The Book of Philippians Pt. 10 Spiritual Discipline: Working Together as One Body with One Mind

Live so that our "walk" matches our "talk!"

Theatre at Philippi

Philippians 1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 

Paul used another fascinating Greek word "politeuomai" which referred to the fact that Rome granted citizenship status to the city, something that was highly valued for the benefits that it brought. You can see that this word is part of the root of the word "political" and is connected to living as a proper Roman citizen. This word is translated "conversation" in this text. 

The word "conversation" is a lot more than what we speak. It is a word that refers to our pattern of life. I have also connected this to the word "way" marked out by our choices that leave a trail or "path" behind for others to observe. Our "conversation" will either encourage people to look to Christ or it will discourage them from being born again. The word "conversation" is summed up best by the phrase "Actions speak louder than words." 

The apostle Paul told us what our "conversation" should be like. It is to be a life that is becoming to the gospel. The word "becometh" is a word that means a life that is fitting, proper, complimentary and suitable for the gospel. Paul used this same word in writing to the Ephesians, Thessalonians and Colossians as he exhorted them to live for the glory of God. In those texts it is translated that we are to "walk worthy" for our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10 & 1 Thessalonians 2:12). 

Live as citizens of Heaven!

Ephesians 2:17-19  And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18) For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19)  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 

In other words, Paul urged believers to live as proper citizens of the kingdom of heaven by dedicating their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. A parallel text from his letter to the church at Ephesus helps us understand what he was driving toward. 

He wrote to the Ephesians about being reconciled to God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Because of being born again and placed "in Christ", those believers were made "fellow citizens" with the saints. We all used to be separated from God and His promises but were made partakers of them by the blood of Jesus. 

Thus, to "walk worthy" means living in a way that honors God and complies with gospel truth. Heavenly citizenship is a high honor and great privilege granted by the Father. Why wouldn't we wish to have a conversation or manner of life that shows what we believe does shape how we live? What a testimony of salt and light that life brings to a world that really needs to see how Jesus Christ makes such a dramatic difference in our lives. 

Paul hoped to hear a good report either in person by his coming to them, or from the lips of leaders sent by Paul to ascertain how the Philippians were progressing. 

Stand fast against error in any form. 

Paul exhorted the Philippians to "stand fast in one spirit." "Standing fast" means standing firm, immoveable in spite of any obstacles or resistance from others. It is a military term that means do not give up any ground to the enemy. For a believer, it means to be well grounded in the truths of God's Word so that we are not swayed by false teachers, false doctrines or devilish spirits (Ephesians 4:14). 

Paul mentioned "one spirit" six times in his letters to the churches. We are "one spirit" when we are joined to Christ at salvation (See 1 Corinthians 6:17). This "one spirit" is referring to the Spirit of God, and He baptizes us into the body of Christ and we drink of Him ( See 1 Corinthians 12:13, John 4:14 and John 7:37-39; Ephesians 4:4).

Test the spirits to see if they are of God or not. 

1 John 4:1-3  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 

Standing fast in "one spirit" also corresponds to John's exhortation to "try the spirits" because there are many spirits of antichrist in the world today (1 John 4:1). It takes work to discern truth from error, especially when false teachers and false spirits mix in some truth with their errors. This is why Paul encouraged them to stand fast. 

Work together for the sake of the gospel.

Paul then urged the believers to "strive together for the faith of the gospel." The words "strive together" mean that we stand united as one body in Christ, standing fast and not giving up any ground to our mortal enemy who seeks to destroy the word of God and the people of God. It means having one mind, a unity of purpose that is focused upon the ministry of the gospel of Christ. 

The Greek word "sunathleō" is translated "strive together." "Sun" simply means doing the action together. "Athleo" is part of the word "athlete" and this is a great way to think about living life for Christ. The Roman culture featured the Olympic Games just as modern cultures generally do today (COVID notwithstanding). 

What does an Olympic athlete do? Each one spends years in rigorous training to discipline themselves to compete with the best athletes in the world. They maintain a proper diet with excellent nutrition, good sleep habits and avoid drugs, drinking, smoking or any other thing that might hinder their performance. They undergo constant weight training and resistance exercises designed specifically to enhance the muscles and parts of the body needed to successfully compete in a particular sport. 

Be a disciplined child of God. 

Paul wanted Christians to be fed the right spiritual food from God's truth, to be disciplined and have their minds honed in on the mission of evangelizing the lost, and trained well in order to live a life that reflects Jesus Christ in us!

Think about the word "discipline" for a moment. You can clearly see that it also contains the word "disciple" and this New Testament word is very important for us to understand. 

Spiritual Discipline involves denying self. 

Luke 14:25-27; 33  And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26) If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27) And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 33) So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. 

Luke recorded some of Jesus' teaching about being His disciple. Jesus Christ must be the highest priority for a born again disciple of His. We must love Christ more than we love our family. We must be ready to bear our cross, in whatever form that may take. We must be willing to forsake everything in order to be Christ's disciple. I think we all can understand that being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves discipline, focus and self denial.

The word "disciple" means a lot more than a follower or student of Christ. It refers to a person who adheres to the Word of God and makes it his or her rule of conduct. The teaching of Christ in the Bible becomes our moral compass and source of motivation. 

There are positive and negative aspects of spiritual discipline. 

Things to "Put Off"

Ephesians 4:22  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Colossians 3:8-9  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.9  Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

We are already acquainted with some of the various "disciplines" of following our Master, Jesus Christ. The negative aspects of spiritual discipline would be the "put offs" that Paul gives us. Self denial is one and mortifying the deeds of our flesh is another. 

Things to "Put On" 

Romans 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Ephesians 4:24  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Colossians 3:10  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Colossians 3:12  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:14  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

The positive aspects of spiritual discipline would be the "put ons" that also were given by Paul. Ceaseless prayer and studying the Word are things we put on. Pursuing holiness and being a faithful witness for Christ are additional "put on" disciplines of being Christ's disciple. Loving and serving God first, followed by loving and serving others is part of that disciplined Christian life. 

Spiritual discipline involves mortifying the deeds of our flesh.

Romans 8:12-14  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Living after the flesh, according to the lusts of our flesh is a major hindrance to each born again believer. Those who live after the flesh will die because they care more about the things of the flesh than the things of God. Carnal minded people cannot please God. Only those who are spiritually minded will enjoy of life of peace (Romans 8:5-6). 

You see spiritual discipline and training very clearly in this text. Through the power of the Spirit of God we can and must mortify the deeds of our body. To "mortify" literally means to kill or choke off any opportunity of feeding our "old man." For example, if you used to curse badly before your were born again, and God rescued you from that sin, you would not want to spend your time hanging out with people who curse. 

Romans 13:14  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. 

This is what Paul meant by telling us to mortify the deed of our flesh, through the working of the Spirit of God in us. Someone who used to commit sexual sin before being born again, should make an all out effort to never be around in people or influences that might lead to sexual sins.

Thoughts to Ponder...

Our conversation (our thoughts, words and actions) need to reflect what we say we believe. If we say "I am a born again believer" and we live in sin, then we are a mere hypocrite, pretending to be someone that we are not. People in this world need to see real, genuine Christians, not people who claim Christianity but live like the Devil during the week. 

We need to live as citizens of the kingdom of God and maintain a heavenly focus. Too many believers are going about demanding their "rights" from the government or whomever. We need to remember that the only claim we have is to being a hell bound sinner, destined for eternity apart from God. 

Jesus Christ rescued us from the miry pit of sin and put His Spirit in us to enable us to live for His honor and glory. Thus, our only real right as a born again believer is to be a bond slave for Jesus Christ. 

We must stand fast with one spirit against error, heresy and false teachers. Many of these are in the world today, but we must stick with the Word of God. It is our lifeline to heaven because it is God's self revelation to mankind. 

We must become disciplined followers of Jesus Christ. We need spiritual discipline just as an Olympic athlete needs physical discipline in order to succeed. We need a healthy spiritual diet just as an Olympian needs a healthy diet. We need need proper spiritual training and routines, just as an athlete needs specific training and routines.  

The Spirit of God will teach us, lead us, walk with us, pray with us, comfort us, encourage us, exhort us, rebuke us and point us to Christ. Just as He is the Master Choreographer for our lives, so will He be our Trainer in spiritual discipline. 

The Spirit of God will shows us things we need to "put off" and He will help us to remove those obstacles to a God pleasing manner of life. He will also show us things we need to "put on" and He will strengthen us to obtain the things which make a positive impact upon our spiritual life. 

Such good truth we are learning from Paul's letter to the Philippians. I pray that God will work in us so we are truly motivated by His grace to live for His glory and seeking to advance His kingdom purposes. 

Bob