Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27
Paul never lost his wonder at having been called by God. He understood that the way he lived ought to be worthyof the King who had chosen him. He knew that the mystery of the gospelhad been hidden for generations and had only been revealed in his daythrough the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Col.1:26–27). Paul also understood that until people accept the gospel,they are spiritually dead and therefore without hope (Col. 2:13). As aresult of God’s plan of salvation, those who trust in Jesus are notonly made alive in Christ but are also adopted as the Father’schildren (Rom. 8:16–17).
Paul recognized that though the gospel soundslike foolishness to the world, it is the power of God that bringseternal life to those who accept it. Because Paul’s life had beenradically transformed by the gospel, he was intent on living to honorthe gospel that gave him life. It would have been tragic to receivethe riches of the gospel and then to live as a spiritual pauper. Itwould have been disgraceful to be saved from death by the blood ofChrist and then show no reverence for that sacrifice. It would havebeen foolish to accept such love from Christ and then to resent whatHe asked in return. The way you live your life ought to be a tributeto the matchless grace that your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, hasbestowed upon you.
