It is unsatisfying to eavesdrop on an animated phone conversation and only hear half the story. Here we have Paul’s side of a debate, but we don’t know the exact details, nor his readers’ response. 

Something has gone wrong. There is opposition from outside. Paul urges these Christians to be like citizens, conducting themselves like soldiers – military images made sense in Philippi. They are to stand firm and strive together as though in battle (v 27). Paul empathises with them in their struggle.

This mattered because there was disunity within. Maybe Paul is referring to wrongly motivated preaching (1:15). Whatever, he reminds them of their fellowship in the past and what they still have in common (2:1–4). They are united with Christ. They belong to him and therefore belong to each other. He urges them to set their minds to rediscover what they share, seeking to love and value one another beyond themselves. Acquiescence is not enough. Cooperation and a spirit of unity is called for, even if they disagree. 

On Christmas Eve, we are reminded that Jesus was born in a divided country. The Middle East is still riven by religious barriers. Pray for peace in that region.

‘God in three persons, blessèd Trinity.’¹ Lift your praise to him who is one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, living in perfect unity. 

Some commentators regard verse 27 as the key verse in the whole letter. Paul’s overarching desire, expressed throughout Philippians, is that his readers ‘conduct [them]selves’ in a ‘manner worthy’ of Christ’s gospel. This principle shapes all dimensions of daily life: nothing is held back. Throughout his letters, Paul teaches that inner thoughts,² friendships,³ finances,⁴ working lives,⁵ service within the gathered church,⁶ and much more, are all to be brought into conformity with the gospel. The psalmist prays, ‘give me an undivided heart’.⁷ Is there any part of your life which is somehow ‘divided’, partitioned off from the influence of the gospel? Begin to dismantle that wall today, in the strength that God gives. 

In our verses, Paul especially brings the gospel to bear on the church. The word ‘one’ is crucial. It occurs four times, but the appeal to unity affects the whole argument. Note that this is not a lowest-common-denominator unity, which is shapeless and has no purpose. Rather, it is a gospel unity, closely reflecting the life and mission of the one who brought the church into being: Jesus Christ. Paul is especially concerned that God’s people remain wedded to the core truths of the gospel, standing firm in a hostile world (vs 27,28). Further, he wants them to love one another in ways that are patterned on Christ’s greater love for them (2:1). I write these words as we continue to move through the ravages of Covid-19 and navigate our way into a new future. Few things are needed more than gospel churches that are courageous in standing for the truth and are compassionate (v 1), embodying the love of Christ in community. Church is not always like this of course, but let’s be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. What positive difference can you make? 

What will it mean for you to ‘conduct yourself’ in a manner worthy of the gospel in your relationships as we anticipate the coming of Jesus? 

¹ R Heber, 1783–1826, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty’  ² 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 4:8; Col 3:2-5 ³ Rom 12:5; 1 Cor 1:10  ⁴ 2 Cor 9:6,7  ⁵ Col 3:23; 1 Thess 4:11-12  ⁶ 1 Cor 12:27-30  ⁷ Ps 86:11