“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…”
This is distinctly a command given by Paul, for those who claim to be Christians to live in manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What kind of a manner is worthy of the gospel of Christ? As put in 1 Timothy 4:12, “In speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Truly, it is becoming united with Jesus Christ, putting on his character and discarding your own.
“…Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence…”
Not only living worthily as a Christian in the presence of others, at the church, in fellowship, and when others are watching (as if to impress them) but when alone, in solitude with nothing between you and the Lord. In the state of pure character, the Christian should live in the manner worthy of the gospel. Paul was also interested in hearing a good report, preferably from those who observe inconspicuously.
“…I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”
On the topic of unity, we pursue the unity of the brethren, but mostly the wrong way. We try to be one in spirit without the Spirit! We create all sorts of fleshly activities to “make unity”, and no different than any secular clubs or programs. The only way to be united together is to be united with Jesus, as He and His Father are one. If we all unite with Jesus individually, then we automatically unite with one another. It does not work the other way around. “For ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) This all comes back to dying to ourselves and become alive in Christ Jesus. Any other form of unity is from Satan. Once Christ-ian unity is achieved, the body will be able to stand firm and contend for the faith, without being frightened in any way. To answer for the circumstance of the present day Church, we are as we are because we have not yet become united with Jesus, sharing in His sufferings, and crucifying our flesh as He did, setting the example. (“I am the way…”)
“This is a sign to them that will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God.”
When we as believers live holy lives, worthy of the gospel, this will reveal to those under condemnation their ungodliness, bringing it into the light. When they see they difference in a Christian then they will know Jesus has risen! For what does it profit the unbeliever to hear of Christ’s saving power only to witness a “Christian” living in the same filth. Preaching truth will always find itself wanting unless there is a living truth, and that is what will stir the sinner, proving to them their future destruction and the salvation that is found in Jesus Christ alone.
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him…”
For it has not simply been granted that we believe on Jesus and be saved, but that we suffer for Him. It is granted to believers that we suffer for Him! This is a benefit of Christianity. Having something granted to you is a gift, and there is no greater gift that brings joy to the saint than to share in the suffering of the Lord Jesus and participate in the bread and the wine (1 Corinthians 10:16) When a person carries his/her cross after the shepherd, and dies to the flesh, coming alive in the Lord, living in the holy manner worthy of the gospel, they make a bold statement to the world that they are followers of Jesus Christ, and this act is the sound of horror to the very ears of Satan. It is then that the suffering will begin to manifest, and in the darkest moments of life, the brightest visions of glory take place, and the presence of the Almighty God draws near to those who seeks Him with all their heart. It is no wonder that the church of North America is not persecuted, for we have willed not to join in the sufferings of Christ, thus we are what we are. Have mercy upon us, Lord Jesus.
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