Tag: worthy of the Gospel
Dwell in my midst!
Scripture reading for February 10th: Exodus 25-27, Psalm 90, Philippians 1
Philippians 1: 27-30 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you 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, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”
Even though Christ has called us to an abundant life here and for eternity, and dwells with us through the Holy Spirit, there is opposition that can cause us to fear. Paul, called of God, was in prison and facing possible death for preaching the Gospel. He wanted to encourage God’s people and wrote to them that even in this trial, those who were holding him had heard the Gospel. His firm stance without fear of death was a sign to those who opposed him of their destruction and of his own salvation. The holy boldness was from God indwelling Paul and it is the same for us. God is calling us to live lives worthy of the Gospel, free from fear and standing firm in our faith and confession. Our simple faithfulness will produce fruit and bring God’s favor and power. Try it! You will be blessed!
Exodus 25:8-9 “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, an of all its furniture, so you shall make it.”
Prayer: Father God, in response to Your great Gospel, I have opened my life to Your indwelling Presence. Strengthen me today to boldly witness of Christ Jesus and not be hampered by petty fears. Unite me with Your people of old like Moses and Paul who stood firm and prayed for the people of God. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and favor to reach those needing the Good News!
Psalm 90:15-16 “Let Your work be shown to Your servants, and Your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Christ our supreme example!
Scripture reading for September 30th: Philippians 1:27-2:18
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the Gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–and that by God.” (Philippians 1:27-28) Paul wanted these saints to stand firm and live for Christ no matter what happened to him. There was no need for fear because God had promised to take care of His own. As they stood in unity without fear, this would be a sign to those who opposed them that God was with them and that they would be destroyed! God used some interesting signs!
The ultimate example of faith and trust in the face of suffering was Jesus Christ. Paul reminded the Philippians to imitate Christ’s attitude. “Who being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-7) We are placed here by God to serve and obey Him. This was Christ’ attitude and it should be ours!
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out you salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13) Our obedience is not dependent on pleasing men, but God. Choices are required each day to cooperate with God in accomplishing His purposes.
Paul was concerned with this church’s witness after he was gone. He did not want them to back off from their commitment to Christ if he was martyred or if they might also be martyred. He was very aware of the temptations of the culture of that time. He wanted them to let their lives shine for Christ and continue to reach the lost. How much like Christ was Paul! May we imitate our Lord as well!