In this verse, one’s conversation is his conduct as a citizen. One commentator said it is “To live as a free citizen.” CWSD. The people of Philippi were privileged to be citizens of Rome. Christians are privileged to be citizens of heaven. Our conduct is the way we act and our behaviour. Henri Amiel wrote, “Conduct is an unspoken sermon.”

The way we live is preaching something all the time. You may not be a preacher, but your words, actions, dress, and attitudes are preaching all day long. In our text, Paul reminded the Philippians, and us, that our conduct ought always to honour the gospel of Christ.

Transition

I find in our text three characteristics of Gospel-honouring conduct that ought to be true of your life and mine.

The first characteristic of Gospel-honouring conduct is that

It will be worthy of the Gospel of Christ

What does it mean to let our conversation (i.e., conduct as a citizen) be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ?

  1. To understand this, we must define “becometh”.
    1. This word simply means to be worthy or suitable, or in a manner worthy of.
    2. A child who has godly Christian parents, yet lives a shameful life, is not living worthy of his family name.
    3. I am an Australian citizen. It would not be worthy of my citizenship for me to fly a Chinese flag in my yard, or to curse our nation. To live worthy of one’s citizenship is to be loyal in word, deed and action.
    4. Thus, we are to behave like citizens of heaven in a way that is worthy of or properly representing the Gospel of Christ. We are to be loyal and true representatives. Others ought to see the Gospel of Christ in our lives.
  2. We must also understand the Gospel of Christ.
    1. The Gospel of Christ is the good news that Christ died and rose again to save us from hell. That Gospel is only good news if you receive it. Until you receive it and believe it, it condemns you to hell. (2 Thessalonians 1:8) “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:“
    2. The Gospel of Christ is priceless. It offers full forgiveness of sin, rescue from hell, eternal life in heaven with the Lord, and the privilege of becoming a child of God.
    3. Ponder the words of the chorus that we often sing, “After all he’s done for me, how can I do less than give him my best and live for him completely.” That is what Paul meant when he said, only let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ.
      The second characteristic of Gospel-honouring conduct is that

It will be self-motivated.

  1. Look at Paul’s next statement.
    1. He commanded them to have Gospel-honouring conduct, whether he was watching them or not.
    2. Our sinful human nature is often more motivated when we are being watched. Perhaps this is never more true than at work when the job gets boring. If no one is around, it is easy to let the mind drift, to slow down production, and to coast. When someone is present, we step up the pace.
  2. We must choose Gospel-honouring conduct.
    1. If our conduct is going to honour the Gospel, we must choose to do it, whether being watched or not.
    2. The Lord charged servants similarly. (Colossians 3:22) “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:“
    3. God wants us to live Gospel-honouring lives 24/7, whether we are on our own or in public.
      The third characteristic of Gospel-honouring conduct is that

It will be evidenced by our solid stand.

  1. To stand fast is to be like a skyscraper.
    1. Skyscrapers have deep foundations so that they do not fall over in violent storms.
    2. Cleon Rogers tells us that the Bible word stand fast, “indicates the determination of a soldier who does not budge one inch from his post.” (Lohmeyer quoted in The New Linguistic and Exegetical key to the Greek NT, p. 450)
      (a) As Christians, we are to stand firm in faith and duty, to be constant, to persevere. CWSD.
      (b) We are not to waiver spiritually. God does not want your Christian life to be like the waves of the sea, up one moment and down the next.
      (c) We ought to be like a deep-rooted tree that does not budge, though the winds of trial and temptation blow severely.
  2. How are we to stand fast?
    Paul goes on to remind the Philippian believers (and us) of three ways we can to stand fast.

    1. The 1st way that we can stand fast is by striving together for the faith of the Gospel (Php 1:27)
      (a) The phrase striving together speaks of teammates struggling together to win a game. In this context, it is Christians struggling together to advance the faith of the Gospel. Reaching our community for Christ must be a combined effort. We need each other’s help, encouragement, support, and prayer. Are you part of the team? Let’s be more than spectator Christians.
      (b) This teamwork requires unity. We are to do it in one spirit and with one mind [soul].
    2. The 2nd way that we can stand fast is by never being terrified by opposition (Php 1:28)
      (a) Christians at Philippi faced serious opposition.
      (b) The fact that they were being threatened by enemies of the Gospel was actually a good sign.
      (c) When a person opposes a Christian, and they take it without fear, this testifies to the enemy that he is perishing. Many have been convicted while persecuting.
      (d) When able to face opposition without fear, this testifies that the believer that he is truly saved. God gives the ability to remain fearless when persecuted.
    3. The 3rd way that we can stand fast is by having the same conflict as Paul (Php 1:29-30)
      (a) Paul was in a conflict for Christ in Rome. The word translated “conflict” was used of an athletic contest in the Greek games. It was a contest to get out the gospel and to endure the hardships that it brings. Being in such a contest is a way they could stand fast for the Lord.
      (b) We know it is a privilege to be saved by believing on Christ.
      (c) BUT Paul said that it is also a privilege to be allowed to suffer for Christ. (Acts 5:41)
      (d) If we could view suffering for Christ as a privilege that he allows, we wouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves when people reject our witness. We would be more bold to speak out for Christ.
      (e) Sharing Paul’s conflict helps us stand fast!

Conclusion

As a citizen of heaven, has your conduct this week been worthy of the Gospel of Christ? Have you motivated yourself to live worthy of the Gospel? Has your conduct evidenced a solid stand for the Lord? If your conduct has not been worthy of Christ and the Gospel, confess it as sin, and seek the Lord’s help to change.

Song: I Surrender All – 394
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Characteristics of Gospel-honouring Conduct
9 March 2025 AM ~ Philippians 1:27-30