Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. - Philippians 1:27
By: Bishop Jonathan Ferriol
By: Bishop Jonathan Ferriol
The gospel of Jesus Christ is not just mere confession of the lips. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ cannot be reduced to a mere teaching. The gospel is not simply something that we can print on glossy paper and out to people. There is more to the gospel than what we think it is. The gospel is a lifestyle.
Somebody said a long time ago, "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." In 1 Timothy 3:15 it says, "If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household." As members of God's household, it is expected of us that we must live to a certain standard. We must know how to conduct ourselves in a manner that is in keeping with what we say and with what we profess. Apostle Paul is giving us the understanding that there are conduct consistent with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are five conducts that befit the gospel we profess:
1. We must defend the gospel.
The Apostle Paul used the word "defense" twice in his letter to the Philippian church (Philippians 1:7, 16). We must know how to protect and preserve the gospel. This means that we must see to it that the purity and the essence of the gospel is preserved and not diluted by any other kind of message; that the gospel that saved you will also be shared to others.
If we will not defend the gospel, we will eventually see our faith becoming extinct. There are forces in our school system, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods that are seeking to get rid of God. You must know how to protect and preserve. The only way we can do this is when we preach and share the gospel.
2. We must content for the gospel.
The Apostle Paul is telling us to contend for the faith that was once entrusted to us (Jude 1:3). Understand this: The true Christian faith is combat. We must make a stand. There are principles that are not meant to be compromised. The only thing that can make us overcome that works of the enemy is when we learn how to fight for our faith. We need to begin speaking the gospel, telling others that there is a Savior and that they need salvation. Make a stand in your family. Make a stand in your school. We must be heard.
3. We must suffer for the gospel.
"It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him", (Philippians 1:29). True authentic Christianity is a life that is always tempered with righteous suffering. Do not go the path of what is convenient and what is easy. If you will really live for your faith, you will go against the gain of the wold. You will be upset to the people around because they will not agree with your faith and will be hostile to you. They might misunderstand and misinterpret you, but don't mind them, What you must be mindful of is what God will tell you when you eventually face Him.
4. We must aid the gospel.
We must give our partnership to the gospel. The Philippian church was complimented for aiding Apostle Paul time and time again (Philippians 4:14-15). How did they give? First, they gave physically. They were there. The best support you can give is your very self. Not only that, the Philippian church sent somebody among them, a young man named Epaphroditus, to various missions. He was a young man who almost died serving the Lord. Spending for the gospel is little, but the prize will be big.
Second, they gave financially. We need to aid, spend and invest. Give generously to advance the work of the Lord.
5. We must live in the gospel.
Live your life in keeping with the gospel. There are certain lifestyles we must adhere to. Paul is telling us we must be obedient to God's will, humble towards one another. We must also know how to rejoice, and to hold onto healthy mind set that is godly and apostolic. Rather than fill our minds with negative things, we must fill our minds with the things of God, because better things will always accompany our salvation. Paul says,
"Whatever you have learned, seen or heard from me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you", - Philippians 3:9
Follow apostolic way of serving the Lord. You will find yourself stronger and better.