Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.

All have sinned.  Nobody is worthy of heaven.  Notice, however, the need for real change to happen in the lives of those who would come to Christ for salvation by grace.

Paul writes to the “saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi”  (Philippians 1:1).  These are saved people.  Saints are sanctified, set apart unto God by salvation from sin.  They were not worthy of that salvation. They did not deserve it.

However, the following instruction is clear:  “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, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God” (Philippians 1:27-28).

The saints in Philippi were commanded to walk worthy of the gospel.  That is telling them that now that they are saved, they need to walk as saved people walk.  They need to act in a way that honors the gospel of salvation.  When lifted up by the Lord in salvation by the forgiveness of sins, we should no longer walk in sin!  God’s people are saved from sin and should no longer participate in it!  The change we commit to when we repent must produce a real, practical change.

Notice that the persecution we suffer at the hands of our enemies is no excuse.  We must live according to the gospel of our salvation and not be terrified and discouraged by our spiritual enemies.  Notice further in this same verse:  that becomes a proof of our salvation!