The Faith Of The Gospel

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Suitable Character in Gospel Affairs

2. Standing Fast in One Spirit

3. Striving Together with One Mind

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “The faith of the gospel.” Our text reads: “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27.

2. First, we will consider, the Philippian’s “suitable character in gospel affairs.” Paul writes: “Only let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs.” Paul had hopes that he might be released. Notice: “But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:24

3. Second, we will discuss, the Philippian’s “standing fast in one spirit in Christ.” He continues in this letter: “That they stand fast in one spirit,” as it pertains to the gospel of Christ. In that there is “one Spirit” we need to stand fast in our “spirit” to the message of the Holy Spirit. The church must stand fast in “one spirit” to the truth of the gospel. Paul gives his reason for this truth in the first few verses in this Letter. We will consider this in our message.

4. Lastly, we will investigate, the Philippian’s “striving together with one mind for the faith of the gospel.” As Christians, we must all strive together with “one mind for the faith of the gospel.” Here he means we must remain faithful to “our faith in Christ and the gospel.” We must work to acquire and maintain the “unity of the faith.” With this introduction, let’s consider our first point.

BODY OF LESSON

I SUITABLE CHARACTER IN GOSPEL AFFAIRS

A. Paul writes: “Only let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.” Paul here speaks of their conduct of life. The word “conversation” in Gr: is “politeúomai, pol-it-yoo'-om-ahee; which means to behave as a citizen:—let conversation be, live.” Let your manner of life be in the character of Christ.

B. Their manner of life: “Let it be as it becomes the gospel of Christ.” Live that the gospel of Christ is magnified in your life, Matthew 5:16. Notice, Paul defines his own life in Christ.

1. First, “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day,” Acts 23:1.

2. Further, he beseeches these saints that their manner of life be in accord to that which becometh the gospel of Christ, Philippians 1:27.

3. Next, the word "becometh" here is: “Axios.” In Gr: “axíos, ax-ee'-oce; means appropriately:—as becometh, after a godly sort, or worthy (-ily).” This word means to “walk in balance.” Let your “walk” and your “talk,” be the same before God and men. Illustrate: Walk Worthily of Our Vocation.

4. Finally, this is the same word that Paul uses in several other references that deserve our attention. Notice:

a. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” Ephesians 4:1-3. Walk in soberness, godliness and humility. The saint must walk in:

1) Lowliness. Not with high-mindedness or haughty spirits.

2) Meekness. Not in arrogance or anger.

3) Longsuffering. Not being short tempered.

4) Forebearing. Not running out of patience.

b. Paul’s letter to the Colossians: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God,” Colossians 1:10.

c. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians: “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory,” 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

C. Possible visit: “That whether I come and see you.” Paul was expecting to be released, and he promises to visit with them if his release is granted by Rome: “But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:24.

1. First, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain... Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

2. Further, “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.”

3. Finally, “That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by coming to you again,” Philippians 1:21-26. He had hopes of seeing them again.

D. If unable to be released: “Or else be absent.” I shall still be with you in spirit. Paul wrote: