Recently, our Wednesday night Prayer and Bible Study group completed a long-form study of Philippians. Our leader, John Harp, called on us to cite verse from the book that impacted us along the way in our study.
This is one of the passages that I chose.
Paul is writing to his friends in Philippi, saying,
“27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that—whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent—I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation—a sign which is from God.” (Phil. 1:27-28, NET)
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi from prison. But he is looking out for the church. He wanted them to live a consistent Christian life. Paul wants to hear the news that they are working together for the sake of the gospel. In the last part of verse 27, he wants to know that they are engaged in Christian apologetics.
There are times when speaking up for the truth of the gospel will bring opposition, but Paul admonished the Philippians church that they should not be intimidated by the opposition.
Neither should we. We should be lifelong learners of the gospel truth. As believers, we should be engaged in Christian apologetics.
Mark Riser - Apologist 