When I read Philippians 1:27 (HCSB) "Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..." the question that comes to my mind is, "How does one live a life worthy of the gospel?" I really like Scot McKnight's answer to this question:
In some ways, Paul explained what a life worthy of the gospel is in verse 21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." A life worthy of the gospel is a life lived for Christ. What does that look like? He says it in v. 27: it means striving together, in fellowship, in extending the gospel and preaching the gospel to others. A life worthy of the gospel is a life dedicated to that gospel -- to living it and preaching it.
I wholeheartedly agree! There is no agenda, no cause, absolutely nothing greater than the gospel to live for. The gospel is the greatest message of all time, without it none of history would have happened because God would have had to judge Adam and Eve immediately for their sin. It is such an amazing message that even angels long to look into it!
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Angels desire to look into these things. 1 Peter 1:12 (HCSB)
Can you imagine that! Angels want to know the gospel! Why? I think it is because they see God in His majesty and holiness. They know Him in ways we can't even begin to comprehend and then they see how we reject God to be our owns gods and how we choose to find life, security, and love in created things rather than the Creator. Yet, in spite of this, God in His love, mercy and grace dealt with our sin, having His Son take the punishment Himself, in order to make reconciliation and restoration possible for us with Him.
So, knowing all of this they stand in awe of God and they want to know the gospel better because in doing so they get to know God better. It is sad that so few, who call themselves "Christian", can say the same. If you are in Christ open your hearts and your minds and make the effort to know the gospel better and better.
Then, like Scot McKnight said, dedicate your life to the gospel- living it and preaching it in the context of life with other disciples of Jesus. Do you want your life to count? Do you want your life to have the greatest possible impact and significance? Then die to yourself and live for Jesus and live like He did, trusting the Father, depending on the Holy Spirit, knowing the Word of God and then doing what Jesus said to do. Share the gospel and make disciples of all those who believe it. Now that is a life worth living for!
