The more we study the book of Philippians together this semester, the more I think we're realizing that this is a pretty discouraged group of people. That's why Paul keeps telling them to "rejoice" – it's why he mentions "joy" so many times in the book! They are discouraged. They need to be reminded of the eternal joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul sets out to encourage the church at Philippi.
Some of us, I think, are too easily discouraged as well. Some high school students, on Wednesday nights, look like they walk in with the weight of the world on their shoulders. And some of you are carrying very heavy burdens. You have difficult family situations that consume your thoughts. You're having issues with your friends at school. There's that one AP class that is really getting you down. We, too easily I think, lose our joy in the gospel. We need to be encouraged.
I think Paul begins to encourage the believers at Philippi at the beginning of chapter 1. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you," Paul begins, "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" (1:3, 5). The Philippians may have been discouraged because they weren't sure how Paul felt about them; he encourages them by telling them how much their gospel partnership means. He is overwhelmingly thankful for them.
It seems that the Philippians were a bit discouraged by Paul's imprisonment. We would have been too! Their "father" in the faith, Paul, has been thrown into jail for the sake of the gospel. That's discouraging. Paul responds by encouraging them regarding his imprisonment: "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel" (1:12). He says, in other words, that they shouldn't be too discouraged about his being in jail, because it has actually resulted in the gospel of Jesus moving forward!
Finally, we can guess that the church at Philippi was a bit fearful about losing Paul. He was, after all, probably an elderly man by the time they received this letter, and being in prison didn't help his chances for a long life! The Philippians were probably concerned – discouraged – that Paul might soon die. And Paul encourages them on this point as well: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (1:21). He reminds them that, as long as he has breath, he's going to be busy working for their "progress and joy in the faith." But if he dies and goes to be with Jesus, that will be "far better" (1:23).
The Philippians were discouraged because of uncertainty regarding their standing with Paul, because of Paul's imprisonment, and because of Paul's potential death. Paul encourages them specifically on all these three points! And do you see the common thread that weaves together Paul's encouragement? It's the GOSPEL. He commends the Philippians on their gospel partnership with him. He tells them that being thrown in jail actually served to advance the gospel. He reminds them that, because of the gospel, to die is gain. Paul takes care to specifically encourage the church at Philippi on every point of their discouragement.
But, it seems that Paul's tone shifts a bit in verse 27: "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ." He is done patting them on the back. He is done giving out hugs. He is moving on from encouragement to a hearty "pep talk." His encouragement to them has all been in light of the gospel; he will now turn to remind them to live worthy of the gospel – the very gospel that is to be the source of their joy!
You should notice that all of the supporting phrases following that first imperative from Paul – "let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel" – are subordinate to it. Everything in verses 27-28 flows out of that command – to live worthy of the gospel. The sense here in that imperative, as most of you can see from the footnote in your Bibles, is that Paul is calling them to "behave as citizens worthy" of the gospel. It's an idea that Paul picks up later in the letter when he reminds the Philippians that their "citizenship is in heaven" (3:20). The call for them is to live like they are from "Gospel Town." They are to remember where there home is – and the one who is their eternal King. From that central focus for their lives comes everything else in these two verses: unity in the gospel (v. 27), no fear of opposition (v. 28), and the clear sign of their unity – their salvation and the destruction of their opponents (v. 28).
Paul is, after doing some encouragement, now giving the Philippians a little "kick" in the pants. He is saying: "Get up, get to work, remember what town you belong to, be unified, don't be afraid…and remember where you're headed!" He's encouraged them in light of the gospel; now he's reminding them to keep living in light of the gospel.
These next two verses continue in the same tone of this "pep talk" that Paul has begun. He is now reminding the Philippians that suffering will come – as it came to Jesus, and as they have seen it come to Paul in his life. First, he seems to subtly be reminding them of the great privilege it is to follow Jesus – in both belief and in suffering. Paul tells them that it has been "granted" to them that they believe in Jesus and suffer for his sake. It is a gift, in other words, to believe in Jesus and suffer for him! In other words, stop feeling sorry for yourself – you have a great gift that has been given to you. Second, he reminds them to look at his life. They are going through suffering that is not unlike the "conflict" that Paul had to endure. "Philippians," Paul is saying, "It's a gift to believe in Jesus and suffer for him…and, by the way, you're not the only ones suffering!"
If you're discouraged today, I pray that you'll see that there is real encouragement in the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you belong to Jesus – if you have repented of sin and put your faith in Him as Savior and Lord – there is real eternal joy that can and should be reigning in your heart. You need to pray that God would give you "gospel joy" – a joy that can't be touched by ever-changing circumstances. We should be encouraged by the example of Paul – who rejoiced that the gospel of Jesus was moving forward even as he was chained up in a jail cell. We're forgiven people, brought into a relationship with the living God of the universe through the blood of His Son Jesus. We have eternal, lasting joy!
Sometimes, too, those of us who are discouraged need the words of Paul in this passage we've just been looking at. Get up! Live as a "gospel person," working – "striving" – for the gospel with your brothers and sisters in Christ. And remember that it is all such a gift – a gift to know Jesus, and a gift even to suffer for His sake.
