Many today are hesitant to commit to Christ because they truly believe that the enjoyment to be had through living worldly is better than anything Christianity can offer. Classical Greek Philosopher Socrates proved this mentality is nothing new when he said, “Happiness is unrepentant pleasure.”
What we find in Philippians 1:27-30, however, is that joy is found not through living worldly, but through living worthy.
EXPERIENCING JOY THROUGH LIVING WORTHY
1) BE GOOD CITIZENS OF GOD'S KINGDOM (v. 27a)
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ,
The phrase “Let your manner of life” is very unique and literally means, "Behave the way citizens are supposed to behave.” This would have meant a lot to the people of Philippi because they were a Roman colony and took that association seriously. Knowing that, Paul uses this phrase to encourage the Christians at Philippi to conduct themselves as good citizens of God's kingdom and live worthy of that association.
2) STAND FIRM WITH INTEGRITY AS BELIEVERS (v. 27b)
so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind.
Even though Paul comes to terms with the fact that he is going to continue on a while longer with the Philippians in ministry, he tells them that he does not know when he will see them again. Instead, he encourages them to live with integrity, which is why he says, "no matter what happens...live worthy" and also says "whether i come and see you or am absent...stand firm."
May this be true of us. No matter if we are at church, at home or in the workplace, may we live out our faith by valuing integrity, standing firm in the faith and being the church in the world.
3) WORK TOGETHER TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL (v. 27c)
striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
The word translated "striving side by side" is where we get our English word "athletics" and carries with it the idea of working together on the same team. Like athletes on a team, Paul expected the Christians at Philippi to work together with one mind focused on one goal—to advance the faith. For this to happen, Paul is clear that they have to be unified—putting aside personal differences so they can be faithful to do what God has called them to do.
How sad it is that so much time and effort has been lost because of internal issues in our churches? The one thing I think Satan wants to happen more than anything else is for the church to find opposition within itself so that it never gets around to fighting the real opposition in the world. For the church to make an impact in the world, believers have to die a bit to pride, personal preferences and petty differences for the sake of the Gospel.
4) EXPECT OPPOSITION FROM ENEMIES OF THE CROSS
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
When Paul says “those who oppose you” we don’t know with certainty who this group was. Were they inside the church or outside the church? Did they oppose the church with false doctrine or with a standard of living that was not consistent with the Christian faith? Paul doesn’t say. What we do know is that the Philippians had opposition and Paul tells them to not be alarmed by it because the future end for "enemies of the cross" is destruction. He also give a word of comfort for those facing opposition for Christ by assuring them that their opposition is proof that they belong to God and are faithfully doing what He has called them to do.
5) ACCEPT SUFFERING FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Paul shows in this passage that while suffering is unpleasant it is in fact a sign of favor from God. He tells the Christians at Philippi that in the same way belief has been granted, so also has suffering. Suffering, though difficult, teaches believers about and serves to strengthen their faith.
