A life worthy of the Gospel Philippians 1

A life worthy of the Gospel Philippians 1: 27 -30

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. • 27 Philippians 1: 27 -30

Conduct yourself What ever happens (only) conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ • • Conduct yourself : Live out your citizenship The Philippians were proud of their status as Roman citizens. Paul instructs them to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Worthy: The blessedness of the Gospel must be expressed in life. The beauty of the Gospel must be seen.

Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel • Making the Gospel known 1. Defence of the Gospel (1: 7) 2. The Proclamation of the Gospel (1: 13 -18) 3. The beauty of a community shaped by the Gospel.

How did Paul conduct Himself. The Conduct The Gospel A servant of Christ: Reconciled , Called, set apart, Identity Partnership, Unity, for the benefit of others, Reconciled with others The Family of God Filled with God’s love Filled with the Holy spirit Baptism of the Holy Spirit Prayerful Access to God Representing and defending the Gospel ministry Rejoicing God’s favour and blessing

What are the forces that is shaping your life? • Letting your circumstances shape you • Being shaped by the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s example in conduct. Gospel Advancing Prison Filled with the Spirit I will rejoice Haters Unashamed & Courageous For the benefit of others Life or Death United in service

Unity • I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel Philippians 1: 27 I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17: 20 -21

Standing Firm in the Holy Spirit • The goal is to be steadfast in faith. • A wishy–washy faith will not help us. • We rely on the Holy Spirit to build us in the word of God so that we are rooted in Him, trusting him, loving Him, hoping in Him and we exhort one another to do the same. We need the help of other believers to persevere in faith and the Holy Spirit will use us to help others grow in faith Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth? ” Exodus 33: 15, 16 15

Striving Together • Striving together: fight together, assist in battle. • We are doing God’s work in adverse circumstances. • There are forces that work against us. • The Life of Jesus • Together 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body 1 Corinthians 12: 13

Not intimidated by those who oppose you And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. Philippians 1: 14 • Defence of the Gospel (7) • The Proclamation of the Gospel (13 -18) • The beauty of a community shaped by the Gospel.

• This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God Philippians 1: 28 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Conduct Unity Steadfastness Striving Courage Proof Those who oppose They will be you destroyed To You will be Saved • I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8: 18 • And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8: 28 • What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8: 31 • No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8: 37

Our Privilege 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: 29 -30 • 9

What are the challenging circumstances you are facing ? How is the Gospel transforming you? Gospel Advancing ? Filled with the Spirit I will rejoice ? Unashamed & Courageous For the benefit of others ? ? ? ?