"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ....that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" Philippians 1:27
Philippians 1:21-2:2
Christ is to be proclaimed no matter what! That's what we read last week. This week we'll see Paul continue to use his own life, experience, and desires to encourage the Philippians to stand firm and strive together for the faith of the gospel.
Paul recognizes that his life's purpose is to bring exultations to Christ (v. 20), and so in verse 21 he is saying that to live is the opportunity to bring Christ constant and continual glory or exultation though death would be greater - he would gain life with Christ in eternity. There's no comparison! Yet he accepts that it is better for him to remain on earth so that he can build up and encourage the churches and believers.
In light of remaining, he gives the believers one charge: "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (v. 27). And what does this mean? He tells us - Unity. Having "one spirit, one mind, striving together" (v. 27), "united in spirit, intent on one purpose" (2:2), that purpose being "the faith of the gospel" (1:27). There will most likely be conflict and suffering, but Paul urges the believers (and us today, I believe) not to be thrown off by those difficult circumstances (v. 28). Instead, trust God and continue in love, fellowship, affection, and compassion, striving for the gospel.
Let go of the petty differences and hurts you've encountered within the body of believers. Go, be reconciled with all believers. Let's be unified in spirit and intent on one purpose, living out and making known the gospel of Christ.
Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for creating me to not only be in relationship with You, but with all of Your people. Help me remember the purpose that I share with them, to bring You glory and make You known. Thank You for my church. Please help us to have one heart and one mind focused on You. I praise You for being our perfect God, greater than all else. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Philippians 1:21-2:2
Christ is to be proclaimed no matter what! That's what we read last week. This week we'll see Paul continue to use his own life, experience, and desires to encourage the Philippians to stand firm and strive together for the faith of the gospel.
Paul recognizes that his life's purpose is to bring exultations to Christ (v. 20), and so in verse 21 he is saying that to live is the opportunity to bring Christ constant and continual glory or exultation though death would be greater - he would gain life with Christ in eternity. There's no comparison! Yet he accepts that it is better for him to remain on earth so that he can build up and encourage the churches and believers.
In light of remaining, he gives the believers one charge: "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (v. 27). And what does this mean? He tells us - Unity. Having "one spirit, one mind, striving together" (v. 27), "united in spirit, intent on one purpose" (2:2), that purpose being "the faith of the gospel" (1:27). There will most likely be conflict and suffering, but Paul urges the believers (and us today, I believe) not to be thrown off by those difficult circumstances (v. 28). Instead, trust God and continue in love, fellowship, affection, and compassion, striving for the gospel.
Let go of the petty differences and hurts you've encountered within the body of believers. Go, be reconciled with all believers. Let's be unified in spirit and intent on one purpose, living out and making known the gospel of Christ.
Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for creating me to not only be in relationship with You, but with all of Your people. Help me remember the purpose that I share with them, to bring You glory and make You known. Thank You for my church. Please help us to have one heart and one mind focused on You. I praise You for being our perfect God, greater than all else. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
RSS Feed