The words of Jesus to the first disciples, “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” Mt 4:19, is simple and clear. It simply means everyone who believes in Him lives for one singular purpose: to bring those who are lost back to Him. Every believer MUST intentionally pray, plan and pursue the reconciliation of unsaved men and women to their loving LORD!

Paul, without a doubt, was a follower who exemplified this truth as soon as he was turned from darkness to light. He immediately declared Jesus as the Son of God in the Synagogue in Damascus and proved to them that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah) Acts 9: 20, 22. It was not an intense zeal that he experienced for a short while but it was his habit- a lifestyle over the period of his service to the LORD.

To the church in Philippi Paul wrote about how the Gospel has to become the center point of a Christian’ or Church’ life. A brief look at Philippians chapter one through these three headings provides a clear snapshot of this central purpose:

1. Partnership in the Gospel– Phil 1:1-11. Another word used for partnership is participation to show that it is an open invitation. The Church in Philippi shared in the grace given to Paul through prayers and support Phil 1:19; 4:15. The Gospel of Christ is the reason for Christian partnerships. The word Partnership is fellowship- with the implication of more than one person; which also means sharing together, distribution to the needs of others etc. The extension or joining of our hands together, for meeting one another’s needs or for prayer purposes are driven by our mutual commitment to the Gospel. If the Gospel, making it reach the unreached, is not our motivation, what other good will a partnership serve for? How are you partnering or participating in the work of the Gospel- directly or through others?
2. Progressing the Gospel– Phil 1:12-20. Have you become so committed to the Gospel that you would use everything that happens to you to further the Gospel? Paul was in prison at the time of writing but he realized that many people who had something to do with the prison or was connected to him locally had come to know about Christ because of him. Those who were timid to preach became bold to do so. How do you leverage both favorable and unfavorable circumstances for the sake of the gospel? It may be easier to talk about Christ when things are going well, but how about turning a difficult situation into an opportunity to bless others? Unless you are completely sold out to Christ, you wouldn’t. God wants everything you go through to point to Him and advance His cause- the Gospel. Do you have this- Paul’s- mindset and perspective about the Gospel?
3. Worthy of the Gospel– Phil 1:27-30. Do you live a life worthy of the Gospel? Is your life a reflection of the person of Christ? While this point comes last, it is the beginning and the strength for all we do for the Gospel. Our partnerships will be weak if we live unworthily of the Gospel. The Gospel will not make progress if our testimonies do not reflect the life of Christ. Paul calls every believer to strive for the faith of the Gospel. There is an expectation of Godliness and Holiness in those who profess Jesus Christ. We cannot be true followers of Jesus when our lives do not conform to His. Our priorities will reflect our passion. If we make choices that deny Christ, how can we be worthy of and further His cause- the Gospel?

May the LORD grant each of us more grace to live worthily of Him; to be purposeful about furthering the Gospel and to participate in hastening the coming of the LORD. Amen.