Scripture
27 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 the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 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. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
Reflection
“Whatever happens”, no matter what… in the original Greek it meant “only, simply”. The apostle Paul’s words of encouragement to the believers in Philippi are as powerful and relevant now as it was then. What if we lived our lives “only conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”? Wholehearted, single-minded, true to the Gospel, standing firm in one Spirit striving together as one?
As we talk about seeing the giant of comfort being defeated, it’s important to keep in mind the why: for the faith of the gospel! Not only to believe in Christ and in what He has done, but to be willing to suffer for him, like other believers have previously suffered or are still suffering.
When I look back I can see how my family was reached out because a missionary family left Taiwan and decided to plant a church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, decades ago. After establishing the church that family left Brazil, so I don’t remember ever meeting them, but the fruits of their ministry were a blessing to many. You and I were reached by the Gospel by the fruit of the lives of many who have come before us and had advanced the Gospel, giving up their lives for His sake.
Can you look back and think of people close to you who have forsaken comfort for the sake of Christ? How has that impacted you?
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Invite the Holy Spirit to still you, fill you, and restore you. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”.
