Paul was confident he would be free from prison and see the Philippians again. But he didn’t want their progress to hinge on his presence. So, Paul urged them to remain faithful to God regardless of what happens. He specifically wanted them to be faithful in their behavior and unity with other believers.
Worthy of the gospel
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
This Greek phrase is literally “only behave as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The Philippians were exceedingly proud of their Roman citizenship. They behaved like Romans, spoke like Romans, and dressed like Romans. As believers in Christ, however, the Philippians were also citizens of heaven. So Paul wanted them to conduct themselves as such; to recognize and obey the law of heaven, which is God’s Word.
He used the Greek word axios, which means “suitable because recognized as fitting.” Hence, the Philippians were to conduct themselves in a manner that matches the value of the gospel.
According to Romans 1:16, the gospel is the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” It’s a priceless gift of God with immense value. And our behavior is worthy of the gospel when it’s consistent with its message; when how we act matches what we believe and preach. This consistency applies to any situation, whether alone or with others, hard or easy. We must always obey God without excuse because it pleases Him.
We can live up to the gospel in several ways (Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10). But in this epistle, Paul focuses on unity among believers, how we ought to stand, strive, get strengthened, and suffer together for Christ
Standing and striving together
“…that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
Here, Paul uses the imagery of a soldier holding his position during a battle. Likewise, Christians must stand firm in the faith. We must be rooted deep in the truth so that any winds of opposition or false doctrine won’t toss us (Ephesians 4:14).
We must do it with one mind. This means having the same understanding and cherish the same values. I don’t think it means believers must agree on every doctrine. Instead, we must agree with one another despite our minor differences.
These differences don’t include contradictions to the gospel, to the things of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). Anyone who promotes a false gospel is not part of our fellowship and is accursed (Galatians 1:8-9, 1 John 2:19, 2 John 1:10-11).
We mustn’t only stand as one; we must also contend for the faith together (Jude 3). The Christian life a battlefield. Paul said in Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Believers must be united because, as Jesus said, a house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25). When we bicker and fight among ourselves, we are vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Together, however, we are stronger. Paul uses the imagery of a team (e.g., sports) that works together to win to make his point. Likewise, believers must work together to fight for the faith.
As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!… And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Again, this unity isn’t based on pragmatism and cannot come at the gospel’s expense. Instead, it results from the truth—the whole counsel of God and rests on the truth.
Strengthened by signs
“And not frightened in anything by your opponent. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction but of your salvation, and that from God.”
Paul also told the Philippians not to get alarmed when they face opposition. Jesus said His followers would face tribulations, so believers shouldn’t be surprised when trials come (1 Peter 4:12). People will always oppose believers. For the Philippians, it could have been Roman authorities as Christianity was still outlawed, or false teachers like the Judaizers (Philippians 3:2). Whichever the case, they were not to be feared because they could only harm the bodies (Matthew 10:28).
We must only fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. And persecution is evidence of His righteous judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:5). When believers suffer for Christ, it shows God has saved us and made us citizens of heaven. Matthew 5:10-12 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The world hates Christians because it hated Jesus first. When we become His slaves, God takes us out of the world and conforms us to the image of Christ. As a result, the world also hates and opposes us. Our endurance through affliction is proof of God’s good work in us because Christ suffered patiently and without complaint.
For the enemies of Christ, their lack of persecution proves they are of the world. It proves they do not know God and don’t obey the gospel of Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:8). And If they don’t repent, they will suffer eternal destruction, which is being “away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
In God’s kingdom, citizens suffer momentarily to rejoice eternally. Those who persecute us for our faith are more to be pitied than feared. No measure of suffering in this life will equal their everlasting torment in hell. And their happiness here will never amount to the everlasting joy we will have in heaven.
Would you take a moment to pray for unbelievers in your life?
Suffering for Christ’s sake
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake.”
Not only must we expect to suffer, but we must welcome it. It’s a gift from God. The Greek word for granted is charis, and it means “to show favor.” It’s the same word used to describe God’s gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Suffering for Christ is as much a blessing as having faith in Him.
Since God knew we would have a tough time accepting this truth, Scriptures provides many reasons suffering is a blessing.
We enter the kingdom of God through tribulations (Acts 14:22), being reproached for Christ shows His Spirit rests upon us (1 Peter 4:14), sharing Christ’s suffering means rejoicing at His appearing (1 Peter 4:13), persecution makes us heirs of the kingdom of God and recipients of a great reward (Matthew 5:10-12), it shows God counts us worthy of Christ (Acts 5:41) and His kingdom (2 Thessalonians 1:5), if we suffer with Christ, we will be glorified with him (Romans 8:17), and reign with him (2 Timothy 2:11-12).
Note that Paul isn’t talking about any suffering. He is referring to the suffering caused by our service and allegiance to Christ. In this fallen world, the righteous and the wicked suffer for various reasons. But only believers suffer for Christ.
“General” suffering is also a gift from God. He may use it for many good things, such as exposing our sin, testing, perfecting our faith, and drawing us closer to Him.
Paul concludes by using himself as an example of suffering well for Christ. Jesus said Paul would suffer a lot for His name (Acts 9:16), which Paul summarized in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. The Philippians witnessed some of Paul’s affliction firsthand.
When he was in Philippi, he was arrested, stripped of his garments, beaten with rods, and imprisoned because of the gospel (Acts 16:22-24). And years later, Paul was yet in another imprisonment because of the gospel (Philippians 1:13).
In both imprisonments—and probably all his afflictions, Paul rejoiced. He rejoiced because of his hope in Christ and his work for Christ.
Heart check
When God grants us faith, he also gives us suffering. This means if we truly follow Christ, we will suffer for His name. If our lives are comfortable and easy, if the world embraces us, then we are not walking in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What are your thoughts on this week’s study? Share in the comments below!
Recommended resources
- Conduct Worthy of the Church – John MacArthur
- A Life That Matches Your Faith – John MacArthur Part 1 | Part 2
- Suffering is Not For Nothing – Elizabeth Elliott
- Suffering With Christ – Tabletalk
Next study
Readings
One chapter down, three to go. I don’t know about you, but this chapter really inspired and convicted me.
For next time, read and study Philippians 2:1-4.
Memorization
Philippians 2:1-4 if you are doing the challenge, if not, verse 3-4.
Questions for reflection
- Paul frequently asks believers to be of the same mind; why? Why is unity among believers so important?
- What is humility? How does it help us in our unity?
- Does Paul’s command of doing nothing from selfish ambitions change the way you approach your goals or dreams? E.g., career, finance, etc.
- Do you know the needs of the people around you? How can you practically look at their interest as much as yours?
