July 21, 2024 Service

Philippians 1:12-30

The Gospel is worth it!

A quick recap of Paul’s heart, mindset, and vision of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

(vs. 12) “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…”

(vs. 18) “Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

(vs. 21) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”

(vs. 27) “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…”

Paul has an unwavering focus for the gospel. He has endured persecution, imprisonment, and traveled many hard miles for it. Christ proclaimed is his one goal and for him it is worth living and dying for. He views opposition as opportunity and has a high view of God’s sovereignty. He has a deep concern for the lost to believe the gospel and for believers to live into the gospel, having a walk worthy of that which Christ Jesus has called them.

Reflections
1. How has God worked through something in your past or present as an advancement for the gospel?

2. How is the gospel being pushed into our hearts as a church in this season? How are you cooperating?

3. What is your manner of life when you assess this from a gospel lens? What is God asking of you?

“He does not mean that we earn God’s favour, but that our lives should be consistent with the gospel, living illustrations of the gospel’s power. This principle is one of the keys to the message of the Bible: when the grace of God in the gospel touches our lives it produces graciousness. Christ begins to transform us into his likeness.”
Ferguson, Sinclair B. Let’s Study Philippians. 1997, p. 34.

May our God “be completing” His work in us for His glory and our witness.

Share what God has done in your heart this week with your community group and/or friends.

Grace and peace on this journey together,

Chad Hollowell
Executive Pastor