Bible Passage: Philippians 1:27-2:11

I. In Phil 1:27-2:18 Paul talks about Christian conduct with one exhortation: “only live worthy of the Gospel of Christ”

1. The Greek word politeuomai of verse 27 is interpreted/translated differently as follows

2. “conduct yourself in a manner” NET/NIV/NASV

3. “let your conversation” KJV

4. With this word, Paul refers to:

a. One’s conduct in relationship with others based on a set of values or laws

b. Mutual responsibility towards one another as members of a society or church as a covenant community

c. Norm for behavior in a society

II. In this passage, he recommends two different lifestyles: (1) External and (2) Internal

1. For external lifestyle, Paul provides the model

2. For internal lifestyle, Jesus provides the model

III. First, let’s talk about the external lifestyle (1:28-30)

1. Paul’s desire is that the Philippian believers would live in such a way to advance the Gospel just as he has been (verses 28-30) (by using every opportunity, chains, and life-situations)

2. There were threats from opponents, most likely from those who mandated emperor cult (verse 29)

3. The lifestyle of these believers in the midst of rising threats is:

a. Unity in purpose (1:27)

b. In one spirit

c. With one mind

d. They must present a united, unwavering push against the threats just as a gladiator or wrestler would do in the arena (verse 28)

IV. Now, let’s move to internal lifestyle: Paul suggests four essentials (2:1-11)

1. Being like-minded

a. (2:2 be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit and having one purpose)

b. “being like-minded” is: To have a common goal and to have unity in purpose—It is a sign of friendship

c. “Same love” refers to a love that focuses on others (cf. 1:9)—model of Jesus Christ

d. The believers turning their attention from themselves to others in the congregation and their needs

e. “United in purpose” harmony in place of strife and self-interest

2. Regarding the other person better than oneself

a. (2:3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself)

b. Absence of self-centered priorities

c. Not having relationships purely for personal reasons and not to use the other person for one’s advantage

d. The other person is also created in the image of God; Jesus died for the other person as much as He died for me; and the other person is going to heaven just as I will also be in heaven

3. Looking to the interest of the other person

a. This attitude builds team spirit

b. No competition, but complement

c. Euodia and Synteche almost brought division in the church

4. Humility in relationship (2:5)

a. To regard the other person in relationship better than oneself

b. Jesus provides us the model (2:5-8)

c. Relationship is modeled after the Triune God

d. God the Father provides the real exaltation, which all followers of Jesus must seek after

Takeaway:

1. Imitate Jesus with regard to your relationships

2. Live with missional mandate