According to several scientific studies conducted about first impressions, it takes seven seconds for the human brain to create an impression about someone upon first meeting them. And in that initial meet every second is important in creating a good impression. Unfortunately, first impressions can only be made once and it is over in a matter of seconds, meaning that the short interaction can have a lasting impact. Think about where this might make an impact say in a job interview, or on a date, or even when going to church for the first time. Impressions are made quickly. And the way a person conducts themselves, even in those first brief seconds of interaction, can have a lasting impact on how they are perceived.
In Philippians 1:27-30 Paul, the writer of this letter, presses upon his audience the importance of conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. He isn’t aware of these scientific studies about how quickly people might form opinions of others, but he is aware that the gospel impacts the conduct of a believer.
An Exhortation
In v27 Paul gives his first exhortation to the church in Philippi.
v27-30 is one whole sentence in its original language but try speaking that in English and seeing how you go. And if you’re someone who enjoys knowing the technical detail of scripture then know that it is from this opening line, the opening sentence in English, that everything else hangs off. Like a wardrobe, the beginning of v27 is the bar across wardrobe and the rest is on hangers.
Different English translations have sought to express the exact nature of what Paul is saying here, some say, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The one I tend to use, the CSB, says, “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
We’re essentially hearing the same thing just in different words. Paul wants to get across the fact that as citizens of Christ’s kingdom, as the people of God, the Philippians are to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the message of Christ.
And this is the encouragement, to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, because it is through the gospel we are shaped.
The Gospel On Repeat
The gospel, the good news of what God has done in Christ, is of such importance for Paul that he can’t help but keep it on repeat.
Back in the olden days when people would use CD players you would hit a button and it would allow you to repeat the song over and over. Now we have a similar button in the music app on our phones. When we enjoy a song, when we want to hear the song again and again, then we put it on repeat.
For us as Christians we need the gospel on repeat.
It reminds us of what God has done in Christ.
It allows us to enjoy the good news of the gospel again and again.
We constantly need the gospel on repeat in our lives for it to keep making an impact because if we’re honest we’re prone to forget it too.
We don’t just accept the gospel and move on with our lives, no, we need the gospel again and again and again. We need to hear the story of the gospel, the message of the gospel, of God’s great plan of salvation for us through his Son Jesus, again and again.
Paul recognises this and keeps reminding the church about this. Everything is founded on the gospel and the gospel impacts everything (Philippians 1:5, 8, 12, 16, and 27).
The Gospel On Display
The gospel shapes our conduct, our behaviour, our attitudes, and our lives will display just how central the gospel is to us.
As Carolyn Mahaney, pastor wife and author has written,
“Our conduct has a direct influence on how people think about the gospel. The world doesn’t judge us by our theology; the world judges us by our behaviour. People don’t necessarily want to know what we believe about the Bible. They want to see if what we believe makes a difference in our lives.”
And CS Lewis speaks in a similar, albeit in a negative way, saying,
“When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world.”
The gospel shapes us.
The gospel displays us.
And so the exhortation comes from Paul, that because we are gospel citizens, because we are gospel people, then we are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:
- The Enduring Joy of Christ
- Slaves + Saints: The Essence of Christian Partnership
- Gospel Partnership Is Joyful Partnership
- Gospel Partnership Is Prayerful Partnership
- The Advance of the Gospel: In Suffering
- The Advance of the Gospel: Selfish Motives vs. True Intentions
- The Advance of the Gospel: In Joy
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