Walk the Talk
(Philippians 1:27-30)

1. “...conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (27)

One thing is essential, no matter what happens, either to them or to Paul, the Philippians must live according to their faith and profession of Jesus.

The King James reads, "Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ."

To us the word “conversation” means to talk; but the word comes from the Latin word “conversari”, which means to conduct oneself. 

Paul uses the Greek word “politeoumai” which means “to behave as a citizen”. Paul was writing from the very center of the Roman Empire, from Rome itself; it was the fact that he was a Roman citizen that had brought him there.

Philippi was a Roman colony, and Roman colonies were little bits of Rome planted throughout the world, where the citizens never forgot that they were Romans.  They spoke the Latin language; they wore the Latin clothing, however far they might be from Rome.

So what Paul is saying is,

You know full well the privileges and the responsibilities of being a Roman citizen.

You know full well how even in Philippi, so many miles from Rome, you must still live and act as a Roman.

Well then, remember that you have an even higher duty than that. Wherever you are, you must live as a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

“...our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).

2. What sort of conduct does Paul expect?

     A. He expects them to stand firm.

         (I Corinthians 16:13)

The world is full of Christians on the retreat, who play down their Christianity. The true Christian stands fast, unashamed in any company.

     B. He expects them to be united.

         (I Corinthians 1:10)

They are to be bound together in one spirit like a band of brothers. Let the world quarrel; Christians must be one.

     C. He expects them to be fearless.

          (2 Timothy 1:7)

Evil seems invincible, but the Christian must never abandon hope or give up the struggle. Paul expects a cool, calm courage.

In times of crisis others may be nervous and afraid; the Christian will be still and serene. 

This courage will also act as a sign to others who defy the Lord to be careful; the wrath of God is coming!! (Romans 1:18-19)

     D. He expects them to suffer.

Paul does not suggest that this will be easy. When Christianity first came to Philippi, they saw him fight his own battle. They saw him scourged and imprisoned for the faith (Acts16:19).

They know what he is now going through.

But they must remember that it is an honor to suffer for Christ:

(Romans 8:17-18; 2 Corinthians 1:5; 1 Peter 2:19-21)

If your going to call yourself a Christian (little Christ) then act like Christ; don’t insult the Lord with your hypocrisy and double-talk!

(James 1:22-25)