Living Worthy of the Gospel

Living Lives Worthy of the Gospel

In the 1st chapter of Philippians, Paul lets the members know about the dangerous situation he finds himself in. He might be put to death for preaching the gospel, although he expects a better outcome.

Paul considered the situation as a net positive for getting the message out to more people. In the next section He offers us some life lessons. Regardless of the circumstances we should always work towards living our lives in a manner worthy of the kingdom of God.

https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/10/living-worthy-of-gospel.html

Citizens of the Kingdom of God

Philippians 1:27-30 The common translation of this verse falsely reinforces the popular belief that the gospel of Christ is about His sacrificial atonement for sin. A better way to understand "the gospel" is to remember that Jesus' own teaching was "the gospel of the kingdom of God". In other words... the gospel of Christ is the gospel that He himself preached.

The word conduct is politeuomai, deriving from the same word we get politics from. So, a better translation of this might be "whatever happens, conduct yourselves as citizens worthy of the gospel Christ preached".

Accepting Jesus' as your personal savior is the necessary first step in the process of moving each of us from death to life. However, the gospel is focused on the outcome this makes possible, namely participation with Christ in the administration of the will, and rule, of God on earth.

Our present lives are a preparation for a future role in the kingdom of God on earth. In this way we are to consider ourselves as citizens of a system of government and sovereign power that is yet to come. That future government will be under Christ. At present it is reserved in heaven, awaiting the appointed time … when Christ returns.

The idea of citizenship would have carried a lot of powerful meaning for the people of Philippi. It was a Greek city ruled and dominated by Rome. The city was a Roman colony and run by transplanted Romans. The ethnic Greek people could greatly improve their situation be gaining Roman citizenship [which was not easy].  People would have greatly desired Roman citizenship because it carried with it many socioeconomic privileges and advantages.

Within this cultural backdrop Paul can be understood as trying to get the members of the congregation in Philippi to raise their aspirations to a higher level; to live as present citizens of the coming kingdom of God.

These verses assume an understanding of the moral and ethical nature of this KOG citizenship. Paul will provide a bit more detail on these matters in the following verses. For now, his focus is on encouraging and exhorting. The Philippians are to: "stand firm", "contend for", "not be frightened by opposition". With these encouragements come two essential ways of conducting ourselves: 1) unity of the spirit and 2) solidarity with one another... these are how we achieve solidarity with Christ [which has benefits].

You Are Not Alone

God has not put you in a situation where you must stand alone against the world. You have been placed within a community of common faith to "strive together". Hebrew 10:25 assembling together is how we keep our solidarity alive, with the express purpose of encouraging one another! Also, we do so with an eye upon the end of the age, when Christ returns rewarding us with positions as leading citizens in the world to come.

A SIGN: The solidarity gained through assembling ourselves together is a visible sign that [all through history] some are separated from others for special purpose at the return of Christ.

USEFUL PRACTICE: Assembling together with God's people [at the appointed time] is also useful for fighting back fear, and doubt. Its is a reminder that you are not alone.

Exodus 31:12-18, Ezekiel 20:8-11 assembly on the 7th day Sabbath is:

1. a day of commanded assembly, doing it demonstrates obedience

2. beyond obedience it is a time for rest, encouragement, exhortation, and instruction. It therefore addresses your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs

3. it is useful/essential in helping you accomplish the goals God has in mind for you: submitting ourselves one to another, unity of the spirit, you cannot do this in isolation

4. 7^th day observance is a sign designated by God indicating who has been set apart for special purpose. There is more to identifying God’s Church but 7th day Sabbath is probably the most visible signature of the Church of God… it’s where most people start.

Behaviorally, each of us need much more that Sabbath observance to accomplish the fullness of spiritual creation... HOWEVER, without proper observance of the Sabbath an essential part of the whole package is missing.

The unity and solidarity of the Philippians’ assembly is being undermined by the disagreements between Euodia and Syntyche. Two female members of the congregation who have done good stuff within the church in the past but who need help resolving their present differences Philippians 4:2-3.

I believe Paul’s whole letter lead’s up to this short note of practical application!

Make My Joy Complete

Philippians 2:1-4 Paul moves forward his proposition of "living worthy of the gospel" with a device of formal logic: if --> then. If your experience in Christ is meaningful then act upon it... If God's love exerts persuasive power over you... then take it to the next step by adopting the mind of Christ.

Paul is setting up the goal: love and unity which are manifest thru assembly. Then, he is going to use Christ's example in verses 6-11 as the mental paradigm for how to achieve it. But before going to the example of Christ, he itemizes some of the factors that work against the unity and solidarity of citizens living lives worthy of the kingdom of God: selfish ambition and vain conceit.

Note: this is actually a popular phrase used in Roman culture of a person who overestimates their achievement [too big for his britches]. Roman society was built on a powerful honor code, visible social status, and self promotion. Romans expected you to boast about your accomplishments… but… expected your self promotion to be based on actual deeds and merit. [Paul on boasting]

Unity and solidarity are survival mechanisms for the Church of God. Like Philippi we face a society and culture that alternates between hostility, indifference, and ridicule. Unity is useful, and helpful to others in God’s Church. These are more than a spiritual state of mind, or surrender to group think. A united front helps the weak face the world and overcome fear.

Submitting yourselves one to another in humility, service, and assembly, has a practical purpose and looks after the interests of others. Maybe you are strong enough to go it alone... perhaps you don't need to gather together with others for moral strength... but, then if you are going it alone and not gathering together with God's people you are not helping the weak... you are not putting on the mind of Christ... you are not living life worthy of the gospel... [you're trapped in an illogical loop].

Assembling together reminds you that … “You’re not crazy” … “you’re not alone”.

Have This Mind in You

Philippians 2:5-11 verse 5 signals a transition to a short section discussing the supreme example of Christ Jesus as our model for thinking about status, humility, and behavior.

#1 Status - Christ did not consider His own rights, privileges, and status as of primary importance, or to be used to satisfy His own ego. They are useful in allowing Him to accomplish works of service to others: 1) setting sinless example of humility, submission, and obedience 2) payment for sin.

Believers may (or may not) enjoy some relative status in the flesh. If we do then we should consider this relative status as an opportunity, or tool, to serve (status as an opportunity, or tool, to serve).

#2 Human Nature - Jesus took on the fullness of what it means to be a human being. Yet, we are also told that He was without sin. These two truths about Jesus tell us:

· that there cannot be an automatically assigned guilt of "original sin" placed upon all humans at birth. You are responsible for your sin, you cannot blame God Romans 9:19.

· Jesus, the son of man, was not innately more obedient, or more submissive than other human beings. Rather, we are told: "He became obedient" by a freely made decision and action Hebrews 5:8, Romans 5:19. You are living out these same choices!

#3 Servant - this aspect of Christ's example should not be interpreted as a deconstruction of all hierarchy, administration, leadership within the Church community… we are all servants so the world is flat. God still appoints leaders and expects them to lead.

What differs in lives worthy of the gospel is the ethic/motivation. No longer should we view status, honors, or roles as opportunities for self-glory, ego boosting, or material gain. Rather, we should view whatever status or honor we are given as opportunity to do good for others…. especially within the context of regular assembly. 

Jesus took on the lower status of mortal flesh, among human beings He acted as a servant. Then, he endured a form of death considered most shameful. Paul is emphasizing the lengths to which Christ was willing to go to serve... and presents this as a cure for the party spirit and factionalism in Philippi... [again see Phil 4:2]

Apply The Mind of Christ at Home

Philippians 2:12-18 based on Christ's demonstration of the selfless nature of God we should follow this model among themselves.

Paul is building a deliberative discourse; beginning with a proposition "live lives worthy of KOG", then moving to proofs what that life is, then finally to practical application. He says:

Your own salvation - there is merit in reading this as an exhortation to each of us individually to work out our own personal salvation… but that isn't what he means here. The "you" here is plural. Within the context of the letter this is a call to the collective effort of getting along as a congregation. This “working out”cannot happen if you do not gather together.

With fear and trembling - because we are aware of God's presence

Without grumbling or arguing - this is an indirect reference to Israel in the wilderness Exodus 17:3. This could even be as specific as saying the Philippians were complaining about circumstances in the local congregation [remember Philippians 4:2-3].

The Problems in Philippi

We are not given any explicit outline of the problematic behavior happening in Philippi. The bible often leaves such mattes open ended, perhaps so we have the freedom to take the spiritual principles and apply them to multiple and various situations throughout time. Here are some possibilities concerning Philippi:

Selfish ambition and empty glory - some were exalting in their perceived status. That fact that there are two women noted here could indicate a struggle for  dominance. creating factions within the congregation [work of the flesh Galatians 5:20].

Quarreling & disagreement - the two women were in disagreement. This could have been as simple as who’s in charge of what, how shall we organize this activity, or perhaps some doctrinal position. A possible doctrinal element to their disagreement may be why Paul clarifies the Church teaching on circumcision in Philippians 3:1-10.

Opting Out is Not an Option

Some choose to deal with quarrels, doctrinal disputes, selfish ambition, factionalism, hypocrisy etc. by opting out… … I have to separate myself from people like that… I'll just pursue my own spiritual path thank you!

Beware: by opting out, deciding to go it alone, not assembling together... you are not offering support to those who are weak, you are not submitting yourself to one another, you are not willing to suffer, you are not obedient... and you are not working out your salvation.

Gathering together is essential to living a life worthy of the gospel.