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The Bible Teaching Commentary on Genesis: The Book of Foundations

Commentaries that specialize on training the teacher!

Philippians 1:27-30

“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 may 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. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” (Philippians 1:27-30).

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Finding Home for Truth in Our lives (Philippians 1:27)

Paul starts off verse 1:27 with the words ‘only conduct yourselves’ because up until now, he was using his life as an example. (For an outline on Philippians.)

He showed how, even in difficult life situations, the gospel was real and applicable. In other words, there is no reason for us to live a double life. We can live the same life all the time. We must refuse to be apologetic about our faith.

Finding Inconsistency

As long as we are inconsistent in our faith it reflects areas of unbelief. Either we don’t know the truth or we do not believe it. Many of us living in the Christian community for a while probably know all the right words, but they haven’t penetrated down into our lives.

This inconsistency reveals that the truth of God has not fully penetrated some aspect of that area. Once the Gospel enters that area in its full power, then we are further changed.

So we go from a personal example in verses 1:1-26 to a public exhortation right to the end of the book. Usually Paul starts off with a lot of truth or theology and then begins to exhort God’s people. Not in the Book of Philippians.

Personal reflection

• Each of us needs to think about how much the truth of God has affected our lives. In what areas might you struggle with consistency?

• Read ‘Tracing Our Life’s Journey’ for reflection on consistency in our spiritual disciplines.

Paul’s Example (Philippians 1:27)

In Philippians 3:17 Paul states, “Brethren, join in the following of my example.” This is one of the themes running throughout Philippians. Paul realizes it is hard for any of us to endure persecution.

This personal example enables the Philippians and other readers to understand his empathy towards them as well as to gain courage. God helped Paul endure the suffering. The Lord can also help us. Paul’s message is powerful because he has experienced it. They knew that. The whole community was wrestling with his imprisonment (cf. 1:12-13).

Those who have gone through serious times of testing know full well that Christ is able to faithfully strengthen them. Paul is not boasting of himself but how Christ in him strengthened him. He will provide for them in the same way.

Transferring the Truth

This week I was mounting something on the wall and needed to drill holes in the wall. When my wife saw the drill in my hand, she mentioned she needed bigger holes in her bird feeder as the water was collecting in it.

As I started drilling, I saw one of my sons and thought he should learn how to do this. I called him over, but he was reluctant. I am sure my son knew physically how to drill a hole but reluctant to give it a try. Knowledge must become practical to be useful.

One of the most difficult steps of our Christian lives is to get the truth of God transferred to our lives. We hear it. Our parents or friends might believe it. But very little of God’s Word often penetrates into our own lives. Paul is taking every means to bring this truth about living out a Christ-centered life.

BFF NT Philippian Resources

Philippians Introduction

Philippians 1:9-11 Intro | Philippians 1:9a Practical love |
Philippians1:9b Discerning Love | Philippians 1:10 Righteous Love |
Philippians 1:11 Glorious Love | 1:9-11 Video

Consistency (1:27-30) | High Standards (1:27b) | Challenge of Relationships (1:27c) |
Opposition (1:28) | Challenge of Suffering (1:29-30)
Video (1:27-30) | Bible Study Questions (1:27-30)

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Philippians 3:13 Biblical Perspective on Making Plans

Overview of Philippians 4:1-9
The Peace of God Philippians 4:1-7
Philippians 4:6-7 Bible Study Questions
The God of Peace Philippians 4:8-9

–––– Other Letters by Apostle Paul ––––

Chronology of Paul's Letters - Map

Romans | 1-2 Corinthians | Ephesians | Colossians | 1-2 Timothy | Titus

 

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