“…conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel…
standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel…”
(Phil 1:27)

How can we describe the kind of life that is “worthy” of the gospel?

1. Show the difference that Christ makes in your life
2. Stand firm
3. Stand together
4. Strive together

Paul paints two pictures…stand firm (a military word) and strive together (using the word for athlete).

He paints these two pictures with the modifying words: “one spirit,” “one mind” and “together.”

Together? We know that our faith must be personal. It must be real in the private places of the heart or it is not real. However, God never intended for our faith to be locked up in the quiet, personal and private inner recesses. He intended for us to live out our faith. And, He wants us to live it together!

Christianity is not just about the individual, it is about the team. We are called to “strive together” for the faith. Here’s the word in the original language of the Bible:

“sun” (together) + “athleo” (athlete) = to compete together

We are not racing each other—we are not fighting each other! We are fighting together and running together! John MacArthur says, “striving together means playing as a team to advance the truth of God.”

What is the goal that our team is shooting for? What is “…the faith of the gospel.”

We strive to protect the gospel! We must not add to or take away from the work of Christ on the cross. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves and there is nothing we can do to add to our salvation.

We also strive to give it away. We seek the progress of the gospel (1:12; 25). We know that there is:

“salvation in no one else…no other name…by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12)

Do we understand our challenge? As ambassadors for Christ, we must strive! We must strive together! We must strive for the faith of the gospel!