Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline continued

E. A Life of Boldness (cont) 1:19-30
1. In Belief 1:19-26
a. The Assurance of God's Sovereignty 1:19-23
b. The Assurance of Their Deficiency 1:24-26

2. In Behavior 1:27-30

Regardless of what we say we believe we only really believe what we behave. If we are in a theatre and I scream "fire" and you do not move, you do not believe there is a fire regardless of what you have heard me say. I am convinced that many attend church services week after week to hear but not believe. It is in "doing" the Word that we prove we "believe" the Word, not merely in listening to it or even preaching or teaching it. The presence of Christ in a life changes the life. The entrance of God's Word gives light - not merely intellectual but spiritual, emotional, volitional, and social.

Although verses 27-30 are one sentence in the Greek text, we will break it down for clearer understanding into two parts.

a. Standing Steadfastly in Unity 1:27

[1:27] 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;

As believers on earth we have a dual citizenship. We reside here and have all the rights and privileges of citizens of earthlings, but we also have a citizenship in Heaven that binds us together regardless of color of skin, language or dialect, position or possessions. We are ONE in Christ and our citizenship is in Heaven, so we have a much higher and holy calling to represent God on earth and earthlings in heaven as we pray for them to be saved and one another to be safe and sound.

Paul knew that the Philippians were concerned about him as he was concerned about them, so he encourages them to be one-minded and in the "unity of the Spirit", which is to say that we "pull together" or "endeavor" or "work at" working in unity for the sake of and cause of Christ, the Head and the Church, which is His Body. We must maintain a "team" spirit.

b. Moving Fearlessly through Adversity 1:28-30

[1:28] 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.

"When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him" (Isa 59:19).

So, the stampede of the opponents of the faith, regardless of who they may be are, whether Judaizers or pagans or civil authorities are no match for God when the Church stands steadfastly and moves fearlessly. The enemy may be bigger than we or may outnumber us, but out God is bigger yet. NOW LETS BE CLEAR ABOUT THIS! Paul is NOT suggesting that they arm themselves with carnal weapons, but spiritual ones. He is saying "Be Bold, Be Fearless and watch God work." The way Christians live and love is an indictment upon those who oppose us. Both our salvation and their perdition are in the hands of God - NOT us.

It is pretty amazing that the text indicates grace for suffering as a gift from God. It is why we don't complain when we suffer, we thank Him for the grace to endure the suffering and for the joy that is before us.

Many have taken it upon themselves to blame personal suffering on personal sin, but that is bologna. Every human who lives breathes the same air, facing the same elements, and has a mortal, corruptible and perishing body - EVERYONE! Some bodies are stronger than others, some are taken better care of (intentionally or unintentionally), some are healthier, but everybody will die of something sometime and everybody will be subjected to some kind of ailment some time simply because we live in a body of flesh, blood, and bones. God can and DOES heal, but He can and does heal medically, medicinally, OR miraculously, so don’t rule out either, but He may take you home.

YOU WILL SUFFER IN SOME WAY IF YOU SERVE JESUS because there is an enemy lurking who will attack you physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. YOU WILL SUFFER for it is appointed for you to believe and suffer but to receive grace for both. This is a BATTLE not a Birthday party.

STAND STEADFASTLY and MOVE FEARLESSLY!

BLESSINGS!