It Starts Small

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 1:27-30

Paul understood that remaining on earth to proclaim the gospel was not just important, but a vital mission. Despite his deep longing to be with Christ, he recognized that his work was far from complete. This exemplifies Paul’s profound selflessness, a value he passionately articulates in the very next chapter. Even as he yearned for the immediate embrace of God, he realized that his personal desires were insignificant. The needs of others were far more important. Countless lives hung in the balance. They were ready to be transformed by his teachings. He felt an unwavering obligation to guide them toward salvation.

Paul’s exhortation to live worthily of the gospel.

Similar exhortations resonate powerfully throughout Paul’s epistles. This absolutely does not imply that we can ever earn or deserve salvation—such a notion is utterly impossible! Instead, Paul passionately teaches that the gospel should ignite an intense desire within us for godly living. It should stir our hearts to respond with fervor. We should long to align our lives with God’s glorious standards. This is not out of desperation to earn salvation. It is simply to honor and please the Almighty. He sacrificed so much for our sake.

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19

This serves as a heartfelt reminder. The gospel isn’t merely about acquiring head knowledge. It’s meant to ignite a profound transformation in our lives! We witness Paul passionately urging the Philippians to embrace unity. This shows the powerful and unifying force of the gospel in our communities.

….I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel – Philippians 1:27

His absence would create an unsettling void, a breeding ground for false leaders and the rise of divisions. This is tragically evident when a strong and mature authority departs from a church. Paul was deeply concerned about this potential downfall; he longed for relentless unity among believers. This fervent desire reflects Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John. In the prayer, He implores for the disciples’ unity after His departure. The emphasis on unity is not merely a suggestion; it is a passionate mandate! We must stand firm together with passion. We are united in one spirit and one mind. We fervently push each other forward toward God. We joyously spread the Word!

Paul’s declaration that they would also face suffering for the sake of the gospel.

I have shamefully taken this verse out of context. I hastily concluded that all believers are destined to endure suffering and persecution. Yet, what Paul truly communicates is that the Philippians specifically will encounter trials, not necessarily each and every believer. Nevertheless, it’s entirely reasonable to assert that countless believers today who fervently stand for Christ will undoubtedly confront various degrees of suffering and persecution. We live in a world still steeped in anti-Christ sentiment. However, they may not face the harrowing extent faced by the early New Testament saints.

Paul boldly uses the word “granted,” which resonates deeply with the essence of the word “given.” It carries an almost profound weight, as if it symbolizes a favor, a divine privilege bestowed upon us. Indeed, there is no greater honor than to suffer for Christ! Do you not feel the gravity of this truth? The verse powerfully illustrates that believers should not shy away from the reality of suffering; instead, we should embrace it!

By anticipating these trials, we prepare ourselves mentally. We also strengthen ourselves spiritually. We commit our hearts in advance to standing unwaveringly firm amidst the fiercest pressures. Let us rejoice when we confront adversity for His sake. We should thank God that we are counted worthy to endure for Him! We must ensure our suffering aligns with His purpose. We should respond with grace and strength. This way, we shine as a brilliant testimony for His glory.

¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3:17

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Discussion Questions:

•  Does verse 27 teach that we can ever be worthy of salvation? Then what does it mean?
•  Are you living worthy of the gospel?
•  What word sums up Paul’s desire for them in the second part of verse 17?
•  What does verse 28 mean?
•  How would their calm/bold response to their opponents signal their opponents’ destruction?
•  What does the word “granted” mean?
•  Do you think of suffering for Christ as a gift? Is it a gift? Why?
•  In what way might the Philippians have suffered for Christ?
•  Share about a time you have suffered for Christ. How was your response? How should you respond?

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