Philippians 1:27

"Whatever happens, above all else conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel"

No matter what, we are in this together.  That is the message Paul is giving us in Philippians.   This is the first command he gives and it is also the most important.  Above all else, do this.  It is a call to unity and to endure together no matter what comes of him, whether he lives or dies in prison.  But why is it so important that the church be unified?

In John 17, Jesus Christ prays for all believers to be one just as He and the Father are one in order that the world would know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

It is through our unity that Christ proves his divinity.
It is our unity that shows the world that there exists a God in heaven who loves them.
It is our unity that brings about saving faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
It not only saves others, but it saves us as well.

And so not only our salvation but the salvation of the entire world depends on the church standing firm together.

Philippians 1:29

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,"

Paul says what many Christians today don't want you to hear because Paul is not ashamed of the gospel.  I mean the entire gospel, not just the good parts you tell your non-christian friends in hopes you might trick them into "faith".  What good is it to "save" someone through deception lest they come to believe the entire gospel is a lie once they realize the truth.


What does Paul say?  That not only is salvation a gift, but so are the sufferings we endure for his name.  A gift.  Because God likes to see his children suffer?  Far from it!  Those who suffer together strive together with one spirit and one mind for the faith of the gospel (v27).  We suffer with Christ because we are in Christ and no servant is greater than his master (John 15:20).  Our suffering together brings us into greater unity.


We are one Body and Christ is our head (Eph 4:15-16) because we are united in hardship.  So we rejoice in our suffering (Rom 5:3-5) because through them we know we are in Christ when we suffer for his sake and the sake of the gospel (Rom 8:17).  It is when we stand firm together despite suffering that is a sign to us of our salvation despite it appearing to the world that we are being destroyed (v28).

After all, those who lose their lives for Christ will save them (Mark 8:35), the one who is not ashamed of Christ, Christ will not be ashamed of him (Mark 8:38), and all who have left mother and brothers will not fail to receive a hundred fold what they have left, and with them persecutions (Mark 10:30).  Don't be afraid to tell people the truth of the gospel, all of it, for half a gospel produces half a Christian with half of a salvation.

Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

What is prayer?  It is an act of communion with a deity. It is the act of drawing nearer into the presence of God and it is God's presence which comforts and gives peace of mind.  Prayer is how you connect with God, whatever the form (writing, art, music, dancing, nature walks, etc.).

Prayer has four main uses:

1. Petition:  Asking God to fulfill both spiritual and physical needs.  This is what most people think of when they think of prayer.
2. Contrition:  Confessing your sins to God and asking for his forgiveness.
3. Adoration:  Worshiping God for who He is.  This is an act of fully appreciating the fullness of God's character.
4. Thanksgiving:  Thanking God for provision.

Prayer doesn't even need words.  If you walk mindfully through the woods in silence, appreciating creation and communing with God, you are praying.  If you are reading God's Holy Word and meditating on it, you are praying.  Prayer is a conversation; Not just you talking, but also listening.  If ever you would just keep silent you might just hear God whispering to you.

What a joy it is to be in the presence of God and to know his peace!  Be mindful of him always and you will pray without ceasing.  It's like being with a lover all day and night;  Prayer is true bliss.