(Php 2:1) “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (2)Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  If we needed any proof the Lord thoroughly knows us, this should be it. It should be enough that He saved us, for Him to demand of us (v.2) and we respond, “Whatever you desire, Lord.” Instead, He has to appeal to us with the precious things gained through the salvation experience (v.1). Merciful, merciful God!”  

(Php 1:29) “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”  Suffering! Anathema to the average American Child of God.  We think we are suffering if we are asked to attend church more than a Sunday Morning. We think we have suffered if the building is too cold or hot, if the preacher preaches too long or is too boring! God help us!

 (Phil 1:27c) “….that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;  (28) And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.”  The Lord Jesus said, (Joh_16:33) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Such tribulation, or troubles, for standing for or sharing the gospel of Christ Jesus, is a sure sign of the genuineness of one’s profession. Who would suffer persecution for what they did not believe? Rejoice, when standing brings your Lord such glory through your sacrifice.

(Phil 1:27c) “….that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;  (28) And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” 

For one to stand against the gospel for which we seek to hold forth and stand behind, gives evidence to the fact of the condemnation of their soul. They stand in a terrible position, as to fight against God Himself. Pray. Pray for such a soul. Pray for God’s mercy. Pray for Him to open blind eyes that they might see.

 (Php 1:27) “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;”  That which is fitting for those who profess the gospel is that they hold to the truths of God’s Word, “stand fast in one spirit”. In other words, they as God’s children would be in agreement. Among God’s local assembly, they are to walk together in unity. I say, “Among God’s local assembly”, first of all because this book was written to a local church. Some would wrongly pronounce, doctrine should not divide God’s people. They would be wrong. We are to stand for the truths of God’s Word. Doing so will divide among good meaning brethren. That does not mean we are to be rude nor mistreat one another. How could those possessing the love of Christ rightly do so? Yet, we are to stand.  

(Php 1:27) “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:”  This Old English word is not restricted to our verbalization. It includes the very way we live among men. So often we “get in the flesh”, or “live in the flesh” and save our religiousness for those around us who are religious. That is not Christianity. We are what we are all the time. If you are fleshly, then chances are you are still lost in sin. Salvation makes us new, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature….”  What does your “conversation” reveal about you?

(Php 1:25) “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;”  Paul through the Holy Spirit knew his work upon this earth was not over. He would continue to seek to grow the saved in the things of God. The Words he penned are for that very purpose. If you wish to grow closer to the Lord,  you will have to spend time in His Bible. How serious you are about doing so will reflect in how you structure your daily life. Will it center around Him or you?  

 (Phil 1:22b) “…yet what I shall choose I wot not. (23) For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (24) Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”  I dare say that few have found themselves with this particular spiritual dilemma. Most cling to this life tenaciously! May our love for God grow and grow until such feelings occupy our own hearts!

 (Php 1:21) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (22)  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour:”  What is “the fruit”? That Christ live through me and is glorified by the actions of His Temple, my body. So, when I am at work, conscientiously seeking to do the best I can for my employer, I will as such do at the same time for my Lord. The same will I seek to do at home and at play. The old saying is, “What you do in the closest defines who and what you really are.” May Jesus be glorified!