September 2022

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“Striving Together for the Gospel”

 

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 1:27-28, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition (destruction), but to you of salvation, and that from God.”

 

The Apostle Paul gives us several admonitions. First, let our conduct (manner of life) be worthy of the gospel. In essence Paul says, “Let your attitude always reflect the character of God.” When battles rage and trials come, it is easy to fall prey to a disgruntled spirit. On another occasion in this same letter, Paul said, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus …” (Philippians 2:5a). Where do you struggle maintaining that kind of spiritual equilibrium in your life?

 

Secondly, Paul says, “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel …” (Philippians 1:27b). We are not called to be cookie-cutter Christians who all think alike and see everything from the same perspective. The things that distinguish us from one another make us stronger. Diversity is desirable. What the Apostle is calling for is a unity of spirit, a blending of heart that makes the work of the kingdom powerfully effective; and look at what brings us together “the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27b).

 

Finally, the Apostle concludes this portion of scripture with these words “and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God” (Philippians 1:28). Paul says in essence, “When the enemy sees the family of God, well-oiled and flowing in the Spirit, it is a sure indicator that their end is doom and defeat, but for the church, a sign that God is at work bringing about salvation and deliverance.”

 

Isn’t it great to know that victory belongs to the family of God? As we walk in a manner worthy of the gospel, in one accord, we are sending out a clear message to the devil and all the forces of darkness that we are on the winning side.

 

In Christian love,

Pastor Perry