by Don Hooton
When Paul wrote the Philippian church as a “bond-servant of Christ Jesus” (1:1), he joyously reflects on what the church has done and encourages them to excel further in the good that have already accomplished. At the time, Paul was imprisoned and said, “whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27, NIV). And then goes on to say, “Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” (1:27-28).
So as we reflect on the successes and the hardships of 2019, we should see clearly in 2020 the things we need to do “whatever happens.”
The first lesson we should know is that, for even Christians, things may simply “happen.” Not all things are consequences to Divine fiat but all things give opportunity for humans to glorify God just as Jesus said, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).
Second, Paul says that Christians need to do the worthy thing when “whatever happens” happens. While Paul was inspired (1Corinthians 2:10-13), he still did not know how everything would go, even in his imprisonment, and had to trust God and His grace. Still, he knew that he and all other Christians needed to conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” This phrase “conduct yourselves” (NASU) or “let your conversation be” (KJV) is translated from politeuomai, which has the basic meaning, “to be a citizen, have one’s citizenship,” from polis, “city.” Here it can be extended to the idea that we should “discharge your obligations as citizens,” namely, “to conduct one’s life, live, lead one’s life” (BDAG, 846). So, even in the “whatevers” of life, Christians must live “worthy of the gospel of Christ,” or “worthily, in a manner worthy of, suitably,” of the obligations of the gospel. When people look at our lives, our way of life either brings credit to and adds value to the message of the Gospel or makes people inclined to disregard it. We are books read by all (see Titus 2:1-11).
Third, Paul says there are three things on which we need to focus. Do we manifest a “unity of spirit” (1:27). In chapter 2, Paul will say that attitudes precede unity; the attitudes of humility, compassion and affection for souls. While Divine Truth is the platform of unity (John 17:17; Ephesians 4:4-6), the attitude of our heart will be the shoes that we wear on that platform. People need to see the right spirit in our efforts to keep the unity of the spirit. The attitude is the worthy thing.
Do people see that we are “striving together for the faith of the good news of Christ” (1:27, NASU). The word is translated “contending” (NIV) or “striving” (KJV, NASU). The Greek word, sunathleō, means “contend or struggle along with someone” and it is used in Philippians 4:3, where Paul says, “Euodia and Syntyche have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel”. They worked hard alongside Paul at fighting the good fight of faith. The lesson for us is that when “whatever happens,” we can not stop in the struggle to make the gospel clear to our family, our neighbors, and our community. We can not lose our generation.
Last, he comments that “whatever happens” we should not be “frightened in any way by those who oppose you” (1:28). Courage in the face of opposition was the call of the day. The word “frightened” (NIV), “terrified” (KJV), or “intimidated” (NRSV) is the Greek verb pturō, which mean “let oneself be intimidated, be frightened, terrified” (BDAG, 895). We should not defend the gospel because we are afraid. The Psalmist said long ago, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident” (Psalm 27:1,3). We should speak the gospel to this generation because it is the good news from God for them – and for us.
So whatever happens, do the worthy things. Courageously defend the gospel with the attitudes that build a unity of the faith. That is what we must do as citizens of the heavenly kingdom – no matter what happens.