"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel"

Philippians 1:27

Some commentators regard verse 27 as the key verse in the whole letter. Paul’s overarching desire, expressed throughout Philippians, is that his readers ‘conduct themselves’ in a ‘manner worthy’ of Christ’s gospel. This principle shapes, all dimensions of daily life: nothing is held back. Throughout his letters, Paul teaches that inner thoughts, friendships, finances, work lives, service within the gathered church, and much more, are all to be brought into conformity with the gospel. The psalmist prays, ‘give me an undivided heart.’ Is there any part of your life which is somehow ‘divided,’ partitioned off from the influence of the gospel? Begin to dismantle that wall today, in the strength that God gives. Further, the Lord wants us to love one another in ways that are patterned on Christ’s greater love for us (2:1).

APPLY

What will it mean for you to ‘conduct yourself’ in a manner worthy of the gospel in your relationships as we anticipate the coming of Jesus?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord God, thank you for the church, for the privilege I have to be a part of your body, for the koinonia that is offered to me there.

(Edited from Encounter with God)