CHRISTIAN CONDUCT AND COURAGE

Philippians 1:27-30 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; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict, which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

In the King James Version of the Bible, the word "conversation" is used 20 times, according to the reference source used in this study. In every instance its use includes, but is not limited to, verbal communication with others. But it also includes all manner of a person's behavior or conduct of life, not only the things they say, but also the things they do or cause to occur. The various words of the original that are translated, conversation, at times means "the way one travels, or the direction one takes, in life." In Second Peter we find the word used to describe the type lifestyle one lives. For instance, filthy conversation, is used in 2 Peter 2:27, while holy conversation, is mentioned in 2 Peter 3:11.

However, in the lesson text, the word translated, conversation, takes on an additional meaning. It expresses the manner of life that one renders as a citizen; and here as good citizenship - one that is becoming to a devoted citizen. As used here, it carries the same meaning as that used in Philippians 3:20, where it says that our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven. As studied on many occasions, citizenship in heaven is restricted to those that are members of the church of Christ on earth. Unless one walks becomingly, or obediently, to the gospel of Christ while living on earth, access into the heavenly kingdom of God will be denied. Conversation, or citizenship, worthy of entry into heaven is to be granted only to members of God's kingdom that demonstrate good Christian citizenship here on earth.

Paul told the saints at Philippi that, whether he personally observed, or, in his absence, heard of their conversation, or conduct, it was to be, as it becometh the gospel of Christ. Paul then tells them, as well as us today, the bases on which Christian conduct is attained. First, stand fast in one spirit. It is necessary to be steadfast and unmovable in carrying out God's word in their lives. Nothing is to deter, or change, the course of their obedience to His will. No human on earth is to alter, add to, or subtract from God's word. The pure gospel of Christ is to be used as the one and only foundation on which our citizenship in the kingdom of God is based.

Secondly, to be an obedient citizen in the kingdom of God, it is necessary to be of one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. There is to be unity of effort. Not competing, or striving against brethren in Christ, but working and striving together against the common enemies, adversaries of the cause of Christ. These enemies are Satan and his army of followers, which would include Satan's spokesmen - covetous teachers and preachers, that alter God's word for personal gain. It would also include all other Satan-inspired people that place their trust in worldly wisdom and attempt to persuade Christians to do the same.

There has always been, is now, and will always be adversaries of God. In Satan this is assured. Paul told the church at Philippi, and tells us today, that Christians are to be courageous, but not fearful of confronting evil. They are not to be terrified by opponents or adversaries of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. These adversaries assure opposition, and even at times persecution, for all children of God. Christian conduct and Christian courage go hand in hand, supporting and reinforcing each other. They are interdependent, gaining strength and constant, unrelenting determination, one from the other. Both are required in order for the Christian to overcome all adversariesand remain faithful throughout life to God and the cause of Christ.

This is God's assurance to the world - when the final chapter of His creation is ended, all faithful Christians will be enjoy eternal salvation in heaven, and all His adversaries will be destroyed in the depths of Hell. God through His Son, Jesus Christ, will, on the Day of Judgment, present each faithful Christian with their final rewards - The Good Conduct Medal, The Badge of Courage, and A Crown of Life.