Philippians 1:21-30 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 1:21-30 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Verse 22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. Verse 23I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; Verse 24but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Verse 25Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, Verse 26so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
Verse 27Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, Verse 28and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing. Verse 29For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well- Verse 30since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Devotion
A few years ago, my husband and I were on a “Journeys of Paul and the Greek Islands” tour. The first stop of the tour was to the ancient city of Philippi. We were able to walk where Paul walked. We visited the jail where he was imprisoned. Throughout that trip, the stories of scripture seemed to rise up from the ground beneath our feet. Philippi was no longer just a name on a page; it was a real place where the gospel had taken root, where lives had been changed, and where Paul had suffered for the sake of Christ.
“Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Paul writes these powerful words from prison, yet his concern is not first for his own comfort or release. His concern is for the church—that they would stand firm, united in spirit, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. His call is simple, let the gospel be visible in the way you live together.
Prayer
Holy One, empower me to live in a manner worthy of your gospel. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you, whether in ease or hardship, so that our lives may bear witness to the gospel. Amen.
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