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; 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 unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Philippians 1:27-30

Through Paul’s epistles, we hear him constantly say “Walk in a manner worthy of Christ” (Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:12) Here we see Paul again make the same statement to the Church of Philippi , he says “let your conversation or conduct be as it becometh or worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v27) Paul makes this same warning to almost every Church he spoke to, are you walking worthy of Jesus Christ?

What does that mean? It means are you a hypocritical Christian? Are you a false convert? Are you someone who says I believe in Jesus but don’t produce or show any fruits of repentance (Matthew 3) or the Holy Spirit (Matthew 7) We know, especially in these last days, there are alot of false converts out there or fake Christians. Paul is telling the Church, don’t be like these people. As Jesus warned “Any tree that doesn’t produce good fruit, will be chopped down and thrown in the fire” (Matthew 7:19) People who say Jesus never warned about Hell, don’t understand scripture, the warning has been set

Paul goes on to say to the Church of Philippi, when I’m away I hope I don’t hear bad stories about you and that you are all still united as one, fighting the good fight of faith together. False converts give Christianity a bad name, they tarnish the name of Jesus to non-believers. How? Still live in their sin, unregenerated. They still pursue worldly lusts in the name of Jesus, they live like the devil , yet claim to be a child of God. Even the atheist can see their hypocrisy. This is why Jesus said “not everyone who says Lord Lord, will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but they who do the will of my Father” (Matthew 7:21)

Paul strengthens the Church by saying “And in nothing, terrified  by your adversaries or those who oppose you” Many Christians today live in fear of the world, the beast system. They are changing their doctrines and beliefs, to bow down to the world’s demands. Paul is saying, don’t be a coward, you are already saved by Christ and part of your calling will be to suffer for Christ. 

The Christian walk in a fallen world, is the most difficult calling there is. Walk worthy in a way that brings honor and glory to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!