Philippians 1:27-28 says: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.
Paul issues a command to all believers: your manner of life needs to reflect your belief in Jesus, and His call for us to follow Him.
What does this “manner of life” look like?
- “One Spirit” – All believers have the Holy Spirit in common and it is the work of the Spirit which unites us. A Spirit-led life – not one driven by our own abilities, feelings or desire – is a life worthy of the gospel.
- “One Mind” – The one mind we all have in the “mind of Christ”. It is easy for other pursuits, thoughts, novelties and arguments to divide. Instead, together, we have the mind of Christ when we draw near to Him in humility.
- “Striving side by side” – the result of one-ness of Spirit and mind is the body of Christ pulling together, under the yoke of Jesus, for the purpose of His Kingdom.
This is the manner of life Jesus has called us to. This is the manner of life that is worthy of the gospel. And what is the result of this manner of life? It tells the world the message of the cross by the substance of our life: with Jesus we are saved, without Him we are lost (v28).
PRAYER: Father, manifest the life of your Spirit within me. Let your light shine through me and my brothers and sisters that all the world around us might know you are real and your heart is to save us from ourselves. In Jesus name, Amen.
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