Philippians, pt. 1—A Society of Heaven

Philippians 1:27 NIV
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

πολιτεύεσθε (polituesthe)
“live as good citizens” or “actively live out your political loyalty.”

Philippians 1:27 (pp.)
Live as citizens of the gospel of the King.

Key Terms: Empire, Caesar, Gospel, and Colony.

Paul call the Philippians to an alternative , , , and

“I am perfectly comfortable with what people normally mean when they say “the gospel.” I just don’t think it is what Paul means. In other words, I am not denying that the usual meanings are things that people ought to say to preach about, to believe. I simply wouldn’t use the word gospel to denote those things.” —N.T. Wright

The Gospel is the Good News that the Crucified Messiah is now the risen of the .

Philippians 2:10 NIV
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

Philippians 1:27b NIV
I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel

Citizenship of Heaven is lived out…

1.

“At the very outset he alerts us to the fundamental thesis that Christian sanctification cannot be reduced to an individualistic exercise. The struggles of the Christian citizen must be faced within the fellowship of the believing community.” —Moisés Silva

Question for Reflection:
What is one thing I can intentionally do to stand arm-in-arm with my fellow citizens of Heaven?

Philippians 1:28 NIV
This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

2.

We can’t just about it, we must about it.

Question for Reflection:
What does demonstrating the love and lordship of Jesus look like in an election season?

Philippians 1:29 NIV
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.

3. In

You can either live a life or an life.

Question for Reflection:
In what ways has my loyalty to King Jesus been wavering? What does He have to say about it?