Paul doesn’t say here (tho he does elsewhere)
that we are to convince them by “talking” to them
 
This sign is NOT about TELLING - - this sign is about SHOWING
 
In fact - one of my all time favorite sayings is
“Your actions are speaking so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying”
 
& remember Francis of Asicci said: (tho I don’t think he was really a sissy) Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words
 
It’s very important we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church here –
 
If we are going to be a Sign (testimony) to the world –
to those who speak & act AGAINST the church . . .
 
Then we must DO 3 things – not SAY 3 things – DO 3 things . . .
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Never Be Intimidated by our enemies
 
IF we could stand together like that – THEN our enemies would realize
we really do have something they don’t have - & they would want it
 
But when the church is acting basically the same as the World –
Then what do we have to offer those in the world . . .
How can we say we’re better off than them
 
So – Paul takes this 3rd requirement for Worthy Conduct –
& he ties it to being a “SIGN” to our enemies & to us –
 
& then he goes right into the greatest sign of our salvation in V.29
 

Phil 1:29
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
 
As Paul begins to talk about a SIGN of our Salvation –
his natural progression is to the subject of suffering . . . why is that ?
 
Because . . . the way we handle suffering is the number one sign
of our salvation – both to our enemies & to ourselves
 
Listen – anyone can have the NORMAL / NATURAL response to suffering –
 
That doesn’t take the Power of God living in you –
you respond like that in your own nature
 
But when you respond to suffering CONTRARY to your own nature -
now THAT is a sign (both to others, & to yourself)
that Jesus Christ is actually living IN you & THRU you
 
Whenever a Christian carries the light into the darkness –
they’re going to get some persecution
 
2Tim 3:12
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
 
We know in the Christian life will come suffering – that’s not the question –
the question is – How will we respond?
 
What will be our witness to those around us –
& especially to our adversaries –
(who may’ve even had a hand in our suffering?)
 
The true sign (Witness) – that Christ is Living in Us –
is in our response to that suffering
 
& our supernatural response – comes from the absolute knowledge –
that God truly is with us – that He will never leave us nor forsake us –
 
& that by His Spirit we can face all circumstances with the same Priority – that is – CHRIST, and Him Magnified . . .
 
That indeed is the real privilege – the real sign –
that we are Conducting ourselves Worthy of Citizens of Heaven –
& Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
 
& sometimes our suffering even comes
from the hand of others in the church, doesn’t it?
 
I’m currently involved in some suffering of a Christian Student
at the hand of a Christian School Administrator
 
Actually – in our culture – the possibility of you suffering
at the hand of those INSIDE the church
is greater than those OUTSIDE the church
 
But the point today is – WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE to suffering –
is your Conduct Worthy of the gospel of Christ ?
Is it Worthy of your citizenship in heaven ?
 
When a Christian stands in the face of persecution –
with conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .
 
It is ALWAYS a sign – both to the ones doing the persecuting –
& to the Christian himself . . .
 
It is always a sign of the power of God in the Christians life –
& it always speaks much louder than words
 
When you see the power of God at work in you in the face of suffering –
you know your salvation is real, & Jesus is alive in you
 
& when an unbeliever sees the power of God at work in you –
in the face of persecution & suffering . . .
 
it is a sign to them that you have something that they don’t have –
& the end result - prayerfully - being their salvation
 
Let’s wrap up – Phil 1:29-30
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
 
The inference is - the church is having similar conflict
as what they saw in Paul, & now hear he is going thru
 
Paul’s suffering was – in part – due to those in the church –
both the Pharisees - & - the Self-Seeking promoters
 
But Paul’s response to their persecution was an incredible sign
of the power of God in Paul’s life
 
in fact, his response to the suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
Let me say that again – Paul’s response to his suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
How about us – does our response to suffering & persecution
PROVE that our Conduct is Worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
or does our response to suffering & persecution
prove that we are really just like the world ?
 
ALL we have to do – to Conduct ourselves Worthy of the gospel of Christ – is to Crucify our SELF - & allow Jesus Christ to live in us
 
Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
 
& if we will do that – we will easily live WORTHY -
of both our Heavenly Citizenship – AND the Gospel of Jesus Christ

[#delta] => 0 ) [#title] => [#description] => [#theme_used] => 1 [#printed] => 1 [#type] => [#value] => [#prefix] => [#suffix] => [#children] =>

Phil-04 - Conduct – Phil 1:27-30
 
So far in Phil – we’ve looked at Paul’s Circumstances
we’ve looked at how he views (or Doesn’t view) Motives
& last week we clearly saw Paul’s single Priority
 
All these subjects really lead up to today’s subject - Conduct
 
Because ultimately – what we believe MUST effect the way we ACT
 
If you are a Christian today –
then Who you are must effect the way you ACT
 
Christians are called to live worthy of their spiritual position / citizenship
 
If you are a Christian, Who you are in Christ is of no virtue of your own
you didn’t earn it, & you don’t deserve it –
 
It has been given freely to you as a gift –
but now that you have it - you are called to live worthy of your position
 
If you are not a Christian today –
I pray you would receive the gift of eternal life - & eternal inheritance
that Jesus Christ offers you freely . . .
 
& it’s important that you know – Conduct doesn’t Earn you salvation –
Conduct is In Response to the Free Gift of Salvation
 
 
Again – we’ve come off of 3 msg’s that deal with
how we are to view things in this world . . .
 
& today we look at how we view things (what we believe) –
MUST effect the way we ACT
 
Let’s start with just the 1st part of Phil 1:27
 
Phil 1:27(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .
 
Last week we ended w/ Paul’s dilemma about desiring to be w/ Jesus –
Or staying here for the benefit of the body of Christ
 
& in the previous Vs’s he says – He’s confident he’s going to
stick around a while for the benefit of the church . . .
 
& then he says Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . .
 
& - the Holy Spirit chooses Paul’s words carefully here
because He uses a word for conduct that is not normally used –
 
The normal word would be “peripatein” which LIT = ‘to walk about’ –
 
but here He uses “politeuesthai” – which LIT = ‘citizen’ –
it comes from the word “poli” which means – CITY
 
Now - the impact of this Gk word in the 1st century
would’ve been much greater that it is today
 
In the 1st Century - to say you were a citizen of a certain city -
Especially a Roman city – effected every part of your life
 
It’s laws governed your life – it’s customs were your customs –
it demanded your complete loyalty –
& there were very strong ties between ALL it’s citizens
 
So Paul is actually connecting our CONDUCT – with our CITIZENSHIP
 
The NLT nails this translation of V.27
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ
 
Paul was writing from the center of the Roman empire (Rome itself) –
& he was writing to a city that had become a Roman colony
 
To become a Roman Colony was a very prestigious title –
& it came with substantial responsibilities
 
The Philippians;
Spoke the language of Rome
Wore the clothes of Rome
Called their leaders by Roman Titles
Followed Roman Law & Custom –
& they even called themselves Romans (Acts 16)
 
The Philippians knew full well what it meant
to conduct themselves worthy of being Roman citizens –
even tho they were not physically in Rome
 
& that is the exact thought the Holy Spirit is getting across thru Paul . . .
 
We must conduct ourselves worthy of being citizens of heaven –
even tho we are not physically in Heaven – do you see it?
 
Paul’s saying to the Philippians –
“you & I know full well the privileges & responsibilities
of being Roman citizens – yet not being in Rome
 
How much more should we know the privileges & responsibilities
of being heavenly citizens – yet not being in heaven!
 
& that is the parallel Paul is drawing for us today . . .
 
if we call ourselves Citizens of Heaven –
then we should conduct ourselves worthy of that citizenship
 
The laws of heaven must govern our lives
its customs should be our customs –
our Heavenly Citizenship should have our absolute loyalty –
& we should stand arm-in-arm with ALL of our fellow citizens of heaven
 
Phil 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
 
Eph 2:19
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
 
We must conduct ourselves WORTHY of our Heavenly Citizenship - -
Because there are ALWAYS problems in the church when we don’t
 
in the book of Judges – as Israel fell away from the Lord we read
“each one did what was right in their own eyes”
 
& when believers start doing that – trouble is very close behind
(just like it was for Israel)
 
 
So – Paul’s going to list 3 requirements for us to Conduct ourselves
Worthy of our heavenly citizenship - & worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
Let’s re-read Phil 1:27-28(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28(a) and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, . . .
 
These 3 requirements of Worthy Conduct of the Gospel of Christ
are an explanation of what it means to live worthy
of our Heavenly Citizenship
 
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Don’t Be Intimidated by your enemies
 
#1) STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (v.27)
To conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel –
we are to keep the Unity of the Spirit In the Bond of Peace
 
Eph 4:1-3
1 . . . walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 
Endeavor means – make every effort – earnestly strive – exert yourself
 
Do you think the church is “Earnestly Striving”
to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace
 
Or are we more often “Earnestly Striving”
to prove our own point & have our own way ?
 
Guys – we have got to get a little better at knowing
when to draw the line – & where to pick our battles . . .
 
Let me give you an example . . .
1) Is believing in Jesus Christ the ONLY way to heaven? YES
(we can draw that line - & we can stand firm on it)2) Is the rapture going to be pre – mid – or post tribulation? DON’T KNOW (we can’t draw that line – we can’t be divided over it)
 
Unfortunately – the divisions we most often see In the body of Christ
are over matters that are either “unclear” in the Bible –
or not even addressed in the Bible
 
& very often – those divisions take us out of the real battle
 
But IF we will Stand together in Unity – It will cause us to do two things ;
1) Stand together against the enemy
2) Strive together for the advancement of the gospel of Christ –
not our own agenda
 
So - #1 Worthy Conduct is - STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
 
#2) STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
2nd half of V.27 . .
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
 
This means we are to be Edifying & Strengthening one another –
never abandoning hope, never giving up
 
that ‘striving together’ DOES NOT mean ‘striving between one another’ –
 
it means striving together ALONGSIDE one another -
standing arm in arm for the faith - striving together in the battle
 
It means locking arms together - & standing against the enemy
 
Let’s take a multiple choice quiz to illustrate this – OK?
 
QUESTION
Which is the greatest danger (& does the most damage) to the church ?
1) The temptation attack of the world ?2) The spiritual attack of the enemy ?3) The fact that we can’t stand together in the battle because we’re always fighting among ourselves ?
 
We CAN’T stand against the enemy –
until we CAN stand together for the Faith . . . (amen?)
 
Conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ (& of our citizenship)- IS;
#1) - STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY
#2) - STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
& #3 is found in the beginning of V.28 . . .
 
#3) DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY YOUR ENEMIES
 
Let’s read the end of V.27 & V.28
27 . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
 
The NLT uses the word – intimidated –
“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies”
 
If we will Conduct Ourselves worthy of our citizenship & calling –
then we will have NO REASON to be terrified or intimidated
by our enemies (speaking of our human enemies)
 
Because if we’re Conducting ourselves Worthy of our Citizenship & Calling
then there’s nothing our enemies can do to actually hurt us
 
& so then Paul says (same Vs.) - the way we respond to our adversaries
is a sign – both to them - & to us !!
 
How we respond to our enemies – is to be both,
a sign of their ‘lostness’ & a sign of our ‘salvation’ –
 
The purpose is us being light in the darkness – a city set on a hill –
a Witness (a testimony) to the Lord Jesus
 
Jn 8:12
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
 
How are we doing (in general) – in this “SIGN” area ?
 
Are we are clear sign (a light) to our enemies
that our salvation is something they really need ?
 
Are we a sign to them - that they are
lost without the salvation of Christ that we have
 
& Notice – Paul doesn’t say here (tho he does elsewhere)
that we are to convince them by “talking” to them
 
This sign is NOT about TELLING - - this sign is about SHOWING
 
In fact - one of my all time favorite sayings is
“Your actions are speaking so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying”
 
& remember Francis of Asicci said: (tho I don’t think he was really a sissy) Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words
 
It’s very important we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church here –
 
If we are going to be a Sign (testimony) to the world –
to those who speak & act AGAINST the church . . .
 
Then we must DO 3 things – not SAY 3 things – DO 3 things . . .
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Never Be Intimidated by our enemies
 
IF we could stand together like that – THEN our enemies would realize
we really do have something they don’t have - & they would want it
 
But when the church is acting basically the same as the World –
Then what do we have to offer those in the world . . .
How can we say we’re better off than them
 
So – Paul takes this 3rd requirement for Worthy Conduct –
& he ties it to being a “SIGN” to our enemies & to us –
 
& then he goes right into the greatest sign of our salvation in V.29
 

Phil 1:29
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
 
As Paul begins to talk about a SIGN of our Salvation –
his natural progression is to the subject of suffering . . . why is that ?
 
Because . . . the way we handle suffering is the number one sign
of our salvation – both to our enemies & to ourselves
 
Listen – anyone can have the NORMAL / NATURAL response to suffering –
 
That doesn’t take the Power of God living in you –
you respond like that in your own nature
 
But when you respond to suffering CONTRARY to your own nature -
now THAT is a sign (both to others, & to yourself)
that Jesus Christ is actually living IN you & THRU you
 
Whenever a Christian carries the light into the darkness –
they’re going to get some persecution
 
2Tim 3:12
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
 
We know in the Christian life will come suffering – that’s not the question –
the question is – How will we respond?
 
What will be our witness to those around us –
& especially to our adversaries –
(who may’ve even had a hand in our suffering?)
 
The true sign (Witness) – that Christ is Living in Us –
is in our response to that suffering
 
& our supernatural response – comes from the absolute knowledge –
that God truly is with us – that He will never leave us nor forsake us –
 
& that by His Spirit we can face all circumstances with the same Priority – that is – CHRIST, and Him Magnified . . .
 
That indeed is the real privilege – the real sign –
that we are Conducting ourselves Worthy of Citizens of Heaven –
& Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
 
& sometimes our suffering even comes
from the hand of others in the church, doesn’t it?
 
I’m currently involved in some suffering of a Christian Student
at the hand of a Christian School Administrator
 
Actually – in our culture – the possibility of you suffering
at the hand of those INSIDE the church
is greater than those OUTSIDE the church
 
But the point today is – WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE to suffering –
is your Conduct Worthy of the gospel of Christ ?
Is it Worthy of your citizenship in heaven ?
 
When a Christian stands in the face of persecution –
with conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .
 
It is ALWAYS a sign – both to the ones doing the persecuting –
& to the Christian himself . . .
 
It is always a sign of the power of God in the Christians life –
& it always speaks much louder than words
 
When you see the power of God at work in you in the face of suffering –
you know your salvation is real, & Jesus is alive in you
 
& when an unbeliever sees the power of God at work in you –
in the face of persecution & suffering . . .
 
it is a sign to them that you have something that they don’t have –
& the end result - prayerfully - being their salvation
 
Let’s wrap up – Phil 1:29-30
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
 
The inference is - the church is having similar conflict
as what they saw in Paul, & now hear he is going thru
 
Paul’s suffering was – in part – due to those in the church –
both the Pharisees - & - the Self-Seeking promoters
 
But Paul’s response to their persecution was an incredible sign
of the power of God in Paul’s life
 
in fact, his response to the suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
Let me say that again – Paul’s response to his suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
How about us – does our response to suffering & persecution
PROVE that our Conduct is Worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
or does our response to suffering & persecution
prove that we are really just like the world ?
 
ALL we have to do – to Conduct ourselves Worthy of the gospel of Christ – is to Crucify our SELF - & allow Jesus Christ to live in us
 
Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
 
& if we will do that – we will easily live WORTHY -
of both our Heavenly Citizenship – AND the Gospel of Jesus Christ

) [#title] => [#description] => [#children] =>

Phil-04 - Conduct – Phil 1:27-30
 
So far in Phil – we’ve looked at Paul’s Circumstances
we’ve looked at how he views (or Doesn’t view) Motives
& last week we clearly saw Paul’s single Priority
 
All these subjects really lead up to today’s subject - Conduct
 
Because ultimately – what we believe MUST effect the way we ACT
 
If you are a Christian today –
then Who you are must effect the way you ACT
 
Christians are called to live worthy of their spiritual position / citizenship
 
If you are a Christian, Who you are in Christ is of no virtue of your own
you didn’t earn it, & you don’t deserve it –
 
It has been given freely to you as a gift –
but now that you have it - you are called to live worthy of your position
 
If you are not a Christian today –
I pray you would receive the gift of eternal life - & eternal inheritance
that Jesus Christ offers you freely . . .
 
& it’s important that you know – Conduct doesn’t Earn you salvation –
Conduct is In Response to the Free Gift of Salvation
 
 
Again – we’ve come off of 3 msg’s that deal with
how we are to view things in this world . . .
 
& today we look at how we view things (what we believe) –
MUST effect the way we ACT
 
Let’s start with just the 1st part of Phil 1:27
 
Phil 1:27(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .
 
Last week we ended w/ Paul’s dilemma about desiring to be w/ Jesus –
Or staying here for the benefit of the body of Christ
 
& in the previous Vs’s he says – He’s confident he’s going to
stick around a while for the benefit of the church . . .
 
& then he says Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . .
 
& - the Holy Spirit chooses Paul’s words carefully here
because He uses a word for conduct that is not normally used –
 
The normal word would be “peripatein” which LIT = ‘to walk about’ –
 
but here He uses “politeuesthai” – which LIT = ‘citizen’ –
it comes from the word “poli” which means – CITY
 
Now - the impact of this Gk word in the 1st century
would’ve been much greater that it is today
 
In the 1st Century - to say you were a citizen of a certain city -
Especially a Roman city – effected every part of your life
 
It’s laws governed your life – it’s customs were your customs –
it demanded your complete loyalty –
& there were very strong ties between ALL it’s citizens
 
So Paul is actually connecting our CONDUCT – with our CITIZENSHIP
 
The NLT nails this translation of V.27
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ
 
Paul was writing from the center of the Roman empire (Rome itself) –
& he was writing to a city that had become a Roman colony
 
To become a Roman Colony was a very prestigious title –
& it came with substantial responsibilities
 
The Philippians;
Spoke the language of Rome
Wore the clothes of Rome
Called their leaders by Roman Titles
Followed Roman Law & Custom –
& they even called themselves Romans (Acts 16)
 
The Philippians knew full well what it meant
to conduct themselves worthy of being Roman citizens –
even tho they were not physically in Rome
 
& that is the exact thought the Holy Spirit is getting across thru Paul . . .
 
We must conduct ourselves worthy of being citizens of heaven –
even tho we are not physically in Heaven – do you see it?
 
Paul’s saying to the Philippians –
“you & I know full well the privileges & responsibilities
of being Roman citizens – yet not being in Rome
 
How much more should we know the privileges & responsibilities
of being heavenly citizens – yet not being in heaven!
 
& that is the parallel Paul is drawing for us today . . .
 
if we call ourselves Citizens of Heaven –
then we should conduct ourselves worthy of that citizenship
 
The laws of heaven must govern our lives
its customs should be our customs –
our Heavenly Citizenship should have our absolute loyalty –
& we should stand arm-in-arm with ALL of our fellow citizens of heaven
 
Phil 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
 
Eph 2:19
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
 
We must conduct ourselves WORTHY of our Heavenly Citizenship - -
Because there are ALWAYS problems in the church when we don’t
 
in the book of Judges – as Israel fell away from the Lord we read
“each one did what was right in their own eyes”
 
& when believers start doing that – trouble is very close behind
(just like it was for Israel)
 
 
So – Paul’s going to list 3 requirements for us to Conduct ourselves
Worthy of our heavenly citizenship - & worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
Let’s re-read Phil 1:27-28(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28(a) and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, . . .
 
These 3 requirements of Worthy Conduct of the Gospel of Christ
are an explanation of what it means to live worthy
of our Heavenly Citizenship
 
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Don’t Be Intimidated by your enemies
 
#1) STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (v.27)
To conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel –
we are to keep the Unity of the Spirit In the Bond of Peace
 
Eph 4:1-3
1 . . . walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 
Endeavor means – make every effort – earnestly strive – exert yourself
 
Do you think the church is “Earnestly Striving”
to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace
 
Or are we more often “Earnestly Striving”
to prove our own point & have our own way ?
 
Guys – we have got to get a little better at knowing
when to draw the line – & where to pick our battles . . .
 
Let me give you an example . . .
1) Is believing in Jesus Christ the ONLY way to heaven? YES
(we can draw that line - & we can stand firm on it)2) Is the rapture going to be pre – mid – or post tribulation? DON’T KNOW (we can’t draw that line – we can’t be divided over it)
 
Unfortunately – the divisions we most often see In the body of Christ
are over matters that are either “unclear” in the Bible –
or not even addressed in the Bible
 
& very often – those divisions take us out of the real battle
 
But IF we will Stand together in Unity – It will cause us to do two things ;
1) Stand together against the enemy
2) Strive together for the advancement of the gospel of Christ –
not our own agenda
 
So - #1 Worthy Conduct is - STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
 
#2) STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
2nd half of V.27 . .
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
 
This means we are to be Edifying & Strengthening one another –
never abandoning hope, never giving up
 
that ‘striving together’ DOES NOT mean ‘striving between one another’ –
 
it means striving together ALONGSIDE one another -
standing arm in arm for the faith - striving together in the battle
 
It means locking arms together - & standing against the enemy
 
Let’s take a multiple choice quiz to illustrate this – OK?
 
QUESTION
Which is the greatest danger (& does the most damage) to the church ?
1) The temptation attack of the world ?2) The spiritual attack of the enemy ?3) The fact that we can’t stand together in the battle because we’re always fighting among ourselves ?
 
We CAN’T stand against the enemy –
until we CAN stand together for the Faith . . . (amen?)
 
Conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ (& of our citizenship)- IS;
#1) - STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY
#2) - STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
& #3 is found in the beginning of V.28 . . .
 
#3) DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY YOUR ENEMIES
 
Let’s read the end of V.27 & V.28
27 . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
 
The NLT uses the word – intimidated –
“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies”
 
If we will Conduct Ourselves worthy of our citizenship & calling –
then we will have NO REASON to be terrified or intimidated
by our enemies (speaking of our human enemies)
 
Because if we’re Conducting ourselves Worthy of our Citizenship & Calling
then there’s nothing our enemies can do to actually hurt us
 
& so then Paul says (same Vs.) - the way we respond to our adversaries
is a sign – both to them - & to us !!
 
How we respond to our enemies – is to be both,
a sign of their ‘lostness’ & a sign of our ‘salvation’ –
 
The purpose is us being light in the darkness – a city set on a hill –
a Witness (a testimony) to the Lord Jesus
 
Jn 8:12
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
 
How are we doing (in general) – in this “SIGN” area ?
 
Are we are clear sign (a light) to our enemies
that our salvation is something they really need ?
 
Are we a sign to them - that they are
lost without the salvation of Christ that we have
 
& Notice – Paul doesn’t say here (tho he does elsewhere)
that we are to convince them by “talking” to them
 
This sign is NOT about TELLING - - this sign is about SHOWING
 
In fact - one of my all time favorite sayings is
“Your actions are speaking so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying”
 
& remember Francis of Asicci said: (tho I don’t think he was really a sissy) Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words
 
It’s very important we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church here –
 
If we are going to be a Sign (testimony) to the world –
to those who speak & act AGAINST the church . . .
 
Then we must DO 3 things – not SAY 3 things – DO 3 things . . .
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Never Be Intimidated by our enemies
 
IF we could stand together like that – THEN our enemies would realize
we really do have something they don’t have - & they would want it
 
But when the church is acting basically the same as the World –
Then what do we have to offer those in the world . . .
How can we say we’re better off than them
 
So – Paul takes this 3rd requirement for Worthy Conduct –
& he ties it to being a “SIGN” to our enemies & to us –
 
& then he goes right into the greatest sign of our salvation in V.29
 

Phil 1:29
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
 
As Paul begins to talk about a SIGN of our Salvation –
his natural progression is to the subject of suffering . . . why is that ?
 
Because . . . the way we handle suffering is the number one sign
of our salvation – both to our enemies & to ourselves
 
Listen – anyone can have the NORMAL / NATURAL response to suffering –
 
That doesn’t take the Power of God living in you –
you respond like that in your own nature
 
But when you respond to suffering CONTRARY to your own nature -
now THAT is a sign (both to others, & to yourself)
that Jesus Christ is actually living IN you & THRU you
 
Whenever a Christian carries the light into the darkness –
they’re going to get some persecution
 
2Tim 3:12
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
 
We know in the Christian life will come suffering – that’s not the question –
the question is – How will we respond?
 
What will be our witness to those around us –
& especially to our adversaries –
(who may’ve even had a hand in our suffering?)
 
The true sign (Witness) – that Christ is Living in Us –
is in our response to that suffering
 
& our supernatural response – comes from the absolute knowledge –
that God truly is with us – that He will never leave us nor forsake us –
 
& that by His Spirit we can face all circumstances with the same Priority – that is – CHRIST, and Him Magnified . . .
 
That indeed is the real privilege – the real sign –
that we are Conducting ourselves Worthy of Citizens of Heaven –
& Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
 
& sometimes our suffering even comes
from the hand of others in the church, doesn’t it?
 
I’m currently involved in some suffering of a Christian Student
at the hand of a Christian School Administrator
 
Actually – in our culture – the possibility of you suffering
at the hand of those INSIDE the church
is greater than those OUTSIDE the church
 
But the point today is – WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE to suffering –
is your Conduct Worthy of the gospel of Christ ?
Is it Worthy of your citizenship in heaven ?
 
When a Christian stands in the face of persecution –
with conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .
 
It is ALWAYS a sign – both to the ones doing the persecuting –
& to the Christian himself . . .
 
It is always a sign of the power of God in the Christians life –
& it always speaks much louder than words
 
When you see the power of God at work in you in the face of suffering –
you know your salvation is real, & Jesus is alive in you
 
& when an unbeliever sees the power of God at work in you –
in the face of persecution & suffering . . .
 
it is a sign to them that you have something that they don’t have –
& the end result - prayerfully - being their salvation
 
Let’s wrap up – Phil 1:29-30
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
 
The inference is - the church is having similar conflict
as what they saw in Paul, & now hear he is going thru
 
Paul’s suffering was – in part – due to those in the church –
both the Pharisees - & - the Self-Seeking promoters
 
But Paul’s response to their persecution was an incredible sign
of the power of God in Paul’s life
 
in fact, his response to the suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
Let me say that again – Paul’s response to his suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
How about us – does our response to suffering & persecution
PROVE that our Conduct is Worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
or does our response to suffering & persecution
prove that we are really just like the world ?
 
ALL we have to do – to Conduct ourselves Worthy of the gospel of Christ – is to Crucify our SELF - & allow Jesus Christ to live in us
 
Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
 
& if we will do that – we will easily live WORTHY -
of both our Heavenly Citizenship – AND the Gospel of Jesus Christ

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Phil-04 - Conduct – Phil 1:27-30
 
So far in Phil – we’ve looked at Paul’s Circumstances
we’ve looked at how he views (or Doesn’t view) Motives
& last week we clearly saw Paul’s single Priority
 
All these subjects really lead up to today’s subject - Conduct
 
Because ultimately – what we believe MUST effect the way we ACT
 
If you are a Christian today –
then Who you are must effect the way you ACT
 
Christians are called to live worthy of their spiritual position / citizenship
 
If you are a Christian, Who you are in Christ is of no virtue of your own
you didn’t earn it, & you don’t deserve it –
 
It has been given freely to you as a gift –
but now that you have it - you are called to live worthy of your position
 
If you are not a Christian today –
I pray you would receive the gift of eternal life - & eternal inheritance
that Jesus Christ offers you freely . . .
 
& it’s important that you know – Conduct doesn’t Earn you salvation –
Conduct is In Response to the Free Gift of Salvation
 
 
Again – we’ve come off of 3 msg’s that deal with
how we are to view things in this world . . .
 
& today we look at how we view things (what we believe) –
MUST effect the way we ACT
 
Let’s start with just the 1st part of Phil 1:27
 
Phil 1:27(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . . .
 
Last week we ended w/ Paul’s dilemma about desiring to be w/ Jesus –
Or staying here for the benefit of the body of Christ
 
& in the previous Vs’s he says – He’s confident he’s going to
stick around a while for the benefit of the church . . .
 
& then he says Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, . .
 
& - the Holy Spirit chooses Paul’s words carefully here
because He uses a word for conduct that is not normally used –
 
The normal word would be “peripatein” which LIT = ‘to walk about’ –
 
but here He uses “politeuesthai” – which LIT = ‘citizen’ –
it comes from the word “poli” which means – CITY
 
Now - the impact of this Gk word in the 1st century
would’ve been much greater that it is today
 
In the 1st Century - to say you were a citizen of a certain city -
Especially a Roman city – effected every part of your life
 
It’s laws governed your life – it’s customs were your customs –
it demanded your complete loyalty –
& there were very strong ties between ALL it’s citizens
 
So Paul is actually connecting our CONDUCT – with our CITIZENSHIP
 
The NLT nails this translation of V.27
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ
 
Paul was writing from the center of the Roman empire (Rome itself) –
& he was writing to a city that had become a Roman colony
 
To become a Roman Colony was a very prestigious title –
& it came with substantial responsibilities
 
The Philippians;
Spoke the language of Rome
Wore the clothes of Rome
Called their leaders by Roman Titles
Followed Roman Law & Custom –
& they even called themselves Romans (Acts 16)
 
The Philippians knew full well what it meant
to conduct themselves worthy of being Roman citizens –
even tho they were not physically in Rome
 
& that is the exact thought the Holy Spirit is getting across thru Paul . . .
 
We must conduct ourselves worthy of being citizens of heaven –
even tho we are not physically in Heaven – do you see it?
 
Paul’s saying to the Philippians –
“you & I know full well the privileges & responsibilities
of being Roman citizens – yet not being in Rome
 
How much more should we know the privileges & responsibilities
of being heavenly citizens – yet not being in heaven!
 
& that is the parallel Paul is drawing for us today . . .
 
if we call ourselves Citizens of Heaven –
then we should conduct ourselves worthy of that citizenship
 
The laws of heaven must govern our lives
its customs should be our customs –
our Heavenly Citizenship should have our absolute loyalty –
& we should stand arm-in-arm with ALL of our fellow citizens of heaven
 
Phil 3:20
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
 
Eph 2:19
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
 
We must conduct ourselves WORTHY of our Heavenly Citizenship - -
Because there are ALWAYS problems in the church when we don’t
 
in the book of Judges – as Israel fell away from the Lord we read
“each one did what was right in their own eyes”
 
& when believers start doing that – trouble is very close behind
(just like it was for Israel)
 
 
So – Paul’s going to list 3 requirements for us to Conduct ourselves
Worthy of our heavenly citizenship - & worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
Let’s re-read Phil 1:27-28(A)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28(a) and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, . . .
 
These 3 requirements of Worthy Conduct of the Gospel of Christ
are an explanation of what it means to live worthy
of our Heavenly Citizenship
 
Conduct Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Don’t Be Intimidated by your enemies
 
#1) STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind (v.27)
To conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel –
we are to keep the Unity of the Spirit In the Bond of Peace
 
Eph 4:1-3
1 . . . walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 
Endeavor means – make every effort – earnestly strive – exert yourself
 
Do you think the church is “Earnestly Striving”
to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace
 
Or are we more often “Earnestly Striving”
to prove our own point & have our own way ?
 
Guys – we have got to get a little better at knowing
when to draw the line – & where to pick our battles . . .
 
Let me give you an example . . .
1) Is believing in Jesus Christ the ONLY way to heaven? YES
(we can draw that line - & we can stand firm on it)2) Is the rapture going to be pre – mid – or post tribulation? DON’T KNOW (we can’t draw that line – we can’t be divided over it)
 
Unfortunately – the divisions we most often see In the body of Christ
are over matters that are either “unclear” in the Bible –
or not even addressed in the Bible
 
& very often – those divisions take us out of the real battle
 
But IF we will Stand together in Unity – It will cause us to do two things ;
1) Stand together against the enemy
2) Strive together for the advancement of the gospel of Christ –
not our own agenda
 
So - #1 Worthy Conduct is - STAND TOGETHER IN UNITY
 
#2) STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
2nd half of V.27 . .
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
 
This means we are to be Edifying & Strengthening one another –
never abandoning hope, never giving up
 
that ‘striving together’ DOES NOT mean ‘striving between one another’ –
 
it means striving together ALONGSIDE one another -
standing arm in arm for the faith - striving together in the battle
 
It means locking arms together - & standing against the enemy
 
Let’s take a multiple choice quiz to illustrate this – OK?
 
QUESTION
Which is the greatest danger (& does the most damage) to the church ?
1) The temptation attack of the world ?2) The spiritual attack of the enemy ?3) The fact that we can’t stand together in the battle because we’re always fighting among ourselves ?
 
We CAN’T stand against the enemy –
until we CAN stand together for the Faith . . . (amen?)
 
Conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ (& of our citizenship)- IS;
#1) - STANDING TOGETHER IN UNITY
#2) - STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH
 
& #3 is found in the beginning of V.28 . . .
 
#3) DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY YOUR ENEMIES
 
Let’s read the end of V.27 & V.28
27 . . . that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
 
The NLT uses the word – intimidated –
“Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies”
 
If we will Conduct Ourselves worthy of our citizenship & calling –
then we will have NO REASON to be terrified or intimidated
by our enemies (speaking of our human enemies)
 
Because if we’re Conducting ourselves Worthy of our Citizenship & Calling
then there’s nothing our enemies can do to actually hurt us
 
& so then Paul says (same Vs.) - the way we respond to our adversaries
is a sign – both to them - & to us !!
 
How we respond to our enemies – is to be both,
a sign of their ‘lostness’ & a sign of our ‘salvation’ –
 
The purpose is us being light in the darkness – a city set on a hill –
a Witness (a testimony) to the Lord Jesus
 
Jn 8:12
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
 
How are we doing (in general) – in this “SIGN” area ?
 
Are we are clear sign (a light) to our enemies
that our salvation is something they really need ?
 
Are we a sign to them - that they are
lost without the salvation of Christ that we have
 
& Notice – Paul doesn’t say here (tho he does elsewhere)
that we are to convince them by “talking” to them
 
This sign is NOT about TELLING - - this sign is about SHOWING
 
In fact - one of my all time favorite sayings is
“Your actions are speaking so loud I can’t hear a word you’re saying”
 
& remember Francis of Asicci said: (tho I don’t think he was really a sissy) Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words
 
It’s very important we hear what the Spirit is saying to the church here –
 
If we are going to be a Sign (testimony) to the world –
to those who speak & act AGAINST the church . . .
 
Then we must DO 3 things – not SAY 3 things – DO 3 things . . .
1) Stand Together in Unity
2) Strive Together for the Faith
3) Never Be Intimidated by our enemies
 
IF we could stand together like that – THEN our enemies would realize
we really do have something they don’t have - & they would want it
 
But when the church is acting basically the same as the World –
Then what do we have to offer those in the world . . .
How can we say we’re better off than them
 
So – Paul takes this 3rd requirement for Worthy Conduct –
& he ties it to being a “SIGN” to our enemies & to us –
 
& then he goes right into the greatest sign of our salvation in V.29
 

Phil 1:29
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
 
As Paul begins to talk about a SIGN of our Salvation –
his natural progression is to the subject of suffering . . . why is that ?
 
Because . . . the way we handle suffering is the number one sign
of our salvation – both to our enemies & to ourselves
 
Listen – anyone can have the NORMAL / NATURAL response to suffering –
 
That doesn’t take the Power of God living in you –
you respond like that in your own nature
 
But when you respond to suffering CONTRARY to your own nature -
now THAT is a sign (both to others, & to yourself)
that Jesus Christ is actually living IN you & THRU you
 
Whenever a Christian carries the light into the darkness –
they’re going to get some persecution
 
2Tim 3:12
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
 
We know in the Christian life will come suffering – that’s not the question –
the question is – How will we respond?
 
What will be our witness to those around us –
& especially to our adversaries –
(who may’ve even had a hand in our suffering?)
 
The true sign (Witness) – that Christ is Living in Us –
is in our response to that suffering
 
& our supernatural response – comes from the absolute knowledge –
that God truly is with us – that He will never leave us nor forsake us –
 
& that by His Spirit we can face all circumstances with the same Priority – that is – CHRIST, and Him Magnified . . .
 
That indeed is the real privilege – the real sign –
that we are Conducting ourselves Worthy of Citizens of Heaven –
& Worthy of the Gospel of Christ
 
& sometimes our suffering even comes
from the hand of others in the church, doesn’t it?
 
I’m currently involved in some suffering of a Christian Student
at the hand of a Christian School Administrator
 
Actually – in our culture – the possibility of you suffering
at the hand of those INSIDE the church
is greater than those OUTSIDE the church
 
But the point today is – WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE to suffering –
is your Conduct Worthy of the gospel of Christ ?
Is it Worthy of your citizenship in heaven ?
 
When a Christian stands in the face of persecution –
with conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ . . .
 
It is ALWAYS a sign – both to the ones doing the persecuting –
& to the Christian himself . . .
 
It is always a sign of the power of God in the Christians life –
& it always speaks much louder than words
 
When you see the power of God at work in you in the face of suffering –
you know your salvation is real, & Jesus is alive in you
 
& when an unbeliever sees the power of God at work in you –
in the face of persecution & suffering . . .
 
it is a sign to them that you have something that they don’t have –
& the end result - prayerfully - being their salvation
 
Let’s wrap up – Phil 1:29-30
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
 
The inference is - the church is having similar conflict
as what they saw in Paul, & now hear he is going thru
 
Paul’s suffering was – in part – due to those in the church –
both the Pharisees - & - the Self-Seeking promoters
 
But Paul’s response to their persecution was an incredible sign
of the power of God in Paul’s life
 
in fact, his response to the suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
Let me say that again – Paul’s response to his suffering & persecution
is what “PROVED” his testimony
 
How about us – does our response to suffering & persecution
PROVE that our Conduct is Worthy of the gospel of Christ
 
or does our response to suffering & persecution
prove that we are really just like the world ?
 
ALL we have to do – to Conduct ourselves Worthy of the gospel of Christ – is to Crucify our SELF - & allow Jesus Christ to live in us
 
Gal 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
 
& if we will do that – we will easily live WORTHY -
of both our Heavenly Citizenship – AND the Gospel of Jesus Christ

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