Paul’s Challenge

by: Geoffrey Cox

Having assured the Philippians of his love and prayers, and then given them an account of his circumstances and attitude, Paul next offers three very practical challenges:

1. Make your way of life worthy of the gospel; in a word, “holy” (1:27). Live your life so that it speaks of Jesus, and recommends the gospel of Jesus, and makes others want him too.
2. Stand firm! “Suffering is likely to come to you as it has to me,” says Paul, “but when it comes don’t be afraid.” For suffering is, in fact, a privilege – if it is suffering for Christ’s sake. Notice the phrase, “it has been granted to you” (v. 29). It’s hard to see suffering as a gift from God, but if our suffering is for the name of Christ and if our endurance brings glory to him, what else is it?
3. Put others first, before yourself (2:3-4). Treat them as if they were Jesus, for they, like you, are one with Jesus, and indwelt by the same Spirit.

People ask how to recognize a living church. Here are three ways: A church is alive when it is a community of Christians leading Christlike lives, lives that point to him and glorify him. It is alive when Christians endure suffering without panic. And finally, living churches are places where Christians are consistently putting others ahead of themselves.

This passage, like the letter of James, needs not explanation but action.