What good is a church that bears the name of Jesus Christ but does not resemble Jesus Christ? I would argue it does more harm than good. On the other hand, a church that resembles Jesus Christ changes the world with the hope of the gospel.

Take the time to read Philippians 1:27~30.

Live as citizens worthy of the gospel

This passages opens with the line, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.” The word commonly translated as “conduct” or “live” in this passage has a bit more flair in the original Greek text. Politeuesthai is to be understood as  “to live as a citizen” or more narrowly “embody your obligations as a citizen.”  You can see this same idea later in the letter when Paul states, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)”  Paul is calling the church to live as citizens worthy of the gospel. Meaning, the church should pledge allegiance, devotion, obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church should not function of citizens of this world or citizens of public opinion, or citizens of small town cliques. Rather, the church should live in a way that shows the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all things.  Does your life reflect your devotion to Jesus Christ? Does your life reflect the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all things? If you don’t like your answer to these questions … repent and seek after God with everything you have in the week to come.

Unity is fruit of gospel partnership.

The church living as citizens of the gospel bears the fruit of unity. The church is unified by devotion to one Spirit and one Gospel.  When you came to faith you became indwelt with the Holy Spirit.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

John 14:16—17

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19—20 

When you came to faith you became indwelt with the Holy Spirit. And when you came to faith you came to believe in one gospel. You believed the gospel of the cross and empty tomb. Jesus died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead to give the church victory over sin and death.  One spirit and faith in one gospel produce the fruit of unity. A church filled with conflict, division and complaints is a church not living as citizens worthy of the gospel.

Live as citizens worthy of the gospel and strive for unity. It is our unity that preaches to the world the truth of our message. Our unity shows the world our salvation.

Opposition is fruit of gospel partnership.

Unity does not mean easy sailing for gospel partners.  Jesus Christ faced opposition.  The Apostle writes this letter while in chains for Christ.  The Philippian church is facing opposition and will continue to do so. In fact, Paul mentions suffering for Jesus Christ.

You will face opposition but greater than any opposition is the Spirit and gospel that lives in you.