Philippians 1:27 - Conduct yourselves in a worthy manner

1:27

So far the letter has been focusing on Paul, on his circumstances, and his reaction to them and approach to life. Now the attention turns to the Philippians. Paul had given an account of himself for two reasons. First, to reassure them and to answer their genuine concerns. Secondly, it was to lay a foundation, a motivating example, for what he was about to teach them. Paul was not perfect, but he was a good example to follow. None of us are perfect, but there should be something of the life of Christ within us, displaying itself in our lives.

The key aspects of the Philippian situation are:

• A genuine and practical concern for Paul.
• There was persecution of the church and opposition from the surrounding society.
• There were hints of some division within the church,

The situation in the Philippian church was generally good, but when we are faced with opposition and difficult circumstances it brings sins and weaknesses to the fore. So this is why some hints of division were arising. When under pressure it is always difficult to make the right decision, and there may well be no one decision that can be good in every respect. So whatever is done some will think that a different decision should have been made, and will be able to find some good reasons for such an approach.

Another important factor, mentioned in the introduction, is that the Philippians (not just the church) were very proud of their privileges as Roman citizens. This is why Paul uses the terms “citizens of heaven”. The Philippians were proud that they could live as Romans. It was far more important that they lived as children of God, as citizens of heaven. They were to live a life worthy of the gospel.

“Then whether I come ...” Earlier Paul had seemed pretty sure that he would come to see them again, but what he is about to say does not depend on whether or not he can come to see them.

He wants to know that:

• They are standing firm.
• They are united in one Spirit (or one mind)
• They are working together for the faith of the gospel.

So in the face of opposition we are to stand firm. In the West society is increasingly anti-Christian. This is actually quite a normal state of affairs, the period of time when society has been, at least superficially, pro-Christian has been an abnormal state of affairs.

They are to be united. The NIV says “one Spirit”. In the original Greek there weren’t distinguishing capitals and this could be “one spirit”, or as ESV puts it “one mind”. This actually seems the more likely translation. Either way, they were to be united.

Paul’s motivating concern, as expressed in the earlier part of the chapter, had been to pursue the work of the gospel. This is what enabled him to overcome fear, to have joy, and to triumph in all circumstances. So, for the Philippians, they were to have the same central concern, to devote all their mental, emotional and physical energy to this concern. In doing so they would find the strength to overcome the opposition, and to avoid division.