INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Suitable Character in Gospel Affairs
2. Standing Fast in One Spirit
3. Striving Together with One Mind
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “The faith of the gospel.” Our text reads: “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,” Philippians 1:27.
2. First, we will consider, the Philippian’s “suitable character in gospel affairs.” Paul writes: “Only let your conversation (manner of life) 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.” Paul had hopes that he might be released. Notice: “But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:24
3. Second, we will discuss, the Philippian’s “standing fast in one spirit in Christ.” He continues in this letter: “That they stand fast in one spirit,” as it pertains to the gospel of Christ. In that there is “one Spirit” we need to stand fast in our “spirit” to the message of the Holy Spirit. The church must stand fast in “one spirit” to the truth of the gospel. Paul gives his reason for this truth in the first few verses in this Letter. We will consider this in our message.
4. Lastly, we will investigate, the Philippian’s “striving together with one mind for the faith of the gospel.” As Christians, we must all strive together with “one mind for the faith of the gospel.” Here he means we must remain faithful to “our faith in Christ and the gospel.” We must work to acquire and maintain the “unity of the faith.” With this introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I SUITABLE CHARACTER IN GOSPEL AFFAIRS
A. Paul writes: “Only let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.” Paul here speaks of their conduct of life. The word “conversation” in Gr: is “politeúomai, pol-it-yoo'-om-ahee; which means to behave as a citizen:—let conversation be, live.” Let your manner of life be in the character of Christ.
B. Their manner of life: “Let it be as it becomes the gospel of Christ.” Live that the gospel of Christ is magnified in your life, Matthew 5:16. Notice, Paul defines his own life in Christ.
1. First, “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day,” Acts 23:1.
2. Further, he beseeches these saints that their manner of life be in accord to that which becometh the gospel of Christ, Philippians 1:27.
3. Next, the word "becometh" here is: “Axios.” In Gr: “axíos, ax-ee'-oce; means appropriately:—as becometh, after a godly sort, or worthy (-ily).” This word means to “walk in balance.” Let your “walk” and your “talk,” be the same before God and men. Illustrate: Walk Worthily of Our Vocation.
4. Finally, this is the same word that Paul uses in several other references that deserve our attention. Notice:
a. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” Ephesians 4:1-3. Walk in soberness, godliness and humility. The saint must walk in:
1) Lowliness. Not with high-mindedness or haughty spirits.
2) Meekness. Not in arrogance or anger.
3) Longsuffering. Not being short tempered.
4) Forebearing. Not running out of patience.
b. Paul’s letter to the Colossians: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God,” Colossians 1:10.
c. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians: “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory,” 1 Thessalonians 2:12.
C. Possible visit: “That whether I come and see you.” Paul was expecting to be released, and he promises to visit with them if his release is granted by Rome: “But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:24.
1. First, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain... Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”
2. Further, “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.”
3. Finally, “That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by coming to you again,” Philippians 1:21-26. He had hopes of seeing them again.
D. If unable to be released: “Or else be absent.” I shall still be with you in spirit. Paul wrote:
1. To the Colossians: “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ,” Colossians 2:5.
2. To the Corinthians: “For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,” 1 Corinthians 5:3.
3. It seems that the Apostles’ concern was with all the churches he had started as a result of his preaching. He wanted to know their affairs; and wanted them to know his state while in the Roman prison. To Paul:
a. First, “The care of all the churches, that came upon him daily,” 2 Corinthians 11:28.
b. Further, he wanted to “know their state, spiritual condition or affairs.”
c. Finally, to be assured that they are continuing “in the faith of the gospel.”
E. Suitable character: “That I may hear of your affairs.” He wanted their lives to be approved of God. And that his labor was not in vain, Philippians 2:16.
1. The word “affairs,” in Gr. perí, per-ee'; means, i.e., around; with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time:—(there-)about, on behalf of, concern, (as) concerning, for, how it will go with, ((there-, where-)) of, on, over, pertaining (to), for sake, (e-)state, (as) touching, (where-)by (in), or with.
2. The apostle did not have, “Facebook, email, Twitter, etc.,” he had to rely on what information those messengers he had sent to these congregations. Paul would send Timothy, Titus and other to confirm their state; and tell them of his. Timothy would bear this Letter to the Philippians.
3. This Letter would speak to Paul’s present condition; and request of them their state, or affairs. Notice:
a. Timothy: “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.” Paul speaks of his confidence and trust in this young preacher. Paul declares of him:
1) “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.”
2) “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.”
3) “But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.”
4) “Him therefore I hope to send presently, as soon as I shall see how it will go with me,” Philippians 2:19-23; 1 Thessalonians 3:2.
5) You might recall that we discuss their relationship in the lesson: “No, Son like Timothy.” If you did not hear this lesson, get a copy from our Communications Office, it is free.
b. Tychicus: “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here,” Colossians 4:7-9.
c. Titus: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee,” Titus 1:5.
5. Conclusion: Paul would send men to convey unto them his state; and to know their affair. He would send men to know “that their character; or manner of life, was in keeping with the gospel of Christ.” This should be our work also as minister and leaders in the church of Christ. Let’s consider now our next point.
II STANDING FAST IN ONE SPIRIT
A. Stand fast. Paul’s instruction to these believers was to “stand fast.” Hold your course of action. The words “stand fast” in Gr. is stay'-ko; from the perfect tense; means to be stationary, i.e. (figuratively) to persevere:—stand (fast). He encourages the Philippians to remain firm in their faith and position in Christ. To other saints Paul wrote:
1. The Galatians: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage,” Galatians 5:1. Stand fast in your Christian liberty; don’t become entangled with anything that requires a departure from the gospel of Christ.
2. The Corinthians: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
3. The Philippians: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved,” Philippians 4:1.
4. The Thessalonians: “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord,” 1 Thessalonians 3:8. Also: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle,” 2 Thessalonians 2:15. Christians, hold only to the traditions that you have been taught by the apostles; whether by word or by epistles.
B. In one spirit. Paul uses the word “spirit” here to describes, “ones disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of the Philippians; the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, and desire." Notice:
1. First, Paul wrote:
a. To the Corinthians: “I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? Walked we not in the same spirit? Walked we not in the same steps?” 2 Corinthians 12:18; 1 Corinthians 16:10; Philippians 3:16.
b. To the Romans: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord,” Romans 12:11. Let’s all serve the Lord with spirit and zeal.”
c. To the Ephesians: “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” Ephesian 4:23; Also: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,” Ephesians 1:17.
d. To the Colossians: “For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ,” Colossians 2:5.
e. To Timothy: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” 2 Timothy 1:7.
f. To the Thessalonians: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The “spirit” in this verse has to do with the “inner man” and not ones energy or sincerity.
2. Further, Peter wrote: “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price,” 1 Peter 3:4. This word, describes the character of meekness: “What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” 1 Corinthians 4:21; Galatians 6:1.
3. Finally, John wrote:
a. False spirit: “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world,” 1 John 4:3.
b. True spirit: “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error,” 1 John 4:6.
c. Deceivers: “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ... If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds,” 2 John 1:7-11. Illustrate: JW’s Doctrine.
C. Paul’s encouragement: “That they stand fast in one spirit.” Paul wanted them to be on guard against all teachings that does not unite them “in the faith of the gospel.” Paul gave an example of such preaching earlier in the Letter. Notice:
1. First, “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:”
2. Further, “The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:”
3. Next, “But the other of good will and love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.”
4. Finally, “What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice,” Philippians 1:15-18. Let’s not be beguiled by these comments. Paul speaks of two messengers, but only of one message (the preaching of Christ).
a. The first, “speaks of Christ in envy and strife; with contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to his bonds.” Some preached Christ, full of envy towards other preachers, in order to gender up strife. Those envious of Paul were probably the Judaizing teachers. They preached with insincere motives; and with factious spirits. They sought to undermine Paul's message; and to destroy his work, supposing to add affliction to his bonds.
b. The other, “speaks of Christ in good will: in love, knowing that he was set for the defense of the gospel.” The other preached Christ, out of love to the church. These are true and earnest brethren. They knew that Paul was not sent to Rome because he was an evil doer; but, because he was set for the defense of the gospel even before Nero’s throne. God had sent him there to preach Christ.
c. The difference was the “spirit” or the motives of the messengers.
d. The message was that “of Christ.”
e. Message of Christ: Should be spoken in “love and good will”; by messengers “fervent in Spirit and the power of God,” 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
5. Conclusion: The motives of some preachers are not always pure and loving. So anxious was Paul to have Christ preached; that, whatever the motives of the preacher (in pretense, or in truth); still Christ is being preached, and he was willing to rejoice in their efforts.
a. Paul doesn’t sanction the messages, or the men that preach them. He understood the teaching was correct; even if their motives were questionable.
b. How different is Paul’s unselfishness and greatness of spirit, from the narrow mindedness of brothers who haggle over "position"; and forbid brethren, when they preach Christ in the “spirit of truth and with zeal.”
c. Consider with me two examples of such preaching. Let me discuss the difference in their preaching.
D. John the Baptist. Luke wrote: “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord,” Luke 1:17. Notice:
1. John was sent by God to "prepare the way of the Lord.
2. John preached “in spirit and with power.”
3. He was likened unto “Elias” in his work for the Lord.
4. He was rejected by religious leaders; though his message was from God.
E. Apollos of Alexandria. Luke wrote: “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, and eloquent man, and might in scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak... when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote.... For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was (the) Christ,” Acts 18:24-28. Notice:
1. This man was unlearned regarding the complete will of God.
2. A wonderful family “instructed him in the way of God more perfectly.”
3. He was accepted by the church, taught the truth, and sent preaching Christ.
4. He left Ephesus, empowered to “preach the gospel and the baptism of Christ.”
5. In Corinth, “he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, that Jesus was the Christ from the Scriptures.” With this, let’s consider our last point.
III STRIVING TOGETHER WITH ONE MIND
A. With one mind. The idea here is with “one soul” among the brethren. The words “one mind” are in Gr: mia psych?, psoo-khay'; which means):—heart (-ily), life, mind, soul, with one soul. Paul advises that these brethren maintain one mind regarding the gospel of Christ. He continues this desire when he wrote:
1. First, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.”
2. Further, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
3. Finally, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves,” Philippians 2:1-3.
a. Here Paul makes mention to the thoughts regarding those preaching the gospel of Christ.
Some preachers are against all things; but, for nothing.
b. There was some preaching through strife and for vainglory; yet others in lowliness of mind, and in love for the truth of Christ.
4. Christ’s mine: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ...But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross,” Philippians 2:5-10. Christ is our example in "oneness of mind and purpose," John 10:30; John 17:20-23.
5. Paul and Timothy. Paul describes Timothy and himself as being “oneness of mind in their care for the church of the Lord,” Philippians 2:19-24.
6. Sisters oneness in mind. Paul wrote: “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose name are in the book of life,” Philippians 4:2-3.
a. Jealousy and partiality causes divisions among saints. We all must be on guard against all these sins of the flesh: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain-glory, provoking one another, envying one another,” Galatians 5:25-26; Ephesians 4:31-32; 1 Peter 2:1-3.
b. Do all things: “Without murmuring and disputing,” Philippians 2:14.
B. Striving together. He writes further that these brethren should “strive together.” The words strive together, in Gr: is synathléo, soon-ath-leh'-o; which means to wrestle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to seek jointly:—labour with, strive together for a purpose. Similar words are used elsewhere in the bible, to convey the same idea regarding “striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Notice:
1. To the Philippians: “And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured (strive) with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life,” Philippians 4:3.
2. To the Ephesians: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” Ephesians 4:3.
3. To the Colossians: “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister,” Colossians 1:23.
4. To Jude: “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” Jude 1:3.
5. Each of these words lends the same idea. Strive for, labour with, endeavor to, continue in the faith and earnestly contend for the faith. The Church of Christ in every generation must determine if it is will continue to carry the banner of truth, to promote the gospel of Christ and save the world.
6. Early in the first century. The church began to stray away from “the truth.” Notice Paul: “The Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter days some shall depart from the faith...And be turned unto fables,” 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
C. For the faith. The word faith in Gr: is pístis, pis'-tis; which means, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), persuasion, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:—assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. This clause: “striving together for the faith,” speaks to the message of the gospel that we preach. Notice:
1. It is the “one faith,” Ephesians 4:4-6; Ephesians 4:13.
2. It is the “common faith,” Titus 1:4.
3. It is the “faith once delivered to the saints,” Jude 1:3.
4. It is the “faith that a great company of priest were obedient to,” Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
5. It is the “faith of the operation of God,” Colossians 2:12.
6. It is the “faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 1:13-14.
7. It is the “grace that saves through the faith,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
8. It is the "gospel of the grace of God," Acts 20:24.
9. It is the “righteousness of God through the faith,” Philippians 3:9.
D. The gospel defined. The word gospel, in Gr: is euanggélion, yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on; is from the same idea of a good message, i.e. the gospel:—gospel. This word is translated mostly as “glad tidings,” of great joy in the New Testament.
1. It is the gospel that must be preached, believed and obeyed, Romans 10:16-18.
2. It is the gospel of the “Old Testament scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 3:22-26; Zechariah 13:1; Isaiah 53; Psalms 16:10-11; Psalms 22:1; Psalms 31:5; Psalms 110:1-4.
3. This is the gospel taught “by Jesus” unto His apostles, Luke 24:44-47.
4. It is the gospel preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:36-42
E. Gospel of Christ. To the Romans Paul wrote:
1. The preaching of the gospel: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:16-17.
2. The form of the gospel (doctrine): “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness... But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22-23.
3. Illustrate: That Form of Doctrine. Death, burial and resurrection, Romans 6:1-7. If we can know of the “doctrine”; we can determine the “tupos” or "that form of the doctrine." Jesus promised this doctrine to the believing Jews, that followed Him, John 8:31-32; John 8:36.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Suitable Character in Gospel Affairs
2. Standing Fast in One Spirit
3. Striving Together with One Mind
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered, the Philippian’s “suitable character in gospel affairs.” Paul writes: “Only let your conversation (manner of life) 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.” Paul had hopes that he might be released. Notice: “But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:24
2. Second, we discussed, the Philippian’s “standing fast in one spirit in Christ.” He continues in this letter: “That they stand fast in one spirit,” as it pertains to the gospel of Christ. In that there is “one Spirit” we need to stand fast in our “spirit” to the message of the Holy Spirit. The church must stand fast in “one spirit” to the truth of the gospel. Paul gives his reason for this truth in the first few verses in this Letter. We will consider this in our message.
3. Lastly, we investigated, the Philippian’s “striving together with one mind for the faith of the gospel.” As Christians, we must all strive together with “one mind for the faith of the gospel.” Here he means, we must remain faithful to “our faith in Christ and the gospel.” We must work to acquire and maintain the “unity of the faith" in our assemblies everywhere.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
