Philippians 1:27-30 – Seek to honor Christ

Seeking to love and honor the Lord should be our passion in life. Nothing short of a hundred percent commitment to this wonderful Savior is a worthy response. How can we honor Him? What are the qualities of a Christ honoring life? In verses 27-28, Paul outlined four areas that believers can do to live a Christ honoring life.

Firstly, believers must live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ (v.27). In other words, the conduct of a believer must be congruent with the one that Christ had demonstrated. Christ lived an uncompromising life on earth. He lived a life reflecting God’s holiness every moment.

Secondly, believers must learn to live in union with fellow believers (v.27). Believers are instructed to support each other, standing firm in one spirit. They must be in unity so that each other’s life will be enhanced. Paul reckoned that when the believers stand in unity, they are like a compact army that cannot be easily defeated. For a divided force can be easily demolished.

Thirdly, believers must stand fast striving together for the faith of the Gospel (v.27). They must share a common witness and testimony. As they stand united in witness and testimony, corporately they will reflect Christ to a darkened and troubled world.

Finally, believers must be courageous and fearless (v.28). Believers do not allow their adversary to terrify them. Why? For the One who would come to the believers’ rescue is none other than the Lord Himself. He is our salvation.

Paul wanted to impress upon the believers that as a follower of Christ, conflict would be part and parcel of their experience. Therefore, like him, believers ought to strive to demonstrate the four characteristics of a Christ honoring life.

In the two concluding verses of this first chapter, Paul then went on to reveal the two proofs that God’s grace had visited the believers in Philippi. They were granted two things – to believe in Christ and to suffer for Christ. Hence, he concluded that both he and they shared a common struggle for Christ’s sake.

The key thought is for Christians to stand united in Christ. When we are united for the cause of Christ we shall be strong and not easily humiliated by the enemy. When every one of us seek to strengthen ourselves individually in the Lord, we will be strong corporately. We will then be able to better reflect Christ in our midst.