Tag Archives: the book of Philippians

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27, NIV)

Paul was in prison when he wrote these words to the Christians in Philippi (modern-day Greece), so he knew a thing or two about the challenges of living-up to standards when times are tough.

His message to the Philippians was simple: Live up to God’s holy standard without regard to circumstances.

Is our discipleship conditional? Will we be obedient to the will of God in times when it is inconvenient to do so? Will our love for others sour when we are not treated in kind?

When external circumstances have little or no bearing on our resolve to conduct ourselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” we will experience — as Paul experienced — the joy of seeing God make possible the impossible.  – Luther

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“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. . .”  (Philippians 1:27a, NIV)

To be a disciple of Jesus means surrendering the privilege of self-justification. 

Paul reminds us that external circumstances must not dictate our response. In all that we do, our sole ambition is to please our heavenly Father. We engage in self-justification at the risk of causing the gospel of Jesus to lose its opportunity to engage those who need it.  

Today, resolve to conduct all of your affairs in a manner worthy of the good news of our Lord. We can do no more; we should expect from ourselves no less.  – Luther     

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