Worthy of the Gospel

Posted on February 19, 2019 by America's Keswick 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:

• Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. NIV
• Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ…KJV
• Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ… NKJV
• Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. The Message

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.

The Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 7-8, Mark 16| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Let this be thy whole Endeavour, this thy prayer, this thy desire, that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only.” – Thomas a Kempis

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You,that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple. – Psalm 65:4