Key Verse: “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27 CSB)
In some companies or organizations, employees are required to abide by a certain code of conduct. Typically linked to the company’s vision, mission and values, this code outlines specific standards of what is expected of the leaders and employees, particularly as it relates to their behaviour. It provides an important tool of accountability for the organization and those who are a part of it.
In this portion of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he turns his attention to reminding the believers of the expectations that are now on them as followers of Jesus. To be a part of God’s kingdom has clear implications on how they ought be living. Paul wrote to them saying, “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v.27). Ensure that the way you are conducting yourself is in proper alignment with the kingdom values and expectations that God has established.
This is not the first time Paul would give this kind of exhortation to his fellow believers. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, he wrote, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).
So what does this actually look like? What does it mean to live in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ? To the believers in Colossae, Paul described it as living a life, “fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). To live a life worthy of the gospel means to spend your life knowing God more, walking in complete obedience to Him, and engaging in fruitful service in His name.
In these verses in Philippians however, Paul provides two additional insights to what this looks like. First, to conduct oneself in a manner worthy of the gospel means to be pursuing unity with our fellow believers. Paul expressed his desire to them to hear, “that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel” (v.27). The Christian life is not to be marked by divisiveness and hostility toward others. Rather, it ought to be marked by the pursuit of peace, reconciliation and love. This is what the worthy life looks like.
Secondly, Paul described a life worthy of the gospel as one standing firm in the midst of suffering for Christ. He reminded them that, “It has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him” (v.29). The Christian life was never supposed to be easy. Knowing Jesus includes sharing in His suffering (Philippians 3:10). It requires perseverance, following in His footsteps through the hardship and pain. This is part of what we should expect.
So what about us then? In response to this, let us use these words from Paul as an opportunity for Spirit-led self-reflection. Are you living in manner worthy of the gospel? Does how you conduct yourself at work, at school, with your friends and neighbours rightly reflect your new citizenship in heaven? Are you seeking to align your life with all that God values and expects? Invite God to show you today what it looks like for you to live worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Prayer: Jesus, I want my life to be a right reflection to the watching world of who you are. Show me today by your Spirit where I am not in alignment with this right now. Show me specifically today how I can live my life more worthy of the gospel of Christ. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
