Philippians 1:27-30 - Live Worthy of the Gospel

Todaywe are moving on to the last verses of chapter 1 of Philippians, verses 27–30: “Onlylet your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ... Remember,Paul is writing from prison. He is writing to this church at Philippi, tellingthem they can have joy in their lives despite the circumstances they might befacing in a Roman Empire that was full of debauchery, wickedness, violence, andevil. It sounds very much like the world we live in today. Heis telling them here in these verses: live worthy of the gospel. Look atthis very first statement—a powerful one: “Only let your conduct beworthy of the gospel of Christ.” “Monon” (only), is placed at the beginningof the sentence in the Greek text for emphasis. This is a strong word,emphasizing that this is very important. What truly mattered was theirconsistent, holy conduct. Above all, Paul wanted their lives to reflectworthily on the gospel of Christ. Theword “conduct” here, in some translations, is “conversation,” but itactually means “citizenship.” That word is also very important. Paul isbasically saying, live like citizens of heaven. Philippi was a Roman colony,and the people took great pride in being Roman citizens. You may remember thatafter the Apostle Paul had been beaten there in Philippi, they were going torelease him, and he said, “I am a citizen of Rome, and you cannot treat Romancitizens this way—beating me and throwing me into prison without a trial.” Theywere afraid, because citizenship meant a great deal to these people, especiallyin that community. Pauluses that picture to say: you belong to a greater kingdom—the kingdom ofheaven—so live like it. In fact, in Philippians 3:20, he says, “For ourcitizenship is in heaven.” As believers, you and I have two citizenships:one in the country and world in which we live, and one in heaven. But, myfriend, our greater citizenship is in heaven. And with citizenship comesprivileges, honors, and also responsibilities. Asa citizen of heaven, what a wonderful privilege it is to belong to thatkingdom—but it also carries great responsibility. That is why Paul says, letyour life, your conduct, your conversation be a testimony. Many people neverread the Bible, but they will read your life. That is why the Apostle Paulemphasized consistency—not just in what we say, but in how we live. Hewrote the same to the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 4:1: “Walk worthy ofthe calling with which you were called.” He said the same to the Colossianchurch in Colossians 1:10: “Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.” Weare not trying to earn our salvation, because we are already saved. But weshould reflect Jesus Christ. So we are to walk worthy of what? The gospel. Thegospel is a message that changes lives. First Corinthians 15:3–4 tells us whatthe gospel is: Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again. Thisis the message that brings salvation. It is powerful. And, my friend, thatmessage should be reflected in our lives—transformed, resurrected lives inChrist Jesus. Old things have passed away; all things have become new (2Corinthians 5:17). Sowhat happens then? We reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me ask you: ifsomeone saw your life—and that was the only thing they could see—what wouldthey think the gospel is? We are writing the gospel every day: With our words.With our actions. And with our attitudes. That is why Jesus said in Matthew5:16, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good worksand glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Sotoday, let us live like citizens of heaven—worthy of the gospel of JesusChrist. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!