July 26- Philippians 1:27

THE VERSE


Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
~Philippians 1:27

THE THOUGHT


What does it mean to let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ? Isn't the whole point of the gospel that it comes to unworthy people? We are unworthy of God's love, and that is exactly the point. The gospel is free, unmerited, unearned, unworthy grace.

But that's not what Paul means here. The Greek phrase translated here as "let your manner of life be worthy" has the idea of conducting yourself as a proper citizen who represents his country well. It has the idea of being an ambassador, who when in a foreign country represents his homeland. The ambassador's words and actions represent the words and actions of his country, and so it is his solemn duty to represent his country well.

This is what Paul means by living a life "worthy of the gospel of Christ." A life worthy of the gospel is a life that represents the gospel well, a life marked by forgiveness, mercy, patience, and trust. It is a life, as Paul goes on to explain in the following verses, marked by a humble unity with other believers, an unswerving trust in God's free gift of righteousness, and a fearlessness in the face of opposition to the gospel. A life that puts the gospel on display as real, valuable, and life-changing is a life centered on the cross, a life that deeply appreciates the transforming power of God's grace.

THE PRAYER


Lord, I want my life to reflect the awesome love that You have for me. Make me a servant; make me humble; make me fearless; make me a devoted follower. Take me deeper into the mystery of Calvary, and teach me of how great Your love really is. Make my life worthy of the gospel of Christ.

EXTENDED READING


Philippians 1:27-28
Ephesians 4:1-3
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

THE QUOTE


“We cannot remain faithful and question God’s own faithfulness. His love for those who are in Christ is beyond question. His character is a constant and his love never fails. He is not loving and gracious toward believers at one moment, only to turn into a malevolent deity the next. He never changes.” ~Al Mohler

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR


Review/Catch-Up

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