“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.” – Philippians 1:27-28 (ESV)
Our verse brings a very important reminder to us when we read the Apostle Paul writing about having a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. If we call ourselves Christian we mean that we have believed that Jesus the Christ is our savior and that our lives have been changed. We are not the people we were before we believed the words in the Bible about Jesus. Believers are to have integrity, to live consistent with what they believe, teach, and preach. Paul introduces the theme of unity in this verse that continues for 27 verses. His call for genuine unity of heart and mind is based on the necessity of oneness to win the spiritual battle for the faith; and the love of others in the fellowship. If anyone knew something about suffering for Jesus, Paul did. He also knew that suffering for standing up for God was and should be expected. It is to be taken willingly without being alarmed or frightened. When believers willingly suffer without “fear,” it is confirmation of our salvation to the abusers and a sign that God’s enemies (who are our enemies also) will be destroyed and eternally lost.
197
Esengo Mingi 