Text:               PHILIPPIANS 1:27 – 30

By:                  OGUMOR, SUNNY (BISHOP)

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The phrase “striving together” must be understood as “teamwork” as in football, in relay race, in war soldiers cover for each other during advancement; in preaching the gospel we need united effort. Team work is the heart of a winning teams, a struggle requiring great determination to win. It means team members must cooperate with one another and thus working in perfect coordination against a common opponent. At the end we will be in a state of “euphoria”.

To the Philippians

In Philippians 1; Paul expresses his readiness to glorify Christ by life or death, his feelings for the Philippian brethren, thank them for their good works, prayed for them and concluded the chapter with exhortation to the Church.

The Exhortation; Phil 1:27-30 (NIV) 

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.

• Paul advised the Philippians brethren to work together for the cause 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. 

Paul told the Philippians to be good, patriotic citizens of the kingdom of God. A patriotic citizen is somebody who proudly supports or defends his or her country and its way of life. Be a good Christian in the church and in your community. Whether the Bishop or the Minister is present or absent, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Good at home good for the church do not let enmity hinder us from spreading the gospel.

Those who preach the gospel of Christ should have their conversation be as those who believe the gospel truths, who submits to the gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises. Those with unquestionable faith and character are needed to propagate the gospel.

In the assembly of the saints, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, stayed together as one body, without becoming fragmented and fractionalized is the message from Paul. 1Cor. 1:10, Brethren have been advised in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we all agree with one another in what we say and that there be no divisions among us, but that we be perfectly united in mind and thought, proclaiming the gospel of Christ.

Striving together for the faith of the gospel in that way our unity will be put to a productive purpose. When we work together with one mind an increasing trust and belief in the good news of Jesus Christ would be promoted among those who already believed and among those who are yet to believe.

Act 2:42 When the Church started, we learn that the brethren “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common, every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people”. So, they strive together as one for the faith of the gospel. And this made the gospel spread fast having the same mind. This is the principles Paul told the Philippians to uphold. (Phil 2:1-6).

• Paul wants the Philippians to be bold before their adversaries.

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.

Paul encouraged the Philippian Christians to live with great courage in preaching the gospel, rather than in fear. In the face of false teachers and antagonists and these worldly churches’ who somersaults the gospel, opposition is on the increase. Do not be intimidated by their mega structures and teaming population.

The Narrow and Wide Gates; watch your steps, you may be heading for doom.

Matt 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. 

Acts 16:23 Paul and Silas in Prison due to opposition.

When Christians stand strong against intimidation from the world, against the flesh and the devil, it shows those spiritual enemies that they are digging their own grave. When our spiritual enemies fail to make us afraid, they have failed completely because they really have no other weapon than to create fear and intimidation by their activities, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

We don’t need to fear our opponents because our Almighty God has determined the final results. That last phrase in Philippians 1:28, but that you will be saved “and that by God”, reminds us that God is in control. Those who reject Him face His judgment but those who accept Jesus Christ experience His wonderful salvation. Some has reprobate mind to say and do things not convenient.

Do not be intimidated, not even by Satan, though he is a roaring lion, Christ is greater than he, neither intimidated by the world which Christ has overcome.

The challenges believers in Christ face, God is aware.

9 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

Christians in trial need not to fear that their present trial like that of Paul mean that God has abandoned them, my grace is sufficient for you He told Paul. Their present difficulty was granted to them, not as a punishment, but as a tool in God’s hand. 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers’ temptations.

It is of note that everyone cannot be trusted to withstand suffering. Some would speak rashly and complaining, but note that James said, “know that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”.

Meyer said: “Look up to God and take each throb of pain, each hour of agony, as a gift. Summon courage to thank God for it. Look inside the envelope of pain for the message it enfolds. It is a rough packing-case, but there is treasure in it.”

The struggle continues.

30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

In Philippi Paul encountered opposition, immediate hatred for the Gospel. The girl with “a spirit of divination” (Acts 16:16). Is a good example of how paganism has held the Philippians to ransom to convince the people became difficult so this struggle with opposition continued even after Paul left.

Paul said you are Having the same problem which you saw in me which you now hear am still in. Paul has a problem he is still in prison for the sake of the gospel and he wrote this letter from prison in Rome, with confidence that he will come out. Phil 1:26.

The problem of the Philippians then was they find it difficult walking right with God and proclaiming the gospel when they are being persecuted. The problem of opposition from those who don’t want to hear the gospel of Christ is still there. Acts 4:18, 5:40.

1 Thess, 2:2 Paul told the Thessalonians that they suffered maltreatment in Philippi from opposition but God gave them the courage to preach the good news here. With our collective efforts the good news must continue, God is with us.

Lessons from Phil 1:27-30.

• Paul has given believers one assignment, live a life worthy of the gospel.
• Paul is saying don’t let the possibility or the threat of persecution stop you from living for Christ. Serve Christ come rain come shine.
• Let an endearing relationship be between all the members of the congregation.
• Stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.
• Conduct your public life as a follower of Christ.” Hold fast your hope in Christ, without being intimidated by your worldly relations and friends who oppose you. Do not react in fear or hatred.
• Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong.
• Contribute to the spread of the gospel.
• Walk worthy of your calling.

Finally, brethren, be rest assured that God is in charge we must try hard day by day to let the whole course of our life and behaviour in the world be more in accordance with His gospel.

May the Lord bless His words in our heart in Jesus Name, Amen

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