The Epistle To The Philippians A Single-minded World View

Last Week At Southside…. Finished last week’s sermon with verse 20 of Philippians 1: “…according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Exalting Christ in our bodies. How do we do that? Notice especially, “whether by life or by death.”

What Is Your World View Today we will consider verses 21-30, as we consider Paul’s world view expressed in a few short verses. He likewise expresses his hope for the world view of the church at Philippi. What is a world view? Is a manner of thinking by which we make major decisions for our life. Is made up of numerous stimuli, and can even be rather fluid. Does not have to be logical. Christians should share a common view.

Paul’s World View Philippians 1:21-26 -- For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.”

To Live Is Christ This one line summarizes Paul’s entire world view! 1 Corinthians 15:27-28-- For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our world view must be to not think like the world. We must be renewed in our minds.

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” I’m dead in Christ and therefore I’m alive in Christ. I have only one life – and that is Christ.

Mutual Benefits Paul’s world view resulted in mutual benefits Vs. 22 – Fruitful labor for Paul Vs. 24 – Necessary to remain with them

Remaining Would Benefit Them Vs. 25 -- Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith…. For their progress For their joy For the deepening of their faith

Conclusion of His Thought… Vs. 26 – “…so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” Paul expects to be released from prison and be able to come to the church at Philippi again. Based upon that expectation, Paul knows his best life for then was to remain living on the earth for a while longer. Though he was ready to go on and be with Christ for eternity.

Paul’s Desire For Their World View Verses 27-30 – “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

Their Worthy Conduct Vs. 27 Paul’s wills for them to be governed by Christ through His gospel He willed for them to stand firm in one Spirit. Absolute unity in Christ was his goal for them. Unity in the faith of the gospel was to be one of their highest aims. These elements contribute to a genuine Christian world view.

Paul Wanted Them To Be Fearless …in no way alarmed by your opponents…. A sign of destruction to the enemies A sign of salvation to the Christians A sign of God’s intervention in their behalf. We must stand up to our opponents The devil flees if we do

Expected Suffering As World View A part of the Christian world view is the expectation of suffering for Christ. “…it has been granted for Christ’s sake…to suffer for His sake….” Granted? For Christ’s sake

Sharing The Same World View Verse 30 – “…experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” Solidarity in conflict between righteousness and wickedness. 2 Peter 1:19 – “So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.”