August 02, 2016

A New Citizenship

By: Anthony Mathenia Topics: Uncategorized Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

A New Citizenship (Philippians 1:27-30)
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Philippi was a colony of Rome, populated by Roman citizens and governed directly by the Emperor. But by the time Paul and his companions had left that city, those who believed their message now had a new citizenship and a new King. They had now become a colony of heaven, an outpost on earth under the authority of the King of kings. In these verses Paul is urging the believers in Philippi, and us, to live in a way that is worthy of the gospel.

In verse 27, the word “conduct” (politeuomai) in the original language refers to how one is to live as a citizen or how one is to fulfill his obligations to others as members of the same community. Paul is saying here, “conduct yourselves as heavenly citizens in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ.” How are these citizens of the kingdom of God to live in Philippi? And how should we live as citizens of a colony of heaven?

1. United in Spirit (1:27a)

Paul says that we are to “stand fast in one spirit.” The church in Philippi had some minor divisions and disagreements, which we see in Euodia and Syntyche (4:2) as well as in the other exhortations Paul makes throughout the letter to be united in the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g. 2:2). The church that is united in the Lord in love can stand against the fiercest opposition. But when the church argues and squabbles within itself, it weakens and discourages the whole body. Those who are citizens of a gospel community are not to conduct themselves as those who only look out to their own interests, but are to show love and humility for the good of the entire colony of heaven.

– In what ways does division weaken a church? Why is a church that is united in spirit stronger and more able to stand firm against opposition?

2. United in Purpose (1:27b)

Paul says that as citizens of a colony of heaven, we are to be “with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Undoubtedly, the gospel was the central focus of Paul’s life, and he is calling us to oneness of purpose and to a singular joyful ambition: to advance the gospel of Christ. Unity without a common purpose is as cold as a marriage of convenience: “We’ll be married, but you can go your way and I’ll go mine.” We must not only have a common spirit, but a common purpose and passion to strive together for the faith of the gospel.

– What is your greatest purpose in life? How can you better refine your purpose to become more strategic in the joyful ambition of seeing the advance of the gospel of Christ?

3. United in Courage (1:28)

Where there is a godly community and where there is gospel advance, there is going to be trouble due to opposition. Therefore, in order to live worthy of the gospel, Christians must be united in courage, “not in any way terrified by [our] adversaries.” Our godly way of life, our unity in the gospel and our courage in suffering all speak volumes both to those outside and to those inside the church. It is a sign of judgment against the raging world, and it is a sign of assurance that we are truly the people of Christ. People need to see the church together for Christ, enduring threats and worldly loss, full of great joy, looking to those things that are eternal.

– What are some of the challenges Christians might face in an American culture? What might it cost you to follow Christ in our day? What does it look like specifically for us to live as a church that is united in courage? How could you grow in your courage in the gospel?

4. United in Christ’s Suffering (1:29-30)

Christ took the form of a servant and suffered for us, and therefore was highly exalted. Those who follow Christ in serving and suffering for others find that this is the way to true greatness in God’s kingdom. As the church suffers, we must join together in that suffering, serving and helping one another, united in the sufferings of Christ. Self-centeredness is unity’s deadliest enemy, and actually gives aid to the enemy. As believers, we are to give ourselves for others and so share in Christ’s sufferings.

– Considering the context of our local church and the different needs in the congregation, what are some ways that you could share in Christ’s sufferings this week by giving yourself in service to others?