PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30 LET YOUR CONDUCT BE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

3 important things to see:1.     In Chapter 1:7 we see the defense of the Gospel2.     Chapter 1:13-18 we see the proclamation or telling of the Gospel3.     In Chapter 1:27 we see the conduct of the GospelThe Philippians may have been suffering persecution for several reasons The first is the relationship of Christianity to Judaism, and thus to the Jews.Second, the church at Philippi may have begun to suffer persecution because of its association with Paul.Third, Paul had legally embarrassed the magistrates of Philippi, and it may now appear to them that they have finally gained the upper This charge is essentially the same indictment the Jews made against Jesus (Luke 23:2), and also that the Jews made against Paul (see Acts 24:5-6, 12I.                 OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING OUR "CONDUCT" A.    LOOKING AT THE WORD "CONDUCT" ITSELF...1. The KJV translates this word as "conversation"2. In the Greek, it literally means "behave as citizens" I’ve got a Mansion just over the Hilltopa.     Whose "citizenship" is actually in heaven –

Ph 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,   “Remember who you belong to” and be law abiding citizens.  Jeremiah 29:4-7

1.     OUR "BEHAVIOR AS CITIZENS" IS TO BE "WORTHY" OF THE GOSPEL... or Priority 1 is our conduct

1Pe 2:11-12 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

·       OUR "BEHAVIOR AS CITIZENS" IS TO BE WORTHY "WITH OR WITHOUT" THE PRESENCE OF OTHERS... In other words we need to be consistentB.    It has been said that what you really are is how you act when no one else is watching.

Daniel 1:19 Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. 21 Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

1. Note that Paul said "whether I come and see you or am absent"II. SPECIFIC OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING OUR "CONDUCT"2.     OUR "BEHAVIOR AS CHRISTIANS INVOLVES "STANDING FAST IN ONE SPIRIT" (27)·       "Behaving as citizens" involves "standing fast" against those things which would beset us:·       Note also that we must stand fast "in one spirit"  20 times we are to stand, 8 to be steadfast

2Thess 2:15  Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

a.     We are not to stand strong by ourselves, in isolation from one another, but in UNITY! Or Having one purpose3.   OUR "BEHAVIOR AS CHRISTIANS INVOLVES "WITH ONE MIND STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL" (27) A word used of athletes... we need to work hard for the advance of the Gospel Matthew Henry said that a man may sleep and go to hell, but he who will go to heaven must look about and be diligent or hardworking

4. OUR "BEHAVIOR AS CHRISTIANS" INVOLVES "NOT BEING TERRIFIED BY YOUR ADVERSARIES” (28-30) The devils job is to stop us from knowing, growing, going, and showing

• V28 Not terrified………. Paul informs the saints that persecution is to be perceived as an encouragement, as an occasion for rejoicing.

Mt 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

V29 –30 granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

4. OUR "BEHAVIOR AS CHRISTIANS" INVOLVES Suffering 

• Faith is a gift and suffering is also

2Ti 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Ac 5:41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."

Lu 13:17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.

1peter 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

2Th 1:4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; Read MacArthur’s Note on 2Th 1:4-8

2Ti 2:12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

Therefore, our attitude should be like that of the apostles in

Ac 5:41-42 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 14: 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

1Pe 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

1Pe 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith,

1Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.