Don’t we all want to know what God expects of us during this life on earth?
I have been studying the Book of Philippians and go back to it quite often to remind myself of the “DO’S and DO NOT’S” which God inspired to give us a guideline in our walk and being in this world. The Book of Philippians is not the only book in the Bible to give advice for life. We have to take the whole of Scripture into consideration and keep it in context.
Now here is my list in regards to the Book of Philippians:
Philippians 1:14 (NIV)
And because of my [this is apostle Paul speaking] chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to [boldly] proclaim the gospel without fear.
We don’t have to fear the “world (people)” when we “boldly” proclaim the gospel. We can be confident that the Lord will be with us all the time; He will protect us. We will be scoffed at and persecuted for our belief because we will be hated for His Name! Remember that even though we are in this world we are not of this world.
John 15:18-19 (NKJV)
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me [Jesus is speaking] before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Matthew 10:22 (NKJV)
[Jesus is speaking] “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
Persecution is very subtle in the western world; however, when you look at China or India you will see that the persecution of Christians is very severe in those countries! Please pray for them and the authorities.
The next item on my list of how to conduct ourselves is:
Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
Here we have three “Do’s”.
We are to show through our behaviour—to the people around us who know that we are Christians—that we are not just talking the talk but walking the walk. When we are all in one spirit and of the same mind the world can see Christ in us.
I know we are not perfect and will stumble every now and then. But that’s when we turn to God to pick us up again, wash us clean, and strengthen us to keep going.
Let’s recap.
In verse 14 God would like for us to stand fast and proclaim the Gospel boldly without fear. This doesn’t necessarily mean to stand at a street corner and shout out the Good News—not everyone is gifted to do that. I think one can achieve a bold proclamation of the Gospel by following the guideline in verse 27. Showing through your conduct; a conduct that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ, that you stand fast in one spirit and be of one mind.
On that note, I would like to close today with
Philippians 1:9-11 (NKJV)
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
I pray that this is an encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord.
What are your thoughts on Philippians 1:14 and 1:27?
Are you fearful of being called crazy by your peers when you talk about the Lord?
Please leave me a comment; I would like to hear from you.
To God be the Glory!
My next post will cover Philippians Chapter Two.
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