Paul may be facing the end of his days on earth. But he knows that God may choose to leave him here for a while more. Whichever may be the case, he encourages the Philippian believers to stay strong.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 1:27-28:

With these verses, Paul shifts from talking about his own circumstances and begins to exhort the Philippian believers to stand strong in unity and one spirit. The only way the gospel message could be presented effectively was through a unified stance together. The same is true today.

Paul begins this exhortation with the statement, “whatever happens.” This phrase is a very emphatic marker, bringing the reader’s attention to the next words. What does Paul state next? That the Philippians should conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Remember, this letter is addressed to the community of believers at Philippi, so Paul is not speaking of personal holiness here, although that application can certainly hover as a secondary idea from this and other Pauline passages.

Paul’s primary concern here is for the conduct of the believers as a group, as a community. Philippi was known for their pride in their Roman citizenship. And yet, as Christians, their citizenship is in heaven. Their lives should display this, especially as a community of believers, together.

Their unity in obedience would demonstrate to all who saw that they were standing firm in one spirit, in the Spirit, contending for the faith. The word “contending” is an athletic term, from which we get the word “athlete.” This communicates the active nature of their unity and efforts for the sake of the gospel.

Their unity would also bring about an additional benefit. Standing together as one would give them confidence in the face of opposition. The Philippian believers may have been frightened by those who opposed them. They may have even faced compromise because of this opposition. But unity provides strength. Standing together, they could face opposition and persecution with strength.

Their strength and unity is a sign to those who were opposing them, if they had eyes to see it. The gospel message indicates that the enemies of the faith will one day be destroyed, and that believers will be saved. Whether this is the meaning Paul had in mind or not is unknown, since this is a difficult text to interpret. Paul may have mean this, or he could have had something more specific in mind. Which it may be is unknown.

What is known, however, is that the destruction of those who oppose the faith, and the salvation of those who believe will be brought about by God’s hand. God is in control, and will not let things go unwatched.

This is important to remember, especially in our times. In a world that is rife with terrorism, persecution, and the redefinition of morality, God is still in control. In a world that calls evil good, and good evil, God is still in control. In a world where it seems as if everything is spinning out of control, God is still in control.

And that is where we draw our strength.

Question: How are you standing? Are you standing firm, together with other believers? Or are you tempted to compromise in the face of the opposition, as the Philippian believers may have been? What keeps you strong? You can leave a comment by clicking here.