Paul exhorts the Philippian church to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ in Philippians 1:27-30. We see a similar exhortation in Ephesians 4:1-3.
We may easily conclude that a life worthy of the gospel of Christ may mean that we live a life of holiness. While we must live holy lives and be Christ like, Paul is exhorting the members of the church in Philippi and Ephesus to stand together in unity!
Let us observe Philippians 1:27-30 more closely. Paul exhorts them to (a) stand firm in one spirit, (b) with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel, and (c) not frightened in anything by your opponents.
Stand firm in one spirit: A united approach to the work of the Gospel.
With one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel: Together working with each other for the faith to be shared.
Not frightened in anything by your opponents: Opposition will be there. But we are not to be frightened in anything.
Paul reminds them that opposition is a clear sign to the people causing the opposition that they are heading for destruction. It is wonderful that we don’t have to go and tell our persecutors that they are in need of salvation. Their work of persecution testifies of it to them. We have to introduce them to their savior!
We also note that Paul tells us that persecution is a sign to us of our salvation. Not that we must pursue persecution, but that we ought not to be perturbed by it. Because God has granted that we should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.
Let us therefore stand firm and work with each other to share the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And while we are at it, let no opposition cause us to fear!
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