Word@Work Phil11 - Philippians 1:27-28
Published: Thu, 10/08/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
LIVING OUT FAITH TOGETHER
Phil. 1:27-28 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 one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. (NIV)
True Christian faith produces action. The gospel is not just a nice story, it is a call to radical change of personal life and interaction with others. Lifestyle matters to God: the gospel calls us to reject ungodly behaviour, control our worldly passions and live to honour our Redeemer (cf Titus 2:11-14). The role of spiritual overseers is to remind those who believe in Jesus, to live knowing that Jesus is present (because we keep forgetting and drifting). Whenever believers get diverted away from gospel priorities, they become vulnerable to other voices from the world, flesh and devil, and are easily diverted away from practising their faith in Christ.
Aesop's famous quote, "United we stand, divided we fall" is an accurate description of the danger of independence. Temptation and persecution are hard to resist by ourselves, but the prayer support and accountability to other Christians help us to stand for Christ. Of course, it is impossible for some believers to go to church, but they can join with others through media such as Word@Work - with its encouragement to meet with Christians in the workplace or on Facebook. Without fellowship and preferably joint witness (such as through a church or workplace Bible/prayer group), every believer will be easy prey for spiritual attack; and the fear which will override faith.
But when followers of Jesus worship, study, pray and witness together, something special happens. Not only are individuals encouraged to trust the Lord and not be frightened; but the quiet confidence of the Christian group (in a college or workplace) starts to be noticed. When they speak of Christ, they can support each other and reinforce the potency of the message. Those who ridicule Jesus and oppose the cross, will start thinking again when they see their mean derision fail. Indeed, the settled assurance which should radiate from believers reveals that they march to the beat of a different drummer, and clearly see a farther horizon. Those who know Jesus are certain that He is their accompanying light through every dark tunnel: and that confidence is a serious challenge to those who reject Him.
Prayer: Faithful Father God. Thank You for not leaving me alone, but giving me Your Holy Spirit, Your Word and Your people to walk with me through life. Help me to seek out those who love You, to support their witness and encourage their godliness in life. And help me to be accountable to those who Pastor me; and to encourage them in their ministry too. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
True Christian faith produces action. The gospel is not just a nice story, it is a call to radical change of personal life and interaction with others. Lifestyle matters to God: the gospel calls us to reject ungodly behaviour, control our worldly passions and live to honour our Redeemer (cf Titus 2:11-14). The role of spiritual overseers is to remind those who believe in Jesus, to live knowing that Jesus is present (because we keep forgetting and drifting). Whenever believers get diverted away from gospel priorities, they become vulnerable to other voices from the world, flesh and devil, and are easily diverted away from practising their faith in Christ.
Aesop's famous quote, "United we stand, divided we fall" is an accurate description of the danger of independence. Temptation and persecution are hard to resist by ourselves, but the prayer support and accountability to other Christians help us to stand for Christ. Of course, it is impossible for some believers to go to church, but they can join with others through media such as Word@Work - with its encouragement to meet with Christians in the workplace or on Facebook. Without fellowship and preferably joint witness (such as through a church or workplace Bible/prayer group), every believer will be easy prey for spiritual attack; and the fear which will override faith.
But when followers of Jesus worship, study, pray and witness together, something special happens. Not only are individuals encouraged to trust the Lord and not be frightened; but the quiet confidence of the Christian group (in a college or workplace) starts to be noticed. When they speak of Christ, they can support each other and reinforce the potency of the message. Those who ridicule Jesus and oppose the cross, will start thinking again when they see their mean derision fail. Indeed, the settled assurance which should radiate from believers reveals that they march to the beat of a different drummer, and clearly see a farther horizon. Those who know Jesus are certain that He is their accompanying light through every dark tunnel: and that confidence is a serious challenge to those who reject Him.
Prayer: Faithful Father God. Thank You for not leaving me alone, but giving me Your Holy Spirit, Your Word and Your people to walk with me through life. Help me to seek out those who love You, to support their witness and encourage their godliness in life. And help me to be accountable to those who Pastor me; and to encourage them in their ministry too. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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