TODAY’S MAIN PASSAGE:
Philippians 1:27-30
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
Kingdom Living
One aspect of “Kingdom Living” is partnering in the work of the gospel.
One aspect of “Kingdom Living” is having a Kingdom mindset and perspective.
Philippians 1:18
What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.
The defining mark of “Kingdom Living” is being Christ-centered.
Philippians 1:21
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Dying is our gain because it means we will be with Christ.
Live worthy of the gospel
Philippians 1:27
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel…
Who are we?
We are citizens of heaven.
As the people of God we have a new:
- Identity
- King
- Family
- Future
Roman citizenship was highly valued by the people.
Roman citizenship demanded loyalty and obedience to one lord, Caesar.
These words (Phil 1:27) reoriented their identity, their loyalty, their perspective, and their priorities. =
Philippians 3:18-20
For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things. 20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:27a
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What is our calling?
Our calling and responsibility is to live worthy of the gospel.
Annual Prayer 2022 for Soma
Father, help us to be Kingdom-minded and to draw closer to you as we live obediently, love radically, and serve sacrificially.
Ephesians 2:4-10
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!… 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
We are saved by God’s grace, not our works.
Philippians 1:27-28
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents.
Live worthy by standing firm together in the face of opposition.
Live worthy by striving together for gospel advancement.
Live worthy by loving and serving one another.
John 19:15
“We have no king but Caesar!”
Matthew 5:11-12
“You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:39-40
“But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well.”
Matthew 5:43-45
“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
We are to live as a Kingdom people within the empire.
1 Peter 2:11-12
Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. 12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.