Make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the gospel of Christ. So whether I do come or just hear about you from a distance, I may know that you are standing fast in a united spirit, battling with a single mind for the faith of the gospel and without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. Philippians 1:27-28
We like to say that the Constitution is a living document, vital to any time period of our country’s history. In the same way, we understand the Bible as the living, breathing Word of God, adaptable to 21st century America as much as to the early church. Reading it in the context of the time in which it was written, it seems specific to that situation. But often correlations exist with modern issues.
The town of Philippi was a colony of the Roman Empire, settled not by natives of the area, but by citizens of Rome. Paul, a Roman citizen himself, metaphorically used citizenship terms in reference to the Philippians’ inclusion in the church. And they understood. Themes of responsibility and unity rang true to them. In the same way, as citizens of the United States, we, too, can make that association. We appreciate the sacrifice made on our behalf and the debt we owe to those who gave their lives for the ideals and values of the United States. But to be worthy of the gospel…can we really understand the scope of this requirement?
The phrase “to be worthy” must be interpreted in both a passive and active sense. It is passive in that we are worthy, not because of anything we have done, but because of the forgiveness of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. To be worthy, then, implies that we accept this gift, never forgetting that the source of our salvation is grace.
The congregation at Philippi understood the enormity of being worthy of the gospel. Their status had been alien, outsiders to the religion of the Jews, unclean and unsaved. But God had spoken to Peter concerning Cornelius, Paul had received the Macedonian call and those who had been excluded had become a part of the family of God, the body of Christ. Paul wrote to the Ephesians that God’s plan had been revealed and it was that all human history would be consummated in Christ Jesus, that everything that existed in Heaven and on Earth should find its fulfillment in Him. This inheritance, received through Christ, was insured by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Worth, therefore is determined by the giver rather than the recipient.
Knowing and understanding the sacrifice of God through Jesus Christ compels response. The promise of life has been sealed but must be shared. Jesus said “Go into all the world and, as you go, tell.” As you go…in all things…or, as the New International Version of the New Testament explains, whatever happens. Paul encouraged the Philippians to be bold in the way they lived. But boldness requires trust and trust grows from faith. Doubt is perhaps the greatest threat to the Christian walk. It seeps into the foundation of our faith, weakening and eroding. It is easier sometimes to obey God than to trust Him. Obedience stems from necessity but trust requires commitment – in all circumstances, whatever life brings. Paul says, for him to live is Christ and to die is gain. We must accept that this life is on the terms of the world but our hope lies in a Higher Authority. Therefore we walk boldly, following in the footsteps of Christ. We live worthy of the gospel.
Paul ends this section of his letter warning the church to remain on their guard against those who oppose the gospel. Just as our friends help to identify who we are, so our enemies define us. What we welcome as good and just and kind becomes a part of us but that which
we oppose also outlines our loyalties and our beliefs. Understanding this, we stand firm in one spirit in the faith, rejecting those who are enemies of the teaching of the gospel.
Thought Questions
1. The world’s concept of worth lies in exchange value. How might this be used to explain being worthy of the gospel?
2. What are some ways we are defined by our enemies?
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We see in the gift of Christ the worth that God has placed on us. We are unworthy of such value in the world’s eyes yet God Almighty, Who is the final say in the assessment, has deemed us so. But to look at this from a different perspective, if we accept the value that God has placed on us, we must accept that same value for others. It is God’s will that none should perish but all should have eternal life through Christ Jesus.
In respect to the second question, we like to define ourselves by those we stand for. But our silent witness is often who we stand against.
1. I've been thinking about this question for days and would love to hear more of your thoughts to make sure I understand. I know that Jesus paid it all and all to Him I owe. :) “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). God was willing to pay the highest price in the universe to redeem me —the blood of His son. My worthiness comes from the understanding, appreciation, desire for that over anything else. I certainly don't deserve it.
2. My immediate thought was about my biggest enemy, Satan. He tries to decide me daily and convince me of lies. In the past I…
LInda, you make a good point about our response to God's love. We can in no way repay His gift of grace and so we accept with love and devotion. And what does this say about how God values us - what is our worth to Him? The price paid for our redemption was Jesus assumption of our sin, paid in full by His death at Calvary.
In reference to the second question, we are often concerned about how we are seen by others. But the opinion of those who oppose us is not in our control. Where we stand - either in support or in refusal - speaks to our character.
my first week summary response to questions: (were posted in wrong place) I have to listen to God, my Heavenly Father, speak to me thru His Word, the Bible. And be still and listen to Him thru quite time. Listen and be guided by the Holy Spirt, what He wants me to do. Whether or not what I think should be done is actually His leading me. And what I may not want to do is what He wants me to do.
now for the Second Week: "Worthy of The Gospel" 1. His love is a free gift. I cannot do something to earn it. I have to show that I Do accept His gift. The exchange is t…