Stand firm in the one spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27)
The Philippian Christians were citizens of Rome but their heavenly citizenship had to take priority over their worldly citizenship. This led to conflicts in the community. Paul who was in prison in Rome somewhere around 59-61 AD (Philippians 1:12-13, 4:22) wrote to the church in Philippi which he had planted around a decade ago (Acts 16:11-40). The Philippian church was a source of support and strength for Paul; they provided for his needs many times, he had nothing to rebuke them, but in his letter he encouraged them to persevere and abound in what they were already doing (Philippians 1:3-11, 4:14-20).
Having given thanks for their faith and association in the Gospel, speaking of his current situation, and considering his future (Philippians 1:1-26), he provided an important and definitive exhortation in Philippians 1:27 to live as worthy of the Gospel of Christ, to stand firm in one spirit, striving together for the faith of the Gospel with one mind.
1) Stand firm in the one Spirit
In Philippians 1:27–30, Paul maintains and advocates perseverance, unity, boldness, and suffering. These Christian disciplines can make the world sit up and take notice. Unbelievers may not be eager for Jesus or salvation, but a godly life of the faithful, may eventually kindle them to open up for the gospel.
Paul says that standing strong for Christ entails refusing to be intimidated by opponents. Even in these days there are many trying to throw the church into panic in an attempt to dismantle it. The Philippians of Paul’s time were not to become frightened to the point of running from opposition. As believers we need not go looking for a fight, but neither do we run away from it.
When people see a certainty and strength that can only be explained as coming from ‘above’, deep in their heart a convicting voice will tell them that unless they change, they will be under the judgment of the God who is with us. When we stand for the truth and are not scared, a profound impression is made on them that they’ll be under the judgment of God. Although most people deny and suppress the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, we need to stand firm striving together for the faith of the Gospel.
2) Striving together as one for the faith of the gospel
Paul tells the Christians that they are to strive and contend together, as a team. As only a unified team can be effective, there must be unity among God’s people, as the context indicates. What is really dividing up the visible church? It isn’t doctrine, but it is all about self- righteousness, worldly possessions, arrogance and authority. If Christians listen to God’s Word instead of what others say and what their man-focused traditions say, then perhaps this bottleneck could be flushed out.
We acquire love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We need to let the Spirit’s influence mould us and shape us so we can work together for the sake of the good news of Jesus ignoring personal bias and benefit.
3) Suffer for Christ
C.S. Lewis, in his book ‘The Problem of Pain’ writes that God uses sufferings in our lives to perfect us. Many of us would have experienced this at some point of our life. Many missionaries have considered it a privilege, to suffer for Christ because He suffered for us. Though it is easy to say that we will suffer for Christ, it is not so in reality. Paul exhorts the Christians of Philippi to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God in Christ, in a way worthy of the Gospel.
A life worthy of the Gospel is consistent with the life of Jesus, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, having turned aside from the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:17-24, 1 Peter 2:18-25). Lord Jesus came not to be served but to serve and gave His life as a ransom for many, humbled Himself , taking on the form of a servant and suffered for the sake of others to overcome evil (Matthew 20:25-28,Philippians 2:5-11, 1 Peter 2:18-25).
So the citizen of the Kingdom of God who has love, patience, humility, concern for others, holiness, righteousness, and fellowship with the people of God may face hardships if he or she tries to uphold the values of Christ.
