How To Conduct Yourself As A Christian

Title: “How to Conduct Yourself as a Christian” Script: Phil. 1:27-30

Type: Series Where: GNBC 6-8-25

Intro: The last year and a half has seen far too many scandals in the American Evangelical church. Names such as Steve Lawson, Tony Evans Oak Cliff Bible, Josh Buice G3, Robert Morris Gateway Church, Kental Glasgow Gateway, Carl Lentz Hillsong, Tony Canmanta Stonebriar Church, Sergio Guardia Thomas Roads Baptist Church were once held in high esteem, but not anymore. Just yesterday heard of failure of a very well-known Christian musician. Without going into details, each man discredited his ministry through behavior that was not becoming of a Christian. Each man demonstrated behavior that has no place in Christ’s Church. We used to say: “X just gave the church a black eye.” Years ago I was talking to a friend of mine who was President of a denomination in another country. He was telling me about a scandal in one of his churches that he was having to address. Then, somewhat wistfully, he said to me: “Chris, when I was a young preacher in the 1960’s there were only a handful of “evangelicals” in our denomination. However, there was never a hint of scandal amongst those men. Today, about 3/4ths of the clergy in our denomination identify as evangelicals, and there is no shortage of scandal.”

Prop: In Phil. 1:27-30 Paul addresses expectations for Christian conduct.

BG: 1. Phil. One of the “Prison Epistles” of Paul from Rome, while under house arrest.

2. Membership in the local church is important. Sets a standard of behavior. Submits to authority. Sharpens our focus of service in the body of Christ.

3.

Prop: Let’s look at Phil. 1:27-30 to realize certain expectations for Christian conduct.

I. The Conduct of the Christian.

A. Christians are to be marked by certain conduct.

1. Paul Writes to the Philippians with loving concern.

a. Paul had a special love, respect, and admiration for this church at Philippi. It was one of the most mature and solid congregations in his charge. Nevertheless, there were potential problems that were looming that he had to address. As is the case with all churches of all eras, Paul warned Philippi to beware of false teachers (3:2). He challenged them to repudiate those who were “enemies of the cross of Christ” (3:17-18). It doesn’t take long for even the most faithful congregation to slip into moral and doctrinal error.

b. Illust: I came to faith thru the ministry of Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion, IN, in the 1980’s. Wonderful time period. Vibrant congregation. Strong leadership, excellent preaching, inspiring music, strong support of evangelism and missions. By the 1990’s change of leadership. Change in emphasis of teaching. Several scandals with staff. Conflicts within the congregation. Church nearly died. Praise God, seems to be doing better today. However, why the problems? Was not careful to watch doctrine and their character. Essential for the individual Christian as well as the individual congregation to examine carefully both doctrine and character.

2. Paul Challenges the Philippians to Examine their Spiritual Integrity.

a. Illust: Testing the integrity of concrete is essential in many construction projects. Jeff Warburton would concur. Do you know there are at least 7 Tests one can utilize for measuring the compressive strength of concrete in building projects. 1. Penetration Resistance Test 2. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity 3. Pullout test 4. Drilled core sampling 5. Cast in Place cylinders 6. Wireless Maturity Sensors. 7. Rebound or Schmidt Hammer Test (This is where Charles Schmidt runs at a cement wall. If he runs through it the wall is too weak. If he rebounds off of it, it is strong enough!) Why all the tests? You don’t want a building or bridge to collapse under pressure.

b. The Christian is going to face troubles and struggles in this life. Paul knew this and he wanted to make sure the Philippians knew this. You and I need to know this. Paul wanted the church to remember that there are standards of behavior that are compatible with the power of the Gospel in the believer’s life. Examination and reflection are essential. Testing is essential.

B. Paul challenged the Philippians to Conduct themselves in a Manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

1. How are we to conduct ourselves as Christians?

a. Illust: A generation or two ago, “Deportment Classes” were all the rage in certain sections of the States and across Europe. Today, mostly in the Beauty Pageant industry. Deportment classes and finishing schools have been teaching mostly young women posture, poise and presence for centuries. In those days, a “lady” was expected to carry herself in a certain way that exuded grace, dignity, and femininity.

b. Paul is telling the Philippians and by extension, all Christians, that there is a certain dignity that should be evident in how the Christian carries himself/herself. Paul is placing the words in the text in such a way as to demonstrate emphasis… “Only” – Not necessarily “only” as we would think about it in English, but rather, “What matters most”… Paul was challenging the believers to consistent, holy conduct, that chose to live life in a way that honored the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Illust: We need to ask ourselves this very same question. “Am I living in a way that foremost, is going to honor Christ and His Gospel in every area of my life? Work? Relationships? What I watch? What I read? What I spend money on?