“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

Now Paul turned to an exhortation. This challenge to the Philippians runs from verse 27 to verse 30. It is a plea to match our life with our beliefs.

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ”

The word “conduct” is a political term. It is the Greek term from which we get the word “politics.” The word means in this context to govern, to be a free citizen and live as such, to conduct oneself according to the laws and customs of a state. Generally, it means to live or order one’s life and conduct. This is the duty to a group or body of people. To live as a citizen in the Roman Empire in that day was something extraordinary. Roman citizenship carried far-reaching rights. Philippi was a Roman colony. The Philippians understood this term clearly. The style of life of the Roman citizen was much different than that of other people. Our conduct, manner of life, or deportment should reflect on the gospel style of life.

“Be worthy” means deservedly, of equal value. It connotes of like value, worth as much. Our conduct should match our gospel. Is our life becoming of the gospel? Does it reflect on the greatness of the Lord Jesus? If we try on a new dress, we ask the question, “Is this becoming to me?” Is my life becoming the gospel? Does my life do anything for the gospel? Does the gospel fit my lifestyle?

Some things may not be sinful or evil, but that does not reflect positively on the gospel. It is incongruous or inconsistent with the gospel. It does not mix with the gospel.

PRINCIPLE:

Our life should match the gospel.

APPLICATION:

Our conduct should reflect positively on a lost world. We should conduct our lives like citizens of heaven rather than hell. We have a heavenly origin and destiny. We are to live heavenly lives on earth, representing the Sovereign King Jesus. Does our life correspond to the gospel?