Live Up to the Gospel
Philippians 1:27-2:11
Christian unity can often be lost on minor points. Thomas Manton said, “Any fool can open the floodgates, but when the waters have once broken out, who can recall them?” Indeed, once unity is lost, it is difficult to recover. Yet, unity is essential for the church of Jesus Christ to advance the gospel. Believers must seek unity for the sake of the gospel. A church loses its testimony before a lost world when believers cannot live in harmony with each other. Philippians 1:27-2:11 is a passage rich in meaning and application. Paul admonished the Philippian church to stand firm and united in the face of persecution.
Paul stated, “Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v. 27). A believer’s conduct outside the church can discredit the gospel. A believer’s conduct within the church can bring disunity and defeat. Paul instructed the believers on proper conduct in the face of obvious opposition to the gospel. What kind of conduct did Paul envision for the Philippian church? First, he called them to Stand Firm. As soldiers keeping watch, the believers in Philippi were to be resolute in their faith. The Philippians were to be firm and faithful at the cost of persecution.
Second, he called them to Stand Firm Together. He entreated them to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind” (v. 27). A military always has a greater likelihood of success when its members not only stand, but also stand together. The phrase “in one spirit, with one mind” means the church should be together completely with no division. Paul called the church to have a unified front against the enemy. On what were the believers to stand firm regarding? Verse 27 states, “Stand fast – for the faith of the gospel.”
Third, he called the church to Strive. The word “strive” means to struggle or fight in a military conflict. Paul called the church to display courage in the face of their adversaries and be willing to suffer.
Fourth, he called the church to Strive Together. The Philippian church was to face its adversaries with total unity and harmony. On what were the believers to strive regarding? Verse 27 states, “Striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
The unfortunate reality is that many churches today strive against one another and destroy the church’s witness before the world. However, the church must Stand and Strive Together in opposition to false teaching. Lack of unity and division in the church are like an army without a unified plan for battle. An army without a battle plan will suffer defeat. In 2:1-4, Paul continued his admonition to Christian unity. In verses 3-4, Paul highlights selfishness as the root of disharmony in the church.
Melton– Lessons by Frankie Melton, pastor of Heath Springs Baptist Church, Heath Springs. He has a B.A. degree from Charleston Southern University, and a Ph.D. and M.Div. from Southern Seminary.