𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗟

STRIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL

Philippians 1:27

INTRODUCTION

In Philippians 1:27, Paul calls the Body of Christ to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

This is not about religious striving, emotional striving, or striving to earn salvation.
It is about united, doctrinal, spiritual effort to defend, declare, and display Paul’s gospel of grace (1 Corinthians 15:1–4) in a world filled with false teaching, legalism, and confusion.

To strive together is to:

Stand shoulder-to-shoulder

Fight the good fight of faith

Defend the truth of this dispensation

Advance Paul’s gospel with unity and boldness

This message explains what striving together truly means—from a Pauline, rightly divided perspective.

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED CONVICTION

(Philippians 1:27)

A. Conviction in the Gospel of Grace

The gospel that saves today is Paul’s gospel.
— 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

B. Conviction in the Truth of the Mystery

Unity starts with the same doctrine.
— Ephesians 3:1–9

C. Conviction in the Authority of Paul’s Apostleship

We strive together because we follow the same pattern.
— 1 Timothy 1:16

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED CONFESSION

(Romans 1:16)

A. Confessing the Right Gospel

No mixture of works, law, or kingdom doctrine.
— Galatians 1:6–9

B. Confessing Christ’s Finished Work

Faith alone in Christ alone.
— Romans 4:5

C. Confessing Truth Without Fear

Boldness in a hostile culture.
— Philippians 1:20

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED CONTENDING

(Philippians 1:17)

A. Contending for Sound Doctrine

Protecting Pauline truth from corruption.
— Titus 1:9

B. Contending Against False Teachers

Standing firm against law-mixers and legalists.
— Galatians 2:5

C. Contending for the Clarity of Grace

The gospel must remain pure and unmixed.
— Romans 11:6

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED COURAGE

(Philippians 1:28)

A. Courage in the Face of Adversaries

Our boldness is a sign of their destruction.
— Philippians 1:28

B. Courage in the Midst of Persecution

Suffering accompanies truth.
— 2 Timothy 3:12

C. Courage in the Defense of Grace

Paul defended the gospel at all costs.
— Acts 20:24

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED COMMUNITY

(Ephesians 4:3)

A. Community in the Spirit

Unity through the Spirit, not flesh.
— Ephesians 4:3

B. Community in the Scriptures

One doctrine: Pauline doctrine.
— 1 Corinthians 14:37

C. Community in the Same Mind

Agreement in truth fuels unity.
— 1 Corinthians 1:10

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED COMMITMENT

(Colossians 1:28–29)

A. Committed to Edifying Others

Building up the Body in truth.
— Ephesians 4:12

B. Committed to Evangelizing the Lost

Making Paul’s gospel known.
— Romans 10:14–15

C. Committed to Enduring Hardness

Serving even when suffering.
— 2 Timothy 2:3

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED CONDUCT

(Philippians 1:27)

A. Conduct that Matches the Gospel

Walking worthy of grace.
— Colossians 1:10

B. Conduct that Mirrors Paul’s Pattern

Following his example.
— Philippians 3:17

C. Conduct that Magnifies Christ

Living so the gospel is honored.
— Philippians 1:20

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED CONFLICT

(Philippians 1:30)

A. Sharing in the Same Struggles as Paul

We face what he faced.
— Philippians 1:30

B. Sharing in the Opposition to Truth

Enemies arise when grace is preached.
— Galatians 4:16

C. Sharing in the Comfort of God

God strengthens those who suffer for truth.
— 2 Corinthians 1:4

STRIVING TOGETHER MEANS A SHARED CROWN

(2 Timothy 4:7–8)

A. A Crown for the Faithful

Those who strive will be rewarded.
— 2 Timothy 4:8

B. A Crown for the Fighters

Finishing the course of Pauline truth.
— 1 Corinthians 9:24–27

C. A Crown for the Faith-Defenders

Standing firm for grace does not go unnoticed.
— 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20

CONCLUSION

To strive together means more than church attendance, more than emotional unity, more than social fellowship—it is doctrinal unity, spiritual strength, and collective courage rooted in Paul’s gospel of grace.

We strive together when we stand together.
We stand together when we believe together.
We believe together when we follow Paul together.

Grace unites. Truth fortifies. The gospel advances.

CALL TO ACTION

Link arms with fellow believers in truth!
Stand firm on Paul’s gospel of grace!
Strive together to defend and declare the gospel!
Build unity through Right Division!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Striving together requires shared doctrine.
Unity comes from Pauline truth—not emotion.
The gospel of grace demands defense.
Standing fast is a group effort.
Right Division creates real unity.
The Body of Christ works best together.
Opposition rises where truth stands.
We must fight the good fight together.
Christ rewards those who strive for the gospel.
Strive together—because the gospel of grace is worth it.