Philippians 1:27-30
Preached Wednesday April 17, 2013
Introduction:
We have been studying the theme of Philippians which is “A Christ like Mind that leads to Christian Joy”. Chapter one is all about single mindedness toward the Gospel. Verses 1-11 – speak of the Fellowship of the Gospel. Verses 12-26 – speak of the furtherance of the Gospel. Verses 27-30 speak of the fitness of the Gospel.
There are certain things that we are taught about fashion. Never combine one kind of stripes with another. Do not mix plead with plead or busy with busy. There are many different styles that fit all kinds of personalities, but there are some things that should never be worn together. On the other hand, there are certain combinations that work especially well. When an outfit is particularly flattering one might say, “that becomes you.” By that we mean that your clothes match each other, match you, and make you look really good.
Tonight we are going to talk about a conversation (manner of life) that goes well with the Gospel that you claim to believe and proclaim. There are certain behaviors and attitudes that do not match the gospel. There are others that go really well with the Gospel. As you consider your typical manner of life as coupled with your profession of faith, does your outfit match?
I. Consistency goes well with the Gospel.
A. You should do right even when unsupervised.
Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
B. Your manner of life should not change in order to pacify your audience.
Philippians 2:12
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
C. A Consistent testimony is noticed.
Ephesians 1:15
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
1 Thessalonians 3:6
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
II. Unity of the brethren goes well with the Gospel.
Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
A. Stand fast together
1. Do not allow personal differences to divide you.
Philippians 4:1-2
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
2. Have the same love – be others centered.
Philippians 2:1-4
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
B. Be of one mind, united by truth.
Ephesians 4:11-14
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1. Guided by preaching.
2. Unified by one source of truth.
3. Anchored to unchanging truth.
C. Strive together for the faith.
Jude 3
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
III. Boldness goes well with the Gospel.
Philippians 1:28-30
28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
A. Realize what is in store for those who oppose the truth.
Isaiah 51:7–8 (AV)
7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. 8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Isaiah 51:12 (AV)
12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
B. Do not stop preaching!
Acts 5:40-42
40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
C. Pray for more boldness.
Ephesians 6:18–19 (AV)
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Conclusion:
Hypocrisy clashes with the Gospel you are wearing. Make sure you adorn the beauty of consistency. Strife is a hideous clash for a Christian in any season. Chose rather to wear those things founded in the sweet unity of the brethren. Fear is out, boldness is in. Follow this advice and your living outfit will always match.