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
Whatever Happens
The verses earlier in this describe Paul in chains while in prison. He was conflicted because he really wanted to go physically be with Christ, yet he found it necessary to minister more to the church in Philippi. Paul wanted to watch their progress and to rejoice at how they were doing spiritually. He was “Torn between the Two” as mentioned in the last section of chapter 1 that we looked at. The progress of this church was because of Paul’s investment in their lives. So this first “whatever”in verse 27 indicates that Paul did not know what would happen. Either he was going to stay in chains and face death or he would be released and continue having a ministry in the lives of people in Philippi.
Represent The Gospel Of Christ
Next Paul says to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. What does this mean? He says to behave, or live your life in a way that represents what the gospel of Christ has done in your life and what it means to you. We are not worthy as sinners to have Christ in our lives. Only because of the gospel, since Christ died and rose again to pay for the sin of the entire world, are we worthy. We have to receive His gift. Then we should live in such a way that demonstrates our gratitude from having received Him and also in a way that represents Him and who He is!
What does it mean to represent a person, an organization or a family? We act in a way that makes them proud and not ashamed. Dressing decently, not immodestly, going to places that will not cause us to do wrong, speaking decently and not using foul language and watching movies or shows that do not tempt us and encourage wrong doing, all demonstrate how we act. The actions are not done because of a list of rights and wrongs, but because of gratitude in how we represent Christ.
People can tell that we are different when we live lives that represent Christ. If we don’t act differently, no one will ever know. Then, how will we share the gospel with them? How are we any different than they are and what value does Christ bring to our lives if we don’t have a changed life? How will they act different or know that they should act differently if no one represents Christ to them?
I Hope That You Are Standing Strong Together
Paul tells the Philippians that whether he comes to see them himself or hears about how they are doing, he will know that they are standing strong in their faith. They are acting in a Christ-like manner and they are working together, strong and unified. They are not trying to out-do each other or look better than another church and they are not fighting. In life, they care for each other as believers who will give account for how they live. They really represent Christ well! People outside of the faith can see what it looks like to live together in unity. They will see us love and honor Christ and His church. Then they may become a part of His church.
When we strive together for the faith of the gospel we will not be afraid of those who come against us. If we live in unity, we aren’t going to oppose each other either, but rather, we will support each other when someone is facing opposition. We will encourage other believers, even if we disagree on a specific issue. However, we can’t let this stop us from loving and caring for each other.
Think for a minute about underground churches in other countries. They really need to support each other and not hate on other believers. There is too much at stake for their faith, including their lives and the lives of their brothers and sisters in Christ.
God Is On Our Side
The second half of verse 28 states that those who destroy you will be afraid, but we will not because we have God on our side. This is the best reason to not be afraid! God is on our side and no matter what happens to us, God has our backs. People could even do something that permanently injures us or even kill us, but we have our Lord Jesus Christ to live with for eternity. We can be thankful for this! Remember, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain?” There is gain even in persecution even as Paul faced it.
There Is A Cost To Pay In Following Christ
“For it has been granted to you on the behalf of Jesus Christ, not just to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” This seems scary, but this can be the cost for following Christ. There are many verses especially in the New Testament that speak of persecution.
It is interesting because Paul did the same to other people, persecuting them like he did with Stephen, before he came to Christ. Now persecution was happening to him once he became a believer and for the rest of his life.
Don’t Only Believe, But Be Willing To Suffer
What comes to my mind when I read verse 29 is that Christ did not just tell us to “believe.” Many just “believe” by having head knowledge (a mental or intellectual consent) only but we are also told to suffer for Him which goes much deeper than mental consent. If we are called only to acknowledge Him or what He did historically, we don’t care if we represent Him well or not. There is no cost! We won’t have a good testimony that shows others who Christ is and that we are His children.
If our lives as believers consist of more than head knowledge but we will also suffer for Him, we are making ourselves vulnerable for the gospel of Christ. People will make fun of us and give us a hard time. They will not want to get together and fellowship with us. But, this is a temporary problem for us for we know whose we are and the future that we have. Sure, we will be disappointed and hurt but honestly, we are His and we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Romans 1:16. So, don’t only believe, but be willing to suffer for His sake!
There are plenty of people who go to church and are only willing to believe, but they are unwilling to be different in order to represent Christ well and take the risk of being persecuted. They want the fire insurance of Salvation, but also want to live like the World. They don’t want to be different or made uncomfortable. What does the Lord really think of them? Christ gave His life (everything). Are we willing to take a risk and live and speak up for Him when we say that we are Believers?
In the last verse of Philippians chapter 1, Paul tells the church that they are going to go through what he went through when it comes to being persecuted and they hear that it is still going on for Paul also.
Read these Excellent passages on suffering and persecution when you are able, so that you will see what the apostles went through and tell us as well to do. Be aware what we will go through as Believers who stand for Christ. Remember to not be surprised, these things will happen!
1 Peter 4:12–14
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.