Conduct Worthy of the Gospel

This week Norma Jean and I are attending the Florida College Lectures in Temple Terrace, Florida. It’s my 56th consecutive year to attend this annual event.

This year’s theme is “A Life Worthy of the Gospel.” It’s generally based on studies from the Macedonian epistles. And specifically Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Last night following 30 minutes of soul stirring, spirit lifting singing, Todd Chandler delivered a masterful and compelling keynote address entitled “Only Live Worthy of the Gospel: The Priority of the Gospel.”

To summarize, the lesson focused upon four key words.

Conduct

Todd noted the word “conduct” is a precise term that goes beyond one’s general behavior. It spoke to the conduct expected of Roman citizens. “There was a way Romans did things, and all citizens did them that way,” Chandler observed. Both secular and sacred history attest to the pride Romans felt toward their privilege of citizenship.

In a similar way, Paul is reminding the Philippians who resided in a Roman colony, that Kingdom citizens are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their heavenly status. “There is a way citizens of Christ’s kingdom walk, a distinct gait to their steps, and all citizens are to walk this way. 31 times in epistles from Romans to 2 Thessalonias, Paul speaks of our “walk”–a metaphor for the unique conduct which identifies Jesus’ disciples as different from  the worldly, fleshly, carnal conduct of unbelievers.

Worthy

Worthy means suitable. Apparently the word according to Greek scholars carries the idea of a weight or balance. “There are two items on the scale, one on each side,” Todd explained, “and their weight is exactly balanced.” So, if you put the gospel on one side of the scale and my life on the other side, the two ought to be balanced.”

This idea of our conduct and Christian walk being worthy of the gospel is found in several other passages.

• “I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Eph. 4:1).
• “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him” Col. 1:10)
• “Walk in a manner worthy of God who calls you into His own Kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12).

This reminds us as Kingdom citizens that our behavior ought to be fitting and conforming to who we claim to be, to whom we have pledged our allegiance. It is a life that is noble. Honest. Honorable. And admirable.

Gospel

The standard of our conduct is based on the gospel. And the gospel is , “in a word Jesus,” as Todd emphasized. It is centered in the character of Christ. In his message. His ministry. And His mission.

Not only in Philippians, but through out Paul’s writings, he stressed the importance of “knowing Christ.” Of having a relationship with Him. Of being guided by His Word. Of seeking to please Him. Of magnifying Him in our lives.

Furthermore, the gospel of Christ is the Truth. In a world that has lost its way and scorns that idea of absolute Truth, Jesus says, “I am the truth” (Jn. 14:6). Paul says, “the truth is the gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13).

It is the “word of truth that…

…is the source of life (Matt. 4:4)
…is our firm foundation (Matt. 7:24).
…makes us free (Jn. 8:24).
…judges us (Jn. 12:48)
…saves us by God’s power (Rom. 1:16).
…washes away our sins (Ax. 22:16; Rev. 1:5).
…discerns our hearts (Heb. 4:12).
…provides spiritual growth (1 Pet. 2:2).

Only

The little word “only” in the text denotes a singularity of focus. Of life. Of purpose. Of priority. Every aspect and every relationship of our lives is to be regulated by a personal commitment to our Christian walk. To our allegiance to Christ. To our respect for the gospel. And to living a life befitting a Kingdom citizen. It’s not just something we do, sometimes. It’s who are. And the way we live. All the time.

The question for each of us is: “Am I living a life each day worthy of the gospel of Christ?”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman