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Meditation

Reader,

As we finish copying Chapter 1 today, Paul is wrapping up some very specific advice to the believers in Philippi.

The Philippians have been facing opposition from pagans in their city, and also, many retired Roman soldiers live in Philippi who are extremely proud of their Roman citizenship.

When Paul tells his friends to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” the word “manner” refers to their citizenship—he’s reminding them of their first identity, which is citizens of God’s kingdom and partners in Christ.

Paul tells them to remember four things when responding to opposition:

1. Stand firm in the Spirit, and strive together as one (v. 27)
2. Don’t be frightened by those who oppose you (v. 28)
3. Remember that it’s a gift not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for him (v. 29)
4. Let Paul’s own struggles to spread the gospel be an example to you (v. 30)

Paul ends this passage with an emphasis on struggle and suffering, and also stressing the partnership that he has with his readers.

As believers, we all suffer, and we all struggle in different ways. How can others’ suffering be an encouragement and an example for you—and how can your own struggles advance the gospel and help others in their walk with Christ?

Today’s text is Philippians 1:27-30

Life Worthy of the Gospel

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.

Encouragement

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

2 Timothy 1:7–8

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Rebekah

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