The Validation of Godly Maturity: Philippians 1:27-28
“27) Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28) in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God” Philippians 1:27-28
Paul was making no promise of a return trip to Philippi. It was his desires but not a guarantee. He knew he could be of benefit to them, but at the same time they had “in Christ” everything they needed to stand strong and be fruitful.
So he opted for strong advice on interpersonal relationships. This is where the enemy often attacks. He seeks to hinder agape love and create conflict between Christians. So Paul exhorted them to focus on three things.
First, stand firm in one spirit. This is behavior worthy of the gospel.
Second, maintain one mind. The enemy will pull every trick to divide and distract.
Finally, strive and even strain together to advance the gospel. This is the calling of every church and every believer.
As simple as it may sound, if they embraced these three basics, they would maintain a positive testimony and bear much fruit for the glory of God.
A Christian testimony and witness is validated on the level of interpersonal relationships. This is the fulfillment of the words of Jesus in John 13:35; “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“27) Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28) in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God” Philippians 1:27-28
Paul was making no promise of a return trip to Philippi. It was his desires but not a guarantee. He knew he could be of benefit to them, but at the same time they had “in Christ” everything they needed to stand strong and be fruitful.
So he opted for strong advice on interpersonal relationships. This is where the enemy often attacks. He seeks to hinder agape love and create conflict between Christians. So Paul exhorted them to focus on three things.
First, stand firm in one spirit. This is behavior worthy of the gospel.
Second, maintain one mind. The enemy will pull every trick to divide and distract.
Finally, strive and even strain together to advance the gospel. This is the calling of every church and every believer.
As simple as it may sound, if they embraced these three basics, they would maintain a positive testimony and bear much fruit for the glory of God.
A Christian testimony and witness is validated on the level of interpersonal relationships. This is the fulfillment of the words of Jesus in John 13:35; “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
