The Well Mannered Christian
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. [28] and not frightened in anything by your opponents.”
Paul, writing in, Philippians 1:27–28a esvbible.org
The well mannered Christian.
Sometimes finding one is like finding Waldo.
Now, the followers of Jesus are really supposed to stand out in the crowd, which may irritate the crowd.
Paul writes that the manner of our lives is to be worthy of the gospel, worthy of the price Jesus paid for our salvation, on the cross.
What is a Christian supposed to look like?
The answer is not about clothing, or haircuts, or how large a Bible we carry around.
It is about loving God, loving one another, and loving our neighbor, because God loves us, and our neighbor. When asked about what is necessary to inherit eternal life, Jesus said this:
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)
In our text Paul elaborates on what our manner of life is supposed to look like, all day, every day, in six ways.
1. Our manner of life is to be controlled (“standing firm”).
Whether in the supermarket checkout, the traffic jam, the pastor’s office or the worship service, we are to show some measure of control, over our thoughts, words, feelings and emotions.
Self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit. It is one of the qualifications for an elder. Peter warns us:
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7)
This means that we do not allow our temper or emotions to control us. It means not being under the influence of any intoxicants that lower our inhibitions.
2. Our manner of life is to be conformed (“in one spirit”)
The Bible provides us with all the commands, rules, and guidance we require in order to conform to the will of God.
Another warning from Peter:
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance.” (1 Peter 1:14)
We are to be like Jesus. As well as being our Lord and Savior, He is also our example, our model, our template, for how we are to live.
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29)
3. Our manner of life is to be convinced (“with one mind”)
When we, as Christians, believe, declare and adhere to the truth, there is a wondrous and winsome unity.
This can be heard in reciting one of the creeds, or in publicly affirming a church covenant or statement of faith. In doing so we are following Paul’s instruction:
“I therefore, ma prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1–3)
We are called to maintain the unity which the Spirit has already created as we are convicted and convinced of the truth of the gospel.
4. Our manner of life is to be cooperative (“striving side by side”)
When the followers of Jesus work together, in harmony with the will of God and with one another, there is something attractive for the world to see.
Too often the world is more fascinated, entertained and amused by public squabbles between Christians.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)
This is how we are to live together and work together.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
(Ephesians 4:15–16)
5. Our manner of life is to be committed (“for the faith of the gospel)
We are not to be people who are intellectually, emotionally or spiritually tossed around by every wind of false doctrine.
We are those who are redeemed, reconciled and restored by the gospel. We are saved!
“But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.” (Romans 6:17)
6. Our manner of life is to be courageous (“ not frightened”}
We are saved by, belong to, and are watched over by Almighty God, creator of all that is, the omnipotent Lord.
The phrases, “fear not”, and, “do not be afraid” are among the most common, repeated over and over again throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament, over six hundred times.
God is telling us something which He knows we need to hear, often. Hear what Jesus tells us:
“‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.’” (John 14:1)
Does your manner of life stand out, for the sake and spread of the gospel?
Time to manner up!
Soli Deo gloria!
