Message summary: Whatever happens today let us all conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!

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

For several days our messages have been dealing with the theme of "Whatever Happens", the two words that begin our text.

On Monday we began with what Paul was likely alluding to in the initial context, his own imprisonment and the opposition to the gospel.

On Tuesday we considered how in the short-term we often don't know what the outcome will be and in some instances it's not the outcome we desired. In Wednesday's message we saw this was also the case in the lives of those in the Bible. The advantage we have over these Bible characters is that we already know the outcome since it's now a part of history.

Yesterday's message was a reassuring truth that, regardless of the uncertainty and disappointments in short-term outcomes, we have a lasting hope in the final victorious outcome.

Today we will examine Paul's command to the Philippian believers and through Scripture it's addressed to all of us: " Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ". Other versions state it like this: "Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ", "always to live as Christians should".

Of course we learn what that means from the entirety of teaching on conduct in the Bible, but for this message let's just consider elaboration in the verses that follow.

Today we all need to make a renewed resolve to:

1) Stand firm, being steadfast and faithful. Theodore Roosevelt is attributed with a quote we have seen used effectively as a thought-provoking spiritual message on a church sign: "It is better to be faithful than famous".  Eldon Lehman is a friend who departed this world after a long, fruitful life as a follower of Jesus Christ. He was our Sunday School teacher many years ago and I recall his studiousness as he had attended Lancaster Bible College while farming in his middle years. The pastor used an interesting phrase at his memorial service describing Eldon's life as "quiet faithfulness".

2) Strive together. Striving means to devote serious effort or energy. It expresses the idea of contending side-by-side, evoking the image of teammates in an athletic arena who struggle for the same prize. The verb occurs only in Philippians, where Paul urges believers to pursue the advance of the gospel shoulder-to-shoulder rather than as isolated competitors. (Strongs)

3) Have no fear. "without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you" (v.28). There has always been various forms of opposition to the Gospel and God's truth. This can cause fear. As we face our world the ancient word from Joshua to the people of Israel remains a bulwark for the people of God in each generation, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Whatever happens today let us all conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13