Sunday, February 26, 2012

Philippians 1:27-30

Worthy Conduct

Report Card – Behavior - Conduct

(Politeuomai). It means literally "to live as a citizen." This word was especially appropriate to use in a letter to people who took great pride in their Roman citizenship.

How do people who’s citizenship is in Heaven conduct themselves? Unity – Love – Caring
What do un-believers expect to see in us?
Paul wanted them to conduct themselves the same, whether he was there or not. Does it make a difference in a person’s behavior when someone is watching?
Who do you think Paul was talking about when he used the word “Opponents” (v28) to the Philippians?
Do you have opponents? Who are they?
What does he mean by encouraging them to “not be alarmed” by their opponents? – How is not being alarmed a “sign” of salvation?
Sufffering
Paul talks about being granted “to suffer for His sake”. Do Christians suffer for Christ’ sake? Do we suffer for Christ’ sake?

Few Christians view suffering for their testimony as a blessing, but that is really what it is. Suffering is one of the tools God uses to mold his children into vessels that bring glory to His Son (cf. James 1:3-4; 1 Pet. 1:6-7).  Suffering even perfected the Lord Jesus.

Heb. 2:9-10

9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.


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