Reference

Philippians 1

Context: 

Philippians is actually a letter written by Paul, who is in prison in Rome for sharing the gospel. He's not a stranger to prison, but this time he thinks that he might soon face execution. Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, the first church in Europe, where he sang in prison, and the gates opened. He loves these believers dearly because they have supported him financially and practically for years. He wants them to grow in love for one another and knowledge of God, no matter what is happening around them. He wants them to focus on the Great Commandments: love God, love people.

The Letter:

Throughout the letter, we read that Paul is conflicted but trusting God. 

  • Vs. 20 reveals how serious the situation is
    • He might actually die in prison this time around, but he also trusts that the Holy Spirit will deliver him, whether through life or death, and therefore Christ will be honored.
  • Vs. 22-24 reveal how he is feeling
    • He's emotionally conflicted and in despair, wrestling with a desire to die and be with Christ, or if he should stay alive for their sake. He ultimately concludes that he should stay on this side of eternity for their progress and joy in the faith, so that they might further glorify God.

But he urges them that while things are difficult, it is expected that they - as Christians - behave a certain way.

  1. REFLECT: What do you do when things are difficult in your life? Have you wrestled with wondering why God has you here? How do you tend to behave when life is rough?

Our Response:

In verse 27, Paul writes, “let your manner of life be WORTHY of the gospel of Christ.” and he writes this same thing in his letter to the church in Colossi (Colossians 1:10), to the church in Ephesus (Ephesians 4:1), to the church in Thessaloniki (1 Thessalonians 2:12). He urges all of them to live or walk in a manner worthy of the gospel, or the calling - fully pleasing to Him

What does it mean to "live in a manner worthy"?

  • Philippians 1:27 in the CEV says “you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ.” 
  • The translation of this portion from Greek actually reads “only behave as citizens worthy”.

Citizens understand the culture ("how we do things around here"), and so they practice the cultural norms in a society, adjusting to the cultural space they are in. Some cultural differences include:

  • The way we present ourselves: our bodies, clothing, language - including how we greet one another, and how we give and receive information
  • The way we treat the elderly
  • The way we interact with children
  • The way we engage with food nourishment

Cultures can vary across a wide spectrum of values that lead to differences in how one approaches the world around them. For example, every church has a unique set of values that lead to different approaches to greetings, worship, and presentation of the Word of God.

  1. REFLECT: What cultures do you find yourself a part of? How are the behavior and expectations different from other cultures? 

Example: When a refugee is sponsored to come to the United States by a family or church, they are given a passageway for the sake of their safety and well-being. These people did not "do" anything to receive this gift, but they were in a desperate spot, and someone saw the need they had and met it.

Upon arriving in this country, they learn the culture, observe the behaviors, and adapt to their new home. Most of them behave even better than natural citizens because they are grateful for what they've been given, and they want to show that by living rightly. At this moment in our social context, many of these people fear their "salvation" being revoked, so they try to show how valuable they are and do their best not to make a mistake. 

As Christians, we do this with our citizenship in heaven.  

  1. Some of us "behave well" so that we are accepted and loved by God.
  2. Others of us know we were loved first, and so we behave in a manner that shows gratitude for it.
    1. Romans 3:23 “All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” 
      1. We can't please God on our own - we will fail.
    2. Isaiah 64:6a “We are unfit to worship you; each of our good deeds is merely a filthy rag.”
      1. Every Christian thing we do isn't good enough for a Holy & Perfect God.
    3. Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through FAITH. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
      1. We cannot earn God's gift of salvation to us. Salvation is not a result of what we do.

The only way we can have citizenship in heaven is through receiving the free gift of Jesus Christ. 

  1. John 14:6" Jesus answered, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” 

We BECOME worthy to the Father by receiving through faith, His Son, Jesus who is the good news. Then as citizens, we behave and live in gratitude for what God has done for us through Jesus' death. He has rescued us and brought us to a new place.

  1. REFLECT: Do you know what you've been rescued from? Do you find yourself behaving well in hopes that God will one day accept you? How can you behave in a way that brings honor to the Good News - a grateful life? Are you living a life  - in a manner worthy of His sacrifice - worthy of the gospel?