Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ . . . not frightened in anything by your opponents. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake. (Philippians 1:27–29)
Paul told the Philippians that living worthy of the gospel of Christ meant fearlessness before enemies. Then he gave the logic of fearlessness.
The logic is this: God has given you two gifts, not just one — faith and suffering. That's what verse 29 says.
In this context that means: Both your faith in the face of suffering, and your suffering are gifts of God. When Paul says, don't be frightened by your opponents he had two reasons in his mind why they don't need to be frightened:
One reason is that the opponents are in the hand of God. Their opposition is a gift from God. He governs it. That's the first point of verse 29.
And the other reason not to be afraid is that your fearlessness, that is, your faith, is also in the hand of God. It too is a gift. That is the other point of verse 29.
So the logic of fearlessness in the face of adversity is this double truth: Both your adversity and your faith in the face of adversity are gifts of God.
Why is this called "living worthy of the gospel of Christ"? Because the gospel is the good news that Christ's blood of the covenant infallibly obtained for all his people the sovereign working of God to give us faith and to govern our enemies — always for our eternal good.
Therefore, fear not. Your adversaries can do no more than God grants. And he will grant you the faith you need. These promises are blood bought and sealed. Gospel promises.
Did you find this devotional helpful and inspiring? Read the book for more!
Copyright Information
This devotional is written by John Piper. For more information about Piper's ministry, writing, and books, visit DesiringGod.org.
Subscription Information
This email was sent to mucomacamucomaca.muco@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA. This email is part of a devotional or newsletter that you signed up for on BibleGateway.com. If you have questions or comments about this email, please contact us.
No comments:
Post a Comment