Conduct Worthy of the Gospel Philippians 1:27-30

Written from prison, Paul is encouraging these brethren who have helped him in his work His personal prayer (1:9-11) His circumstances have turned out for the furtherance of the gospel (1:12-18) His spiritual dilemma (1:19-26)

Only let your conduct be worthy Conduct (conversation – KJV) associated with citizenship. To act properly, with loyalty and respect Philippians 3:20, Ephesians 2:19

Only let your conduct be worthy Conduct – includes the way we appear before others. We live showing the worth of the gospel to us. Romans 12:1-2 Hebrews 4:12 Romans 1:16 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, Ephesians 1:13

Only let your conduct be worthy Conduct worthy of the gospel: Manifests respect for His word by obeying it Is not ashamed of it - Romans 1:16 We do not act in a manner that blasphemes God – 1 Peter 2:11-13

Only let your conduct be worthy Conduct worthy of the gospel: Do not compromise it - Galatians 2:5 Let our light shine – Matthew 5:16 Will seek peace – Ephesians 6:15

Only let your conduct be worthy “Only” begins this thought – indicates exclusivity Used negatively – James 1:22 James 2:24

Only let your conduct be worthy So that whether I come and see, or am absent I may hear of your affairs Recall, Paul desired to come to them. Here, regardless of what happens, he wants to hear of good from them Let us resolve to walk worthy regardless of who sees us.

That you stand fast in one spirit To stand fast means to hold firm. We do not give up or waver 1 Corinthians 16:13 Galatians 5:1 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Philippians 5:1

That you stand fast in one spirit We need to stand fast against: Immorality - The dangers of unbelief - False doctrine - Compromise - Luke warmness We cannot quit! Luke 9:62

That you stand fast in one spirit Spirit could the Holy Spirit or our spirit as a congregation We need each other as brethren and need to treat each other that way. A key tool to an unwavering faith – we STAND TOGETHER! John 13:34-35

With one mind striving together Striving together – contending or struggling. We are working (Jude 3, Ephesians 6:10-18)

With one mind striving together With one mind (or soul) It is no secret the citizenry of our country is bitterly divided. We are NOT of one mind! At times, is this how we behave as brethren? Galatians 5:15 1 Corinthians 12:20-25

With one mind striving together For the faith of the gospel The gospel needs to produce faith Romans 1:16 We need to show faith James 2:17-18

Not in any way terrified… We ought not to live in fear Matthew 10:28, cf. Revelation 21:8 We cannot let rejection, ridicule, uncertainty, or even persecutions keep us from standing firm Standing fast in one spirit and striving together helps us alleviate our fears.

Not in any way terrified… To them proof of perdition - they will be without excuse Romans 1:20, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-9 To you, salvation from God – bold faith helps to make firm your salvation – 1 John 5:4

Not in any way terrified… To you it has been granted (grace), not only to believe, but to suffer for His sake How is suffering a grace? Roman 5:3-5 Matthew 5:10-12 2 Timothy 3:12 Acts 5:41-42 1 Peter 4:12-16 Being a Christian is not guarantee of peace on earth. In fact, if there is peace???

Not in any way terrified… Having the same conflict you now see and hear is in me 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Acts 16 2 Timothy 1:8 Paul in encouraged by what these brethren have endured. Even as they have been encouraged by his suffering.

Are we good citizens of His kingdom?