LISTEN
New American Standard Bible:
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
New Living Translation:
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the good news about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the good news.
New King James Version:
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
New International Version:
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
Amplified Bible:
Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose], with one mind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel.
Context:
In the latter portion of Philippians chapter one, the apostle Paul discusses living like Christ.
Observations:
In the NLT, he starts this with “above all,” so we know it’s important.
Our conduct should be worthy of the gospel of Jesus. The NLT characterizes this as living as citizens of heaven.
Paul was not with the Philippians when we wrote this, so he exhorted them to conduct themselves in a manner so that their reputation would spread for Christ.
The gospel of Christ is good news.
Application:
Conduct ourselves like Christ. This means standing firm united with one Spirit, one mind and one purpose. We strive alongside our fellow believers as we would if we were fighting in a battle. And we strive for the faith of the gospel.
