”Rallying Around Unity, Contending for the Faith” ~Phil.1:27-2:3(PT.II)
“Rallying Around UNITY ,Contending Together For The Faith” ~~ Philippians 1:27-2:4 (07/01/21)
Phil. 1:27 Only let your conversation/conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,(NKJV)
“Only” connects this all inclusive exhortation that Paul begins this portion of scripture with, with the previous verses (vs. 23-26) where we saw he was ‘between a rock & a hard place’ about whether he should remain with them or go to be with Jesus in Heaven…He knew they needed His ministry & whether his salvation or deliverance meant being phys. Free from house arrest or not he was now confident that he would be able to continue his ministry to them & that that was what he was to do.
OPENESS of heart by the Philippians was needed as Paul now begins to address basic spiritual needs of the church; rubber meets the road principals are now provided throughout the rest of this letter to correct certain things in their lives & provide for what they may be lacking
“Conversation/Conduct” KJV uses conversation, which in that day had a different meaning than currently ( an interchange or discourse between people)…a better rendering is manner of life, behavior ,conduct……………HOWEVER THERE IS MOREJ
“POLITEUO” (Grk)( Poly –too-i-mi) this is the word from where we get our word politics, it referred to the public duties devolving on a person as a member of a body of people
Acts 23:1 I have lived (politeuo) =conducted myself as a worthy citizen of heaven before God until this day
FURTHER meaning….Manage the state (steward) , administrate civil affairs, here it speaks of citizenship …that is “Live as the citizens of heaven would exuding heavenly attributes”
The use of Politeuo…is a kind of play on words as Philippi was a Roman colony & being a good citizen of Rome was imperative , so Paul uses this to show our relationship relationship to being good citizens of heaven
The use of this specialized word here COLORS the rest of the Epistle…giving it a Heavenly atmosphere,,,,we are heavenly people, with a heavenly destiny, & a heavenly origin…with a responsibility of living here on earth as being of the heavenly realm in the midst of ungodly people & surroundings.
- 3:20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
- 3:12 All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.
Only let your conversation/conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ….The construction of the Greek language conveys STEPPING up To ONES spiritual RESPONSIBILITY as ‘Heavenly Citizens’… being responsible to exhort OURSELVES to live this way daily!= Maturity!:-)
Only let your conversation/conduct Be Worthy of The Gospel—KJV says Be as It Becometh the Gospel
Becometh …literally to have the weight of(weighing as much as) another thing. It means of like value or worth as much
**SAINTS are to see to it that their manner of life weighs as much as the gospel they profess to believe or their words will not have weight**
WORD STUDY:
Eph. 4:22-24 You took off[a] your former way of life, the old self[b] that is corrupted by deceitful desires; 23 you are being renewed[c] in the spirit of your minds; 24 you put on[d] the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.(HCSB)
“Conversation” anastrophē ‘manner or way of Life’(conduct) ITim. 4:12, Heb. 13:5-7, Jn. 3:13, I Peter 1:15-18 **I Peter 3:1,2, II Peter 2:7,3:11
“That You STAND FAST” Be Firm & Upright in holding ones ground
Implication: there is an enemy(s) we must confront, When you become a Christian you enter a ‘Spiritual Battle’ (Eph. 6:12)..Here Paul begins to address the attack on Unity that was coming against the Philippian church
“One Spirit”…This speaks of the Unity of the Spirit which the Body of Christ is to be fused & blended in…of course produced in our spirits by the influence of God’s Holy Spirit
“Mind”….trs. of Grk. Word ‘Soul’…our reasons, our will, emotions…this is where EXERTION takes place as we are influenced by God (not the World)
“Striving” (synathleō)is the trs. Of a Grk. Word used in an Athletic contest…our words ‘athlete’ & athletic come from this word….the GREEK language conveys a Powerful picture of an Athletic team WORKING TOGETHER in Perfect coordination to Win a competition/game.(Lk. 13:24,Ro. 15:30)
Paul here is exhorting the Phil. To work together in perfect co-ordination like a team of Greek Athletes toward a common Goal/ Prize…………………LOL!! Paul must have been a ‘Sports Fan’! he is always using athletic metaphors to expound upon the Christian life….(see…I tim.4:7-10,IITim.2:5,I Cr.9:24-26,Phil. 3:12,13,Heb. 12:1, Eph. 6:12)
“Only (since my only reason for remaining on earth is for your progress in the Christian life), see to it that you recognize your responsibility as citizens (of heaven), & put yourselves to the absolute necessity of performing the duties devolving upon you in that position, doing this in a manner which is befitting to the gospel of Christ, in order that whether having come & having seen you, or whether being absent I am hearing the things concerning you ,namely, that you are standing firm in one spirit, holding your ground, with one soul contending (as a team of athletes would ) in perfect co-operation with one another for the faith of the gospel.” ~Philippians 1:27 The New Testament Expanded Translation ~ Kenneth S. Wuest
“Terrified” used by the grks. To describe the terror of a startled horse …”Adversaries” here Paul is referring to the pagan idolators in Philippi who would oppose the Saints
“Evident Token” a law term that denotes proof which is obtained by an appeal to facts,,,which were “that of God.”
Connecting ‘striving together’ (vs. 27) this evident token is A possible allusion to A Gladiators contest in the Ampitheater …The Christian Gladiator Knows GOD is the director of the contest & Has given Him a sure/evident token of deliverance
The idea verse 28 conveys is the Saints in Philippi have not allowed themselves to be scared by antagonism from the pagan community & thus this was clear evidence to convince the pagans that they (the pagans)were on the road to hell & the Saints were clearly saved
I Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
I Peter 3:12-17 because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their request. But the face of the Lord is against those who do what is evil.[a]13 And who will harm[b] you if you are deeply committed to what is good?[c]14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed,[d]15 but honor[e] the Messiah[f] as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason[g] for the hope that is in you. 16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear,[h][i]so that when you are accused,[j] those who denounce your Christian life[k] will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will,[l] than for doing evil.
“FOR”….connects the thought from previous vs. (28) on not being in fear because……
“For unto you it is given” the ‘IT’ has been graciously given to you just like the free gift of salvation given to you , this IT also means ‘on behalf of, in the place of’
‘IT’ – “It has been graciously given the saints to suffer not only for the sake of BUT in THE PLACE of Christ”
POINT: suffering from Pagans/the enemy may cause terror, HOWEVER when viewed in God’s light, it was really a gift of God’s Grace and NOT evil
“Conflict” (Agon) –agony ….again a picture or word used to describe an athletic contest. Paul again was using this metaphor to describe our Christian Life…we are God’s athletes to whom he has given an opportunity to show the stuff we are made of
conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me….Paul uses this picture to describe his own Untiring work for the Gospel of Christ
WORD STUDY:
** Suffering for the Gospel IS Scriptural**
- II Tim. 3:12 10 But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, 11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from them all. 12 In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.(HCSB)
- 3:10 10 My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death
- Acts 5:41,9:16,II Cor.1:7,Romans 8:17,36, I Peter 2:20,4:16,5:10, Matt. 5:11, Heb. 11:25
Phil. 2:1,2 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, (2) fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
The exhortation that Paul had given in 1:27 is kind of a ‘Hope-So’ for the Phil. To be standing fast in One Spirit w/ a single Mind , striving together as a TEAM for Faith in the Gospel is further elaborated on now..verse 2 here basically repeats the same hope/exhortation
AN EXHORTATION TO UNITY as shown by FOUR FACTS in 2:1
“If” could be since or in view of the fact …(is FACT & yet conditional)
1)“CONSOLATION” …we could say consolation IS a Certain Thing/attribute (Grk.)
GRK. (PARAKLESIS..Par-auk-leeseis, It’s ROOT= paraklētos ,’Comforter’ ) Is a calling near, summons, (esp. for help) THE CONTEXT ALWAYS DETERMINES Meaning)
- a calling near, summons, (esp. for help)
- importation, supplication, entreaty
- exhortation, admonition, encouragement
- consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment
- thus of the Messianic salvation (so the Rabbis call the Messiah the consoler, the comforter)
- persuasive discourse, stirring address
- instructive, admonitory, conciliatory, powerful hortatory discourse
In view of the FACT that The PHIL. Were under ATTACK to become DISUNIFIED CONSOLATION Here meant EXHORTATION…POINT: Christ’s Life should be an exhortation ,admonition, & encouragement for the Phil. To live in a state of HARMONY with each other, to be likeminded.
2)“COMFORT” literally is a word which comes to the side of one to stimulate or comfort Him/Her…it speaks of persuasive address…”Of Love (AGAPE)”
Agape…produces the action (compelling) of COMFORT , loving persuasion & encouragement ..HERE coming through the ‘Instrument’ of the Apostle urging them to Live in UNITY
3)“Fellowship Of The Spirit” A koinōnia , a sharing & joint participation in GODLY Things together as Saints & also Including God’s Spirit …Paul implores since all of them participate In common activities & interests of the HS. there should be a NATURAL flow of UNITY in their midst….so again be Like-Minded
PROBLEM: Not all were living Spirit-Filled & Controlled Lives..(Remember the song ‘One Bad apple?…J)
4)“Bowels & Mercies”
Or…Tenderheartedness & Compassionate Yearnings
These deep emotions & graces of love should dispel differences & bickering among the Phil., Estrangements should be healed
- 2
FULFILL…”…. Literally “complete or FILL FULL’, BE Likeminded…literally THINK THE SAME THING!....this Like-mindedness is shown by 3 elements mentioned in this verse
a)Having the same love b) being in HEART agreement (soul to soul agreement…literal)
- c) thinking the ONE THING
TRS. (WUEST) “ Fill Full my joy by thinking the same thing , having the same love, being in Heart agreement, thinking the ONE Thing”
WORD STUDY: Unity/Oneness …Think ‘Phalanax’
Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ACTS 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Eph. 4:1-7 Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting[a] one another in love, 3 diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope[b] at your calling— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all7 Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah’s gift. (HCSB)
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!_PS. 133:1
EPH. 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
EPH. 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith
- 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
“THROUGH” this in the Grk. Shows an compelling Motive
“STRIFE” has the idea of being FACTIOUS
I Cor. 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
JAMES 3:14-1614 But if ye have bitter envy and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.15 Such wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish16 For where envy and strife are, there is confusion and every evil work.
II Cr. 12:20,Gal. 5:15, 20,21 ,I Tim.6:4,Lk. 14:11,Ro. 12:10,I Cr. 15:9,Eph. 4:2,I Peter 5:5
Paul’s exhortation is POINTING to different factions in the Church of Philippi that he is wanting to Address & correct
“Vain glory” consist of 2 Words = a) ‘Empty, vain, of no purpose, futile & b) Opinion …we could say EMPTY PRIDE
“LOWLINESS” trs. Other places as humble, humility …Plato said of this word the state of mind that accepts what the universe offers & does not impiously exalt itself…bad meaning to pagans= ‘abject groveling”
THE NT Meaning Connotes enoblement…I PETER 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
“It Runs Low’ …this word used secularly to describe the Nile River in the dry season
“Esteem” To lead, to be a leader ,have command, to consider, deem account think-- from a root word which refers to looking at EXTERNAL Facts, to weigh & judge a person , NOT ones inner feelings or sentiment
“BETTER” literally ‘having above’ , thus to excel , or surpass
- 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
“LOOK” – to fix attention upon w/ desire & interest in…Lightfoot= “ To consult one’s own Interest”
RO 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
- 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
- 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
I Cr. 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
I Cr. 8:9-13
I Cr. 10:24
