"Only let your manner be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see your 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" (Philippians 1:27).
Paul encouraged the church in Philippi to live worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What does that look like?
Live like you are redeemed. You actions and words should reflect a change in your life. You should not have the same attitudes as those who are not following Christ. You should not be doing the same things in the same way that you were before God called you to Himself.
You shouldn't be different, just to be different. The differences in your life shouldn't make people say, "Well, that's odd." Rather, they should see and hear something that's appealing, so that they want to know why you responded like you did; why you do this, but not that. Your differentness should point people to Christ and His good news, not to you.
Talk like you are redeemed. You need to talk about the gospel. People may notice that you are different, but that is not going to get them to heaven. Remember that they are lost and headed to hell if they are not trusting in Christ's work on the cross. Seize the opportunities that are before you to warn them and tell them of God's redeeming love.
Work together with other redeemed people. The rest of the verse talks about the unity of those who are working together for the spread of the gospel. A follower of Christ will unite himself to others who are spreading the gospel and work with them. Firm in the faith. United in doctrine. Working hard to tell others about the work of Christ on the cross.
So what would Paul say if he came to visit you today? Would he be able to tell that you are redeemed? Would he be encouraged by your hard work with others in the spreading of the gospel?
No comments:
Post a Comment