Axios

Philippians 1:27-28

²⁷Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ²⁸And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

(NIV) ²⁷Whatever 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 ²⁸without 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.

// THOUGHTS:

.. Paul encouraging the people in Philippi to stand firm by being worthy of the gospel of Christ by the way they act and live their lives.

.. To worthily (axios) act like citizens of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Christ = a proof of standing firm in one spirit, striving together for faith of the gospel

.. When we act like Kingdom Citizens, we are proving our firmness in our stand to our faith as well as the attitude of having one mind in striving together for the faith of the gospel.

.. Our actions (as in displaying the fruit of the Spirit) determine whether we are standing firm in the faith and having one mind to contend the gospel [AMP - contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel)]; reminds me to speaking as one mind in unity of defending and fighting for the gospel.

.. “And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.” (v. 28 in AMP)

.. Therefore, let us stand firm in our faith, living our lives worthy to the Gospel of Christ in which we profess as believers, living our lives worthy to our calling – as believers.

³ We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. (2 Cor. 6:3)

// BELLE:

.. My life is either a stumbling block or a proof of God’s gospel. I must therefore, continue to conduct myself in a manner worthy of what I profess. Again, this is the second time in connection to yesterday’s devotion. Living my life in such a way to prove my being. My doing will reflect my being.

.. Suck in the times when I feel like being who I used to be before I became a Christian. I need to live up to what I have been called to do. Live it out.

// LORD, thank you AGAIN for reminding me. Please make this more real in my life today that I may understand which specific thing you want me to really live out aside from the obvious, being a believer already. I know you are a personal God and you always speak to me directly to something specific. Please make that known to me throughout this day and let me know what You are calling to me specifically do this week and for the rest of the days. In Jesus’ name, amen.