Joel M Bradshaw

27Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…–Philippians 1

Paul was in prison and was contemplating bigger, meaning-of-life-and-death matters. I think to understand this basic phrase we should work backwards.

What are principles of the Gospel of Christ?

1. My sin is my most pressing problem.
2. On my own I have no answer for this problem.
3. The paycheck I earn for my sin is death and separation from God.
4. On the cross Jesus cashed my paycheck in my place.
5. Salvation requires me trusting in Jesus dying in place and paying the penalty for my sins. He received the punishment I earned.
6. I am therefore saved from the wrath of God justly due to my sin as that wrath was instead placed upon perfect, sinless Jesus as my substitute. This is based upon God’s grace and not my works. I don’t deserve or cannot earn any of this.
7. In the most unfair transaction in history, on the cross, my sin was transferred to Jesus and his righteousness was transferred to me.

So now what would describe a life worthy of those principles?

1. Daily denying of myself and selfishness ways.
2. Eager owning of my faults and seeking forgiveness when I sin.
3. No longer viewing myself as the basic motivating principle of life, but instead Jesus.
4. Intentional taking off the former me and putting on Jesus.
5. Showing grace to others at every opportunity.
6. Seeking to know God’s will for my life in Biblical study, prayer, and counsel from others. Staying accountable in a biblical community as I follow and obey that will.
7. Showing selfless, sacrificial love with a servant’s heart flowing to others and starting with my wife.

As always, I have a lot to stay intentional regarding that second list. How about your life?–JMB