Philippians 1:27
"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ... stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the Faith of the Gospel."
How important is one's conversation concerning character and conduct? Here, believers are encouraged to have a conversation (walk and talk) conducive to the Gospel of Christ. What does that look like?
First, the word conversation may also be translated as one's manner or conduct regarding the Gospel of Christ. The word "conversation" today often refers only to oral discourse; however, previously it referred to conduct in general—including, of course, our manner of speaking—but not limited to that. This broader meaning should be understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible. The original word used here, πολιτεύω (politeuō), means "to administer the state; to live as a citizen; to conduct oneself according to the laws and customs of a state" (Acts 23:1). The meaning then is "Let your conduct as a citizen be as becomes the Gospel."
We are reminded that, as children of God, we have dual citizenship. One aspect is our subjectivity to the laws and customs of the countries, states, and cities where we live. Citizenship comes with certain expectations regarding how we are to live. At the same time, God's children are citizens of a Heavenly Country, and their conduct—how they live—must reflect the glory of the One whose kingdom it is: the LORD Jesus Christ. Those of the Old Testament who were the LORD's elect lived their lives with that Heavenly Country in view, founded upon the Person and work of the LORD Jesus. As Hebrews 11:16 states, "But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city."
Second, their conduct as citizens is in accord with the Gospel of Christ. There is a way of living that is appropriate to the Gospel. Some try to apply this to outward forms of dress, style of living, and entertainment, but these are often just man-made rules of "touch not, taste not, handle not" (Colossians 2:21). Whole communities have been organized to distinguish one particular group from another, with different rules about how to wear their hair, dress, smoking, drinking, movies, etc. But here, it is not speaking of outward conduct, but rather a state of being or behavior that is conducive to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is one of liberty (Galatians 5:1)—liberty to serve Christ in the freedom (justification) that He earned and established for the elect of God, without being brought again into bondage by the do's and don'ts established by men. More importantly, it is the freedom to live in oneness of mind and heart with others who are citizens of Christ's kingdom (born again and drawn to Christ in repentance and faith—Acts 3:19).
Third, the evidence of conduct conducive to the Gospel of Christ is the oneness of mind and heart whereby the citizens of Christ's kingdom live their lives together for THE FAITH of the Gospel. THE FAITH refers to the objective content of the Gospel that sets Christ forth as the foundation of salvation, with His blood shed unto death as how He has brought in perfect Righteousness before God for each one for whom He died.
Among those who are the objects of God's Sovereign Grace, there is no disagreement concerning who Christ is, why He came to this earth, what He accomplished, for whom He did it, and where He is now. They might disagree over lifestyles, politics, sports, and entertainment, but about THE FAITH of the Gospel, once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3), they are ONE! This oneness that citizens of Christ's kingdom enjoy is spiritual, and it is for this unity that the LORD Jesus prayed: "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me" (John 17:21-23).
How Are Christ's People of One Mind?
We are of one mind and mouth in giving God ALL the glory in our salvation, leaving no place for personal merit or self-willed profession. "That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:6).
When we speak the Word in Truth (Christ), we are joined together in love for Him, likeminded in Who He is as God in the flesh, and how He established the righteousness necessary for God to be just and declare just everyone for whom Christ died, making them ALL One in Him. "Be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:2).
We are all of one love and accord for each other, as well as for the LORD Jesus, because of His work accomplished on our behalf. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul..." (Acts 4:32).
We are bound together in truth and love, growing up in Him because of Christ's finished work on the cross on our behalf. "But speaking the truth in love may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).
We not only have one mind with the other members of Christ's body, but we also have the mind of the LORD Jesus, submitted to Him, eager to be taught of Him in all things, and exhorting others in His body to do the same. "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16).
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