Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. – Philippians 1:27
According to information from Raid, there are over 12,000 species of ants that have been studied by etymologists. There are mound-building ants, carpenter ants, ants that collect leaves, and ants that farm fungus. But when a line of them invades your picnic or, worse, your kitchen, they are not appreciated for their industriousness but are nuisances to be dealt with. Whatever you think of them, there is no denying that they are focused and motivated—they are on a mission!
In today’s verse, and through the remainder of the chapter, Paul is instructing the Christians at Philippi to conduct themselves as citizens of the Kingdom of God, to honor the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to stand firm in the faith, and to be courageous and fearless. Pastor and Bible scholar Dwight Edwards says believers are to live a cross-cultural lifestyle. Although citizens of Heaven, while on Earth, “We are to be a unified, advancing army, unwavering in our assault upon the gates of hell, enduring any and all of Satan’s opposition in God’s global conquest of fallen Earth.” You are to be motivated by what you have received and what you have learned of Jesus.
In the Greek, “to conduct yourselves worthy“ is an imperative present tense that calls for continuous conduct—not just on Sunday morning! Your walk needs to match your talk every day. Your life should be a consistent credit to Jesus and the Gospel. It is an honor to belong to Christ. Act like it! Theologian Lehmann Strauss said, “Our manner of life as Christians either helps or hinders the gospel. It either commends the truth to others or else makes the truth repulsive.” Let the Father’s grace to you and your love for the Savior motivate you to conduct yourself as worthy. Pray for Christians who hold public office to have the same goal.
Today’s Verse: Philippians 1:27
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,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 1:27-30
27 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, 28 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. 29 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, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
