Philippians 1:27-2:18 A Life Worthy of the Gospel 1:27-28 Paul says, hey church: whether Im far away or with

h you in person (no matter what), live together as a church in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel, he describes that as being united together in the conviction of the truth of the Gospel and dont be afraid of those who oppose what you believe, even though they do it by force. Then he says the fact that you remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel reveals the genuineness of your faith and the emptiness of the beliefs of those who oppose you. In verse 29 Paul tells the Philippians that the opposition they were receiving was just a continuation of the same persecution that Paul received when he was there. Apparently they were attacking the truth of the gospel. Acts 16:16-24 sheds some light on these opponents.

When Paul established the church in Philippi he encountered stiff opposition. He was beaten and thrown into jail as a direct result of the gospel ministry (Acts 16:16-24). The gospel was penetrating the pervasive spiritual darkness in Philippi to the point that the emptiness of the pagan Roman/Greek religion was becoming evident. The gospel was transforming people hearts and way of life. Some did not like it because their livelihood was at stake. So there were many in Philippi who openly opposed Pauls ministry because it was a threat to their way of life. They did not want to conform to the gospel and so they tried to silence Paul by force. And they were directing that same persecution to the Philippians. Discussion Questions Does that sound familiar? What are some ways that society tries to silence Christianity? What are some ways that Christians are persecuted today for standing firm for the truth of the gospel? Have you been persecuted recently for your faith? So Paul said for them to live lives worthy of the gospel by being united and by standing firm for the truth of the Gospel. But unity will only come when all practice humility. Philippians 2:1-11 The Response: Look to the truth of Christ and follow his example In verses 1-2 Paul again reminds the Philippians to be like-minded or united. The repetition of unity, plus other evidence in the letter, indicates there was division of some sort of within the congregation. Verse 3 suggests that someone or several believers were acting selfishly. Paul encourages them pursue humility by learning to put the interests of others above their own interests. In verse 5 he instructs them to pursue humility, in the same way Christ was humble.

Verses 6-11 lay out the example of Jesus humility, but they also serve to reveal the truth of the gospel /Christthe very thing the Philippians were called to defend together as one man (1:27).

Philippians 2:6-11 Truth of Christ/Gospel Jesus Christ is God (v. 6) Jesus took on human flesh (vv. 7-8) Jesus died on the Cross (vv. 8) God raised/exalted Him ( v.9) Example of Humility Jesus didnt consider his deity (status) something to use to his advantage (v. 6) Jesus became a servant (vv. 7-8) Jesus obediently/willingly (in complete humiliation) died on the cross (v. 8) Jesus death and resurrection secured resurrection for all who believe the gospelHe put the interests of others above his own (see v. 4) Humility leads one to confess Jesus as Lord in this life (Those who do not humble themselves in this life will unwillingly confess Jesus as Lord in the next life: Isaiah 45:23-24) This is the example of how we ought to live

All will one day bow and confess Jesus as Lord (vv. 10-11). These truths are important to know and worth defending

Ultimately, Pauls point is that the Philippians should contend together for the truth of the Gospel but they can only do that by remaining united. And unity, Paul says, happens when believers live in humility. Humility, as Jesus so wonderfully shows us, is rooted in not having to exert whatever rights we might have (or feel that we have), but instead having an attitude of service that benefits others. Discussion Questions: Why are the truths of the gospel/Christ important to defend and not compromise?

Why is important to share/spread the gospel? Is it an urgent matter?

How important is humility in both the defense/sharing of the gospel?

Does humility mean that we compromise the core truths of the gospel?

Philippians 2:12-18 Shine Like Stars This section begins with Therefore, signaling that what Paul is about to say is connected to what he previously said. Paul suggests in verse 15 that when they live the way he has prescribed, they will be pure and blamelesswithout fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. In other words, Paul says if they live the way he has prescribed their lives will be a positive witness to the outside and unbelieving worldeven to the very people who were their opponents.

Discussion Questions What message do you think is conveyed to unbelievers when believers live the way Paul has just prescribed (Unity, humility, and standing firm for the truth of the gospel)?

Manner Worthy of the Gospel Throughout this entire section Pauls main point is rooted in his exhortation to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (1:27). Paul says such a life is characterized by standing united with other believers for the truth of the Gospel and living lives that embody the complete humility of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.