Read
27Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
28Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all of this happen, 29and he has blessed you. Not only do you have faith in Christ, but you suffer for him. 30 You saw me suffer, and you still hear about my troubles. Now you must suffer in the same way.
Reflect
As a teacher of English to speakers of other languages, part of my job is to help prepare people for the British citizenship test. The students have come from different parts of the world, mainly through marriage or work, and wish to settle in the UK. The test signals to those seeking a British passport that understanding history, values and language are necessary for genuine participation and integration into society.
It is citizenship that Paul has in mind when he writes, ‘Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel’ (v 27). The Greek word politeuesthai used here refers to the rights and duties of citizenship, thus meaning “live as worthy citizens.” Conscious of the tremendous pride that this Roman colony of Philippi had in its civic status, Paul explains how they are primarily citizens together of Christ’s colony.
Their faith is not just a matter of securing the Jesus passport. It involves living out their new identity and loyalty to the “gospel of Christ” (v 27) as citizens of both heavenly and earthly kingdoms. Paul calls for unity and teamwork in the face of opposition. The word translated “frightened” (v 28) conjures up the idea of a startled horse bolting from its position in the battlefield and possibly causing a stampede and confusion. Striving together, his readers will stand firm against external pressures and internal division.
Facing outright persecution or subtle cynicism, it is easy to feel intimidated by the social, political or economic megaforces of our day. We can find ourselves undermined or ridiculed, ignored or tormented. Focus and unity are vital. As he waits to hear whether he will live or die, Paul speaks with conviction about the privilege of suffering on behalf of Christ. Like him, in a lost, gospel-starved world, we may identify with Jesus and demonstrate his saving heart
Respond
Thank you, thank you, Father, for adopting us as your children and making us citizens of the kingdom of heaven. Help us as we try to live as worthy citizens. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Fiona Barnard
Having grown up in Brazil and settled in Scotland, Fiona Barnard enjoys living in a multicultural setting. She works as an English tutor for adult speakers of other languages; she is Honorary International Chaplain at the University of St Andrews and staff worker for Friends International, involved in evangelism, discipleship, pastoral care and encouraging Christians to reach out in friendship to those far from home. She is part of the leadership of her local Baptist Church.