May 9, 2025

If you’ve been with us since Easter, we’ve been reading through the book of Philippians. This letter was written by the Apostle Paul to a group of Jesus’ followers in Philippi who were worshipping and spreading the gospel in a challenging environment. Whenever we read a section of scripture, we should ask: What is God trying to say? How is my heart and mind being formed through these words? To grasp this fully, it helps to understand the context and the original audience.

Philippi was a Roman colony, meaning its citizens enjoyed privileges such as exemption from certain taxes and protection under Roman law. It was a bustling urban center with a mix of Greek and Roman influences, where Latin was the official language, though Greek was commonly spoken. Many residents were retired Roman soldiers loyal to the empire, and the city was steeped in Roman customs, including emperor worship. Religious life was diverse, incorporating devotion to Roman gods, Egyptian deities like Isis and Serapis, and the imperial cult.

When Paul arrived, he found that there were not enough Jewish men to form a synagogue, leading him to seek out a place of prayer by the river. There, he met Lydia, one of the first European converts. Daily life in Philippi revolved around trade, military presence, and a strong Roman identity, making Paul’s message of Christ’s lordship a direct challenge to the prevailing culture. Choosing to follow Jesus in Philippi was not just unpopular—it was dangerous.

Despite these challenges, Paul urged the Philippian Christians to remain steadfast in their faith. In Philippians 1:27, he writes:

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel."

Living worthy of the gospel means aligning every aspect of life—thoughts, actions, relationships—with the truth and transformative power of Christ’s message. It is not merely about adhering to religious traditions but about embodying the heart of the gospel in everyday living. Even in the face of danger, Paul called them to reflect Christ’s character in every situation.

Paul tells the Philippians—and us—to reflect Christ’s virtues: humility, love, grace, and righteousness. A life worthy of the gospel prioritizes servanthood, compassion, and integrity over personal ambition or worldly gain. As Jesus himself said in Matthew 20:28, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Living worthy of the gospel means choosing sacrificial love over selfishness, mercy over judgment.

A believer’s life should not be swayed by circumstances or opposition. Paul emphasizes the need to “stand firm in the one Spirit” (Philippians 1:27), encouraging steadfastness in faith. This means being deeply rooted in God’s truth, even when faced with trials, temptations, or societal pressures. Living worthy of the gospel requires responding with faith rather than fear, anchoring oneself in prayer and the Word.

Paul demonstrated resilience—despite persecution, imprisonment, and suffering, he continued to proclaim the gospel joyfully, proving that true faith is not dependent on circumstances.

Paul places great emphasis on unity within the church. Too often, we are tempted to “do it on our own,” but this is counterintuitive to a life of faith. A life worthy of the gospel is not lived in isolation but within a community of believers who strengthen and encourage one another. Unity is essential for spiritual growth and gospel effectiveness.

When we fight over ideas or styles of worship—whether due to pride, division, or personal grievances—it weakens the testimony of the church. Living worthy of the gospel means fostering fellowship, seeking reconciliation, and uplifting fellow believers rather than competing or condemning. Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” This unity reflects God’s love to the world and strengthens the collective witness of the church.

Our world is much like Philippi. The U.S. is moving further away from being a “Christian nation,” placing faith in humanity and self-worship rather than in Christ. While this isn’t another religion opposing Jesus, society is shifting away from embracing the good news of the gospel. Though it is not physically dangerous to worship, it is socially risky to openly embrace biblical teachings in how we live.

The truth is, we as Christians have contributed to this decline. Hypocrisy, division, and judgment within the church have driven people away. But there is still hope.

Just as Paul told the Philippians, we need to remember that when we act in a manner that is worthy of Jesus—by loving, giving, supporting, and showing grace—people around us will begin to notice the difference. Paul wasn’t calling the Philippians to revolt; he was commanding them to live differently than the world around them. Stand out for Jesus. Stand out in how you treat people. Let others ask, “Why are they different than everyone else? How do I get their joy?”

Living worthy of the gospel is a bold but beautiful challenge. It calls us to stand firm in faith, embrace unity, and reflect Christ’s love in a way that transforms both our lives and those around us.

Chris Emmons

Ross Campus Pastor

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