Posted on October 20, 2021 by Catey Stover in Victory Call
It caught my eye.
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” Philippians 1:27
It got me to wondering, what does a life worthy of the gospel look like?
I did a little research. The word worthy in this context means suitably, worthily, in a manner worthy of[i], appropriately, as becometh, after a godly sort[ii]…
Different versions say it a little differently:
In the New Testament occurrences of this word, there are no implications that the individual is worthy as in deserving[iii] but instead, that our manner of life reflect, illuminate and confirm the Gospel rather than contradict or mar it.
So what does it look like to live a life worthy of the Gospel? Well, here are 4 passages of Scripture for our consideration.
…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:1-3
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ… standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents… 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… Phil 1:27-29
…walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father… Colossians 1:10-12
…we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12
I close with a summary offered by Melissa B. Kruger[iv]. “A life worthy of the gospel of Christ is fully submitted to God. It’s a life of inner abundance, joy, and peace – regardless of outward sufferings.”
So the question of the day is this: Am I living my life worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Does my life reflect, illuminate and confirm the Gospel to the watching world around me? Food for thought.
Blessings,
Diane
[i] Blue Letter Bible – Outline of Biblical Usage https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G516&t=ESV Accessed 2.13.19
[ii] Blue Letter Bible – Strong’s Definitions
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G516&t=ESV Accessed 2.13.19
[iii] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worthy accessed 2.13.19 having worth or value; honorable, meritorious; having sufficient worth or importance
[iv] Melissa B. Kruger, In All Things: A Nine-week Devotional Bible Study on Unshakable Joy, Multnomah. 2018.
Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “You are a poor soldier of Christ if you think you can overcome without fighting, and suppose you can have the crown without the conflict.” -John Chrysostom
The Daily Bible Reading: Reflection | You can download our 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. –Ephesians 5:1-2
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