Studies in Philippians Things Noted to Date: The Salutation of the letter, Philippians 1:1,2. Paul’s prayer for the saints at Philippi, Philippians 1:3-11. Paul’s bonds had fallen out to the “furtherance of the gospel,” Phil. 1:12-14,. The all-important proclamation – Christ was being preached, Philippians 1:15-20. “To live is Christ…to die is gain,” Phil. 1:21-26.

Philippians 1:27-28 V. 27: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. V. 28. “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

Philippians 1:29,30 V. 29: “For unto you it is given in the behald of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. V. 30. “Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

This Lesson, based On these Verses, may be broken down in to two parts: 1. Conduct worthy of the gospel, Philippians 1:27,28. 2. The gift of Suffering, Philippians 1:29,30. Note: In these verses the apostle begins a series of practical exhortations concerning the life of a Christian – exhortations which will largely continue throughout the remainder of this epistle.

Conduct Worthy of the Gospel, Philippians 1:27,28. “…Let your conversation (conduct, NKJV) be as it becometh the gospel…,” v. 27 “Conversation” in 17th century meant more than mere speech. Rendered “conduct” in NKJV, from peripateo, meaning “to walk,” or “to live.” cf. Romans 6:4; 8:4; 13:13; I Cor. 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:7; Ephesians 4:1. Word, as used in our text, is from politeuma, which meant to “behave as citizens.” Same word used in Philippians 3:20 – our citizenship is “in heaven!”

The Behavior of Christians Must not be determined by who is present, Philippians 1:27! Many “Christians” behave differently when: In presence of non-Christians. On vacation, or a place of entertainment. Involved in athletic event. Standing at the returned items desk at a store. Having a difficult day on the job.

Some things Involved in Conduct Becoming a Christian: Standing “fast with one spirit,” Phil. 1:27. God wants His people to stand! “With one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, Philippians 1:27. “One mind,” I Corinthians 1:10. “Striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Not being “terrified by your adversaries, v. 28 “Adversaries” can be expected!

The Gift of Suffering, Philippians 1:29,30! “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ: Not only to believe on Him, Philippians 1:29 We must believe in Jesus, John 8:24. Properly understood, faith is a gift. But also to suffer for His sake,” 1:29. Possible to suffer as evil doers, I Peter 4:15. Better to suffer as a Christian, I Peter 4:16. In our society we have come to look upon any kind of suffering as a curse, a tragedy

Suffering For righteousness’ Sake Is made Easier when we realize that we are not alone! Paul had to “suffer for His sake,” v. 29, when he first went to Philippi. Acts 16:16-24. When he wrote the epistle to the saints at Philippi, Paul was still suffering “for His sake;” he was in “chains” or bonds, 1:13.

Practical Lesson to be Gleaned from these Verses If one is not a faithful Christian Everywhere He is not a faithful Christian Anywhere! This fact is clearly inferred in verse 27: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

Lesson: The Way of Christ is the Way of the Cross, Matthew 10:34-38! There is work that must be done, I Cor. 15:58. There are battles that must be fought, I Tim. 6:12. Hardships that must be borne, 2 Timothy 2:3. Sufferings that must be endured, 2 Tim. 2:10. There is a godly live that must be lived, Titus 2:11,2. There is faithful service that must be rendered, Acts 2:42; Revelation 2:10.

Lesson: The Blessings Christians Receive Make all earthly Suffering Worthwhile! Our earthly sufferings are “not worthy to be compared” with the glory that shall be revealed, Romans 8:18! We enjoy “all spiritual blessings” in Christ, Ephesians 1:3, peace of mind, Philippians 4:7, and live “in hope of eternal life,” Titus 1:2.

Conclusion: Writing to saints at Philippi, a Roman Colony, Paul apprised them of their heavenly citizenship, 1:27; 3:20! They were living in this world, but their citizenship was in heaven! This citizenship: Was to affect how they lived on earth. Give them something to live for! This is what being a Christian is all about; they have something to live for! Are you a Christian?