Scripture For Today: Philippians 1:27-30
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
Philippians 1:27
“Red rover, red rover, send Jimmy right over”. These words have echoed across playgrounds and parks for years. As Jimmy runs toward the line of the opposing team hoping to bust through their interlocked arms and score a victory for his team, the other side tightens their grip, sets their feet, and encourages one another to hold on tight, not give in, and repel the attack of Jimmy. The strongest team wins, the team that holds together as opponent after opponent crashes into their unified front, each attacker finding themselves unable to bust through the chain of bodies that has become as one. Bruises are the badges of honor for worthy team members when the victory is won. Christ calls us to this kind of unity as individual members of our churches who are committed to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Worthy living is joining the team, taking your place, and fighting the fight with your fellow church members
Paul challenges the Philippian believers with one joint priority, to live their lives as citizens of heaven who are worthy of their calling to be the carriers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Worthy living is living where we are engaging in the battle for the souls of men together (striving together), with one purpose (spirit) and with one passion (mind) where we are not afraid because we have adversaries who are trying to defeat us and silence the message of the gospel, but instead have recognized that the gift of saving faith is accompanied by the gift of suffering for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ. Living worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ means having as our top priority the lifestyle of laboring together in unity for the cause of the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and standing fast in the face of opposition even at the cost of great suffering in the battle. “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Philippians 1:29.
The call to the Philippian believers to live lives worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ extends to us. We must strive together in one purpose and one passion to see the gospel advanced into the world even in the face of opposition and suffering. Be bold my brethren, stand fast together, Don’t fear but press on. It is our gift not only to believe on Christ but to suffer where necessary for His sake. Worthy living is joining the team, taking your place, and fighting the fight with your fellow church members, not fighting the church members while the lost speed into a Christ less eternity. Live worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ!