Unity in the Face of Opposition
Many Christians believe Philippians is “The Epistle of Joy”. While joy is a prominent theme in Philippians, it is not Paul’s main purpose. The apostle Paul writes his purpose statement in Philippians 1:27-28: unity in the gospel! Joy then, is a byproduct of gospel unity.
Up to verse 27, Paul begins his letter to Philippian Christians with his usual greeting (1-2). Moving on, Paul thanks God for the Philippians’ cooperation in the spread of the Gospel (3-8). Paul then prays for God to increase in Philippians love in verses 9-11. Finally, Paul provides news about his imprisionment, focusing on the priority of the Gospel in all things (12-26).
The One Big Thing
For the Gospel of Jesus Christ to take priority in all things, Philippian Christians must remain unified. Many of my seminary professors (and pastor’s for that matter) frequently say, “If you get anything from this lecture/sermon, get this____”. Paul urges the Philippians to focus on one specific part of his message above all. “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in anyway by your opponents…” (1:27-28a).
Paul repeats the idea of living worthy of the Gospel throughout his letters (Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 4:1, 5:8, 1 Thess. 2:12, Romans 12:1-2). I recently read through Ephesians, where Paul contrasts the lifestyles of believers and unbelievers. When God saved spiritual Gentiles, not part of His family, He saved them out of a lifestyle of willful disobedience and cautioned them to leave their old lifestyle in the past. Paul does not give specifics in Philippians on how to live your life worthy of the Gospel.
The Characteristics of a Gospel-Centered Community
Paul provides the outflow of a Gospel-centered life in the latter half of verse 27. Philippian believers, living their lives worthy of the Gospel, will exhibit unity. What characterizes such unity? Gospel unity is “standing firm in one spirit, in one accord/soul contending together for the faith of the gospel…” To better understand the ending of verse 27, I like the ESV & NASB translation, “…with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel…”. Paul continues explaining elements of Gospel unity in Chapter 2. In short, Philippian Christians needed to stick together, unified with one common spirit, striving together for the Gospel.
Why Gospel Unity is Important
A unified body of believers stands strong against worldly opposition. Paul, having provided the initial call for unity, continues, “contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents” (1:27b-28). The Philippians are to stand firm both by striving together for the faith of the gospel and by refusing to be intimidated by their opponents. Dr. David Black, Greek scholar, notes “In view are probably unsaved inhabitants of Philippi who sought to use persecution to frighten the believers…or legalistic preachers to sought to introduce perfectionistic doctrine in Chapter 3” (Novum Testamentum 37 (1995): pg. 35). Thus, maintaining a unified Gospel witness amidst worldly persecution is a sign of destruction against the persecutors (1:28). Satan longs to disrupt the Church, He will use any means necessary. Christians, through their conduct, advance the Gospel. Thus, what Satan meant for evil, God uses for good. How does God use persecution for good?
Christians, standing firm together, grow in sanctification. By refusing to give in to worldly opposition, Christians thwart the plans of their opposers and exhibit fruits of the Spirit. Paul says, “this is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation–and this is from God” (1:28). God does not call believers to give in to worldly opposition (see Hebrews). Nor, does God call believers to take up the sword in a battle to the end. Paul continues, “For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but to also suffer for Him…” (1:29). Combating opposition with wrath, slander, malice, and fury will not advance the Gospel. Sadly, some prominent “pastors” teach belief in Jesus enables you to have your best life now. Such teachers argue Christ makes your life sunshine and roses, all your pain will go away, your problems will vanish, you will indeed experience heaven on Earth. Scripture, however, paints a different picture about the Christians life.
Paul tells his son in the faith, Timothy, “In face, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3:12). Consider Jesus’ charge to His disciples, “You will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt 10:22). Ah, consider Peter’s zeal for Christ in the garden. Peter draws his sword and cuts off Malchus’ ear. Jesus does not congratulate or thank Peter for his zeal. “Then Jesus told him, ‘Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword'” (Matt 26:52). So what is the answer to opposition? Returning to Matthew 10:22, the one who endures. What is a synonym of endurance? Merriam-Webster offers several synonyms of endurance: persist, abide, hold on, remain, prevail, tough it out, and stand for. Bringing this all together, Jesus says despite worldly opposition, His followers must endure. Paul tells Philippian believers how to endure: stand firm (endure) in one spirit and strive together for the faith of the Gospel!
Application
“We are deceived if we think that we can live for anything but the Gospel and still be joyful (1:27). When Paul says, “The only thing that matters,” he means it. Is the Gospel the one passion of our lives?” (Dr. David Black).
Be not afraid (1:28)! The Lord’s people have no business wandering in the alleys of fear and intimidation. Let us register no excitement over the passing trials that stir this poor jittery world into a frenzy. The times may be perilous but they are in His hands.