◄ What Does Philippians 1:27 Mean? ►

In his letter to his brothers and sisters in Philippi, Paul reassures these believers that rather than being a hindrance to the furtherance of the gospel of Christ, his chains of imprisonment were resulting in a significant spreading of the gospel, even to the Roman guards.

The Lord Jesus Christ is Paul's joy and delight, for him to live is Christ while to die is gain. But Paul knew that while there was still life in his body, his work on earth was not complete, and much of that work was striving to keep fellow believers faithful to the fundamentals of the Word of truth, contending earnestly for the gospel of grace and withstanding those that would distort the Word of God.

And so, having prayed for these believers with the confident assurance that God would complete the good work He has started in each one, we hear Paul's instructions to the believers at Philippi. And Paul's directives are for all who would live godly in Christ Jesus should take to heart: "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."

As Christians, we are called to do everything to the glory of God, whether we are by ourselves or in the midst of a crowd of people. Our actions, attitudes, words, and motives should all be done to His glory. Not out of duty but from a heart-desire to walk worthy of our calling in Christ. Not because we are instructed to do so, but out of a deepening love for our Heavenly Father and our glorified Saviour.

Paul rightly pointed out that a worthy Christian walk is not dependent on being seen by others, but by maintaining a right spirit within: the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding; the Spirit of counsel and of might; the Spirit of the knowledge and of fear of the Lord.

Jesus prayed for unity in His Body while Paul told us: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Peter encouraged us to maintain unity of mind, empathy one with another, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind, while John said simply: "Little children, love one another."

In this passage we are called to: "Conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ," and to: "Stand firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel."

Unity of spirit does not mean a compromised uniformity or a watered down gospel. We are to stand firm on the foundational truth of the Word of God and to contend earnestly for the faith once offered to the saints. Standing firm in one spirit with one mind, and striving together for the faith of the gospel means: "For me to live is Christ."

God forbid that I should glory, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word of truth and the Foundation upon Whom we stand, the gospel of Christ crucified. I pray that I may keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace and conduct myself in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. I pray for all my brothers and sisters in Christ, and ask that together we may stand firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.