In the face of a certain amount of opposition, it would be very easy for the Christians at Philippi to “tame” down their faith, or even slide backwards in order to alay possible persecution, or to simply become discouraged and fall out of the Lord’s service. So to guard against this, Paul reminds them and challenges them to conduct themselves in a worthy manner. Notice three significant and relevant points from this text.
Conduct worthy of the Gospel…
(1) NEEDS NO SUPERVISION (v. 27)
Paul desired to come visit the Philippians (see vv. 25-26; 2:24), and he highly suspects that he would be afforded this opportunity, so that he could help develop their “joy in the faith” (v. 25). He also desired to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to them (2:19, 25).
Whether Paul comes and sees first-hand, or he hears from someone else, he desires to receive a good report. This emphasizes the personal accountability that the Philippians had. They were not hopelessly dependent upon Paul nor anyone else.
Mature Christians don’t need someone always looking over their shoulder. They don’t continually need someone urging them to live as they ought to. Understanding one’s personal accountability before God is a tremendous blessing. After all, only God knows our heart any way (see Heb. 4:12-13). If we have a proper respect for Him, we will live each moment of each day as it really is, in the presence of God!
More specifically, conduct worthy of the Gospel…
(2) STANDS FIRM (vv. 27-28)
The phrase “stand firm” means “to be stationary, to persevere” (Strongs). It means to have
some roots. Paul uses this specific phrase six of the seven times it is used it the NT. Notice two of them…
(1) 1 Cor. 16:13 – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith…”
(2) 2 Thes. 2:15 – “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”
It is clear that standing firm is in relationship to “the faith” and “the faith” cannot be separated from the words of inspired men (see also Rom. 10:17).
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Both components are essential. Christians must be laboring for the Lord but they must also do so in harmony with one another. If not, so much good work can be in vain. We must stand firm in the unity of the work of our Lord!
Conduct worthy of the Gospel will also…
(3) SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE (vv. 29-30)
Worthy conduct is willing, when necessary, to suffer for the sake of Christ and promoting the Gospel. Christians don’t just take all of the blessings of the Christian life and then abandon ship when the going gets tough.
The Philippians were told not to be “frightened… by their opponents” (v. 28). These were likely Roman authorities and even citizens who made things difficult for God’s people (see Acts 16:19-22).
The concept of being “frightened” is language that could be used of startling an animal (such as a horse). The Philippians were not to be so “stirred up” by the opposition. They certainly should not allow it to change their course. Indeed, should Christians suffer for the cause of Christ, it is the most honorable cause for which to suffer! (See Acts 5:41)
Sometimes persecution is actually a sign of faithfulness to God (not always of course). Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (Jn. 15:20). Paul said, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Tim. 3:12).
Christians living faithfully to the Lord, in a sense, is a judgment upon the rebellious world. The very lives and existence of Christians suggests to the unbeliever that they are without hope. Instead of repenting and turning to God, many turn against God’s people. They cannot be allowed to take us down or even thwart the mission Christ has given us (see Mt. 28:18-20)! Jesus said, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
CONCLUSION
Don’t depend upon the supervision of others. Be responsible for yourself (see Gal. 6:4-5). Stand firm with your brethren in the work of the Lord. Be steadfast and be unified with your brethren. Even if perseuction arises, don’t be deterred, but remain faithful to the Lord who never turned back on you!
What can you take from these few verses to make your conduct more worthy?
Daren Schroeder
