In The Priority of Preaching, Christopher Ash challenges those of us who preach with the call to urgency. Last time, I highlighted the idea of preaching grace, this time I want to explore how the pulpit isn’t just a platform for explaining scripture, but a place to bring a sense of urgency to the gospel. Ash argues that preaching isn’t simply giving over information, it’s a call to action that seeks a response.
Ash tells a story or illustration about “three apprentice devils” training under Satan. The first suggests they convince people there’s no God, but Satan isn’t impressed, noting that even in a secular world, many still feel a pull toward belief. The second proposes they argue there’s no judgment. Again, Satan says this won’t work, as people often sense that actions have consequences. Finally, the third apprentice suggests whispering, “There’s no hurry.” This plan, Satan says, will work because it plants a subtle complacency, pushing people to put off responding to the Word, assuming they’ll get to it someday.
The point made here is connected to the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation”. Responding to the Good News is not something to delay. Preaching, then, needs a sense of urgency to combat the tendency to postpone faith or repentance. Without it, people may listen without ever responding, pushing away a decision that requires action today, not tomorrow.
This urgency can shape the way we approach sermon content and tone as well. Ash writes, “The urgency of faith means we need to preach with urgent passionate clarity.” In other words, urgency doesn’t mean delivering an emotional message or stirring up an anxious response. It’s about bringing clarity and conviction, preaching with a confidence that God’s message requires immediate attention.
A look at biblical preaching shows this same urgency. John the Baptist’s message, for instance, was clear and direct: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus Himself speaks with a sense of immediacy, calling people to follow Him without delay (Matthew 4:19-22). The apostles in Acts don’t simply preach for knowledge; they’re actively calling people to repent and believe, with Peter in Acts 2 urging his listeners, “Repent and be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). In each of these cases, the call is immediate and direct, a reminder that responding to God’s Word is essential.
Ash’s perspective on urgency challenges us to recognise that we have a responsibility not only to explain the Word but to call people to respond. There is a place for teaching and a place for exhorting, and urgent preaching holds both together, pointing people in the right direction but also giving a “shove,” as Ash puts it, to get them started. This approach challenges the idea of “neutral” preaching—an invitation to consider a message without pressing toward response. For Ash, that kind of preaching risks becoming little more than a lecture, missing the power and purpose of the pulpit.
The urgency in preaching is not about creating panic or fear but about presenting the gospel in a way that recognises its eternal weight. Ash writes that preaching is never simply information transfer; it’s always aimed at transformation. This brings to mind the warning in Hebrews 3:15, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
For those of us who preach regularly, this means preparing sermons with the challenge of urgent decision-making, rather than assuming listeners will naturally follow through. Ash’s approach encourages preachers to explicitly call for a response, trusting that God will use the preached Word to reach those who hear. Our role as preachers, then, isn’t just to explain; it’s to invite and challenge people toward an active faith that starts today.
In the end, Ash’s perspective on urgency in preaching reminds us that the Word of God calls us to act now, not “someday.” This approach is a counterbalance to our tendency to wait, putting off faith decisions until they seem more convenient. Ash’s point is that, as preachers, we are watchmen—our role is to sound the alarm, not to let people stay in spiritual comfort or complacency.
In The Priority of Preaching, Christopher Ash writes about that which can get overlooked in our churches: preaching being centred on grace. Ash argues in his book that the preaching of grace is essential, as it keeps the church from turning into what he calls a “club” where people gather around shared interests or personalities rather than a shared commitment to Jesus Christ. Instead, preaching on grace builds a community in humility and binds us together through the Good News rather than individualism. Ash writes, “only the word of grace knocks down our pride.” And it is in this posture we are able to turn back to God, reminding each of us that we are “all one in Christ Jesus”. The playing field is levelled, all of us fall short, and the togetherness of us as believers is on our shared dependence on the mercy of God.
This emphasis on grace goes beyond just avoiding pride; it’s also about cultivating a healthy church culture. Without the regular proclamation of grace a church can quickly become an exclusive group that relies on human similarities rather than the gospel to stay connected. This drift can happen subtly, but Ash’s point is that grace is the only foundation strong enough to hold together a diverse community. The church isn’t meant to be a gathering of people who all look, think, and act alike; it’s a people transformed and unified by God’s grace, regardless of background or personality (Romans 12:3-5).
The challenge to pastors is to make grace a consistent theme in our preaching, a commitment that prevents the church from developing a “club mentality.” Grace-centred preaching doesn’t just speak to an individual heart, it impacts and transforms the whole church. When grace is preached we are reminded of our own limitations, the unnecessary drive to prove ourselves, and a skewed view of success. The focus on grace points us back to the gospel, which calls us to be of one mind and heart, putting others above themselves (Philippians 2:1-14).
As a flow on effect of this grace-filled preaching the life of the church reaches outside its walls. Well, it should drive us to this. If we are marked by humility and grace, which flows from this kind of preaching, then the culture of the church is to be a place where others are welcomed, even if they don’t seem to ‘fit’. Ash tells us that those churches that preach grace will stand out, drawing others in through the authenticity of the community that is impacted through grace.
In practice, this call to preach grace challenges those of us who do preach regularly to focus on the greatness of the gospel, not simply giving our hearers things ‘to do’. While there will be challenging moral and behavioural aspects articulated in preaching, because Scripture is like this too, it does mean framing these things in the context of grace. For example, instead of preaching a “try harder” message, we can emphasise that growth in holiness is an ongoing response to God’s love, not a checklist for approval.
As Ash explains, grace is the church’s “ tune.” Without it the church will gradually lose its true identity. Grace keeps the church as the body of Christ. By keeping grace at the centre we create a church culture that reflects the gospel, and open ourselves to be a community that is transformed by it.
In my previous post, we explored how Hebrews 1 establishes the supremacy of Jesus over the angels. This understanding sets the foundation for the message in Hebrews 2—a warning not to neglect the great salvation that Jesus offers.
This isn’t just an ancient admonition; it is also a warning for us today. We live in a world full of distractions, temptations, and trials. It’s easy to lose sight of what’s important, the core of our faith. Hebrews 2 urges us to hold fast, to be anchored, to Jesus, the author of our salvation. In so doing he tells us to be vigilant against the slow drift that can pull us away from Him.
Do Not Neglect the Great Salvation
Hebrews 2:1-4 opens with a direct and urgent exhortation:
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
The imagery of drifting is helpful.
Think of a boat tied to a pier, its ropes securely fastened. As long as the knots are tight and the ropes strong, the boat remains anchored, no matter how strong the currents or waves. But if the knots loosen, if the ropes fray, the boat begins to drift, carried away by the unseen pull of the tides. The same is true for our faith. If we are not anchored to Jesus—in other words, ‘if we do not pay careful attention to what we have heard’—we can slowly, almost imperceptibly, drift away from our faith.
The Danger of Drifting
This warning isn’t about a sudden, conscious rejection of faith. It’s about the subtle, almost invisible drifting that can occur when we neglect our relationship with God. Some questions worth reflecting on for ourselves, which may help us evaluate where we are at, include:
Have you found yourself neglecting the reading of God’s Word, allowing days or weeks to pass without opening your Bible?
Have you neglected prayer, letting your conversations with God become infrequent or shallow?
Have you been absent from corporate worship, finding excuses to skip gathering with God’s people?
Have you neglected using your gifts to serve others, retreating into self-interest instead of investing in a community of faith?
These are the areas where drifting often begins. The author of Hebrews warns that neglecting this great salvation will have serious consequences. He reminds us that the Law, delivered by angels, was binding and disobedience to it was met with just punishment. How much more severe will the consequences be if we neglect the salvation offered by Jesus, the Son who sits at the right hand of the Majesty (1:4)?.
Anchoring Ourselves to Salvation
So, how do we stay anchored?
The answer is not just to “read your Bible and pray,” though those are essential practices. Staying anchored requires a conscious effort, an intentional commitment, to remain in communion with God. It means recognising our deep need for Him and seeking to deepen our relationship with Him through worship, community, and obedience. This could look like:
Worship: Engage in both personal and corporate worship, reminding yourself of God’s greatness and your dependence on Him.
Community: Stay connected with other believers who can encourage, challenge, and support you in your walk with Jesus.
Obedience: Be diligent in following God’s commands, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for the salvation He has given you.
In a world that constantly tests and tempts, it’s easy to let those ropes loosen and find ourselves drifting. Hebrews reminds us of the greatness of the salvation we have in Jesus—a salvation confirmed by the apostles, witnessed through signs and wonders, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Don’t neglect it. Stay anchored to Jesus and live with confidence in His power and presence.
Like that securely tied boat, ensure that your faith is firmly anchored, not drifting away with the currents of life. Hold fast to the salvation that comes through Jesus, recognising the seriousness of the warning and the greatness of the gift we’ve been given.
This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see:
Angels are a subject that often fascinates our culture. From their depictions in art and literature to their appearances in pop culture, angels are often portrayed as powerful, mysterious beings. Shows like “Supernatural” or “Touched by an Angel” present them as celestial figures with their own personalities and missions, often serving as intermediaries between heaven and earth. Even in music, with songs like Robbie Williams’ “Angels,” we see them as symbols of hope and protection. Yet, as captivating as these portrayals are, the Bible gives us a much deeper understanding of angels and their role in God’s kingdom.
In the opening chapter of Hebrews, we find this truth: as significant as angels are, Jesus, the Son of God, is far greater.
This isn’t just a theological point but begins to form our understanding of the greatness of the salvation Jesus offers. The writer of Hebrews makes this clear by emphasising the supremacy of the Son over angels, which sets the stage for the rest of the letter.
Jesus Is Greater Than the Angels
Hebrews 1:5-14 focuses on establishing the supremacy of Jesus over the angels. The author does this by weaving together a series of Old Testament references—seven in total—to demonstrate that Jesus has always been greater than the angels.
1. The Reality of Angels
The Bible doesn’t question the existence of angels; it assumes their reality. They are mentioned throughout Scripture as servants of God, carrying out His will. Angels protected Abraham (Genesis 19:1), delivered the Law to Moses (Acts 7:53), ministered to Elijah (1 Kings 19:5), and announced the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) and Joseph (Matthew 1:20-21). They even ministered to Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). In Revelation 5:11-12, we see angels worshipping Jesus, declaring His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and praise. Yet, despite their importance, they are never the focus of worship; that honour belongs to Jesus alone.
2. The Son’s Greater Name
The first point the writer makes is that Jesus’ name is far greater than any angelic name. In Hebrews 1:5, the author quotes Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14 to show that Jesus is uniquely identified as the Son of God. No angel has ever been given this title. The name of Jesus signifies His divine authority and unique relationship with the Father.
3. The Son is Worshipped by Angels
Hebrews 1:6-7 makes it clear that the angels worship Jesus (cf. Revelation 5:11-12). These divine celestial beings, who themselves are holy and God’s light, bow before Jesus, recognising His divine authority. This reinforces the idea that Jesus is not just another spiritual being; He is the object of angelic worship.
4. The Son’s Exaltation
Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of God, a position higher than the angels. This idea is supported by several Psalms (Psalm 45:6-7; 102:25-27; 110:1) quoted by the writer. The right hand of God is a place of supreme honour and authority, and it is here that Jesus is seated, ruling over all creation, including the angels.
5. Angels as Servants
Finally, Hebrews 1:14 tells us that angels are sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. This highlights their role as servants, not rulers. Their purpose is to assist in the unfolding of God’s plan, particularly in the lives of those who are saved by Jesus. This service again highlights the salvation Jesus offers, how it is so much greater that angels are sent to aid in its fulfilment.
This first chapter of Hebrews serves as a powerful reminder: while angels are significant in God’s plan, they are not to be worshipped or revered above Jesus.
The Son of God is far greater.
He is the one whom the angels worship, and He is the one who holds the universe together.
As we move into Hebrews chapter 2, we’ll see why this salvation that Jesus brings is something we must never neglect.
This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see:
In a recent article in The Age, Caroline Wilson explores a cultural shift in AFL coaching, where many top candidates have turned down the West Coast senior coaching position to prioritise family and personal well-being. This made me reflect on the parallels between the pressures faced by AFL coaches and those in pastoral ministry. Though these two fields operate in completely different arenas, they do share a number of common challenges around leadership, sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility.
The Weight of Leadership
In both AFL coaching and pastoral ministry, the role of a leader carries significant weight. For coaches, this involves the strategic management of a team, guiding players toward success while being under the constant scrutiny of fans and media. For pastors, the responsibility lies in shepherding a congregation, guiding them in their faith, and providing wisdom during life’s challenging moments. The Bible speaks to this in Luke 12:48, where Jesus says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” This isn’t just about material wealth but applies equally to those entrusted with leadership—whether on the field or in the church. Leadership demands much, and with it comes the pressure to meet those demands faithfully.
The Relentless Pressure
Wilson’s article highlights the high-pressure environment that AFL coaches endure, where every decision is analysed and critiqued. Pastors, depending on the season, can also operate in a similarly intense environment. The spiritual well-being of a congregation rests, in part, on their shoulders. The Apostle Paul understood this pressure well, when he shares in 2 Corinthians 11:28 that beyond his external trials, he faced “the daily pressure of concern for all the churches.” This type of pressure is sometimes relentless and requires both AFL coaches and pastors to have a strong foundation—whether it’s in their strategy, their faith, their identity, or all of the above.
Sacrifices for Family
One of the themes highlighted by Wilson is the decision by many coaches to prioritise their families over the senior coaching job. For pastors, this is similar. Ministry demands can easily encroach upon personal and family life, leading to burnout if not managed carefully. It’s a delicate balance, where one must constantly weigh the call to serve against the needs of those closest to them. However, the decision to prioritise family reflects a biblical principle found in 1 Timothy 3:4-5, where leaders in the church are instructed to manage their households well, for if they cannot do that, “how can they take care of God’s church?” This is a reminder that commitment to church leadership is balanced with a commitment to family.
Mentorship and Influence
AFL coaches are often seen as father figures or mentors to their players, providing guidance not just in the sport but in life. As spiritual shepherds, pastors seek to guide their congregation toward deeper faith and worship of God. The influence they have is often more significant than we realise, helping to shape those who lead. In Proverbs 4:23 we read, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” For pastors, and perhaps coaches too, this is helpful wisdom; influence must flow from a place of integrity and care for those they lead. In a way, both are in the business of heart work—coaches on the playing field and pastors in the field of the soul.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
At the core of both AFL coaching and pastoral ministry is the concept of sacrifice. Wilson highlights how even lucrative and prestigious coaching positions are being passed over in favour of personal happiness and family commitments. In ministry, this sacrificial nature is a direct reflection of the gospel itself. The ultimate act of sacrifice is found in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the sake of others. Philippians 2:7-8 describes how Jesus
“made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
This is the model for all Christian leadership: a life that prioritises the well-being of others, even at personal cost.
Upon reflection, the challenges faced by AFL coaches are not entirely different from those encountered in pastoral ministry. Both roles require a balance of responsibility, the ability to endure pressure, and a heart willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. As pastoral leadership evolves, it’s crucial that those who lead do so with wisdom, resilience, and a deep commitment to the people they serve—always drawing strength and inspiration from the sacrificial love of Christ. This love, exemplified by Jesus on the cross, is the ultimate guide for anyone called to lead, whether in a sporting arena or a place of worship.
If you’d like to read the full article from Caroline Wilson in The Age that inspired this post you can do so here (may be behind a pay wall).
The world is constantly changing, sometimes rapidly. Take technology for example. Remember when floppy disks were cutting-edge? Those little square disks held all our data and seemed revolutionary at the time. Then came CDs, USB drives, and portable hard drives. Now, we store and share data wirelessly through this mysterious cloud, data centres in various parts of the world. This evolution is a reminder that things change, often quickly, and how what was once essential can become no longer.
In the opening verses of Hebrews, this idea of change is made front and centre. The writer introduces us to a new season in which God has revealed Himself in a way that surpasses all previous revelations—through His Son, Jesus.
Jesus Is the Great Son
In Hebrews 1:1-4, we read:
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
These verses highlight the supremacy of Jesus. He is greater than all who came before, the ultimate way in which God has chosen to reveal Himself.
God is a God Who Speaks
From the very beginning, God has been speaking. Genesis 1:3 tells us, “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” God continues to communicate with His creation, including us, giving instructions and maintaining a relationship with us. He is not distant; He is present, like a friend who is always just a call away, ready to help whenever we need it.
Yet, despite God’s openness, we often hide from Him, just as Adam and Eve did in the garden after their rebellion. They were afraid, so they hid, but God sought them out. Similarly, when we realise our own shortcomings, we tend to withdraw, but God seeks us out, desiring a restored relationship. He wants to comfort and reassure us. The question is, do we have open hearts to hear from Him?
God Spoke Through the Prophets
In the past, God communicated through prophets in various ways. He spoke to Abraham in a vision (Genesis 15:1), to Moses through a burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4), to Samuel through a dream (1 Samuel 3:4-10), and to David through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7:4-5). When we receive important news it may come via personal letter but probably via email or text or a phone call. Whatever the case, the message or important news is communicated to you. In the Old Testament, God’s messages were relayed through His prophets.
God Speaks Through His Son
But now, in these last days, God speaks to us through His Son. The writer of Hebrews emphasises that we are in a new era. The end times began with Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and they will continue until Jesus returns. From this time on Jesus is final and complete revelation of God. As we seek to hear God’s voice and know His will, we turn to Jesus.
Hebrews 1:2-4 gives us insight into the Son’s place and role. Jesus is the heir of all things, the creator and sustainer of the universe, and the exact representation of God’s being. He holds the universe together with His powerful word and sustains us.
Jesus’ role is further confirmed by His actions. He provided purification for our sins through His death on the cross, allowing us to draw near to God with sincere hearts and the assurance that comes from faith. Though it might seem strange to modern ears, the concept of being cleansed by Jesus’ blood is deeply rooted in Scripture, from the sacrificial system of the Old Testament to the teachings of the New Testament.
Conclusion
Finally, we see Jesus exalted, seated at the right hand of God (1:4). This position confirms His superiority over everything that came before Him. Jesus, as the heir, sustainer, and purifier, is greater than the angels, the Law, Moses, the prophets, and the priests.
Just as floppy disks and CDs have been replaced by more advanced technology, the old ways of understanding God have been surpassed by the ultimate revelation through His Son. Jesus isn’t just an update; He’s the final word, the complete picture of who God is and what He desires for us.
The encouragement for us is simple: listen for His voice, trust in His authority, and worship Him as the sustainer of our world. We are to live in the light of His exaltation, seek His presence daily, and reflect His glory in all that we do.
This is a series through the Letter to the Hebrews, based on sermons I have preached over the course of our sermon series. For other posts in this series please see:
Have you ever found yourself at the point where you realised whatever you’re doing isn’t worth the time, energy, or effort to continue, so you quit?
Many of us have experienced this with various things in life, like gym memberships, growing a veggie patch in our yard, or even more significant commitments like jobs or relationships. It’s a common human experience.
We’ve begun a new sermon series at our church where we’re diving into the book of Hebrews, a letter that inspires and encourages us not to quit but to persevere in our walk with Jesus.
The central message of Hebrews is that Jesus is greater than all. He is the ultimate revelation of God, providing us with everything we need for our souls, life, and faith. This then leads to the constant encouragement to not give up, to not quit the faith, but to keep on keeping on.
If you’ve ever signed up for a gym membership, then you may have experienced something of the following. You sign up inspired to get healthy, turn up 3-4 times per week, and want to make use of the classes on offer or the swimming pool in the complex. But about 6 weeks in, the results aren’t there. Another 6 weeks later, you realise you haven’t attended in a while, and then 6 weeks after that, you realise you’re paying a good amount of money for nothing. So, you quit. You give up on it.
In our faith we may be tempted to do the same. We get some months or years or even decades down the road of faith and drift. We drift so much, we decide it’s not true, or not worth the time, or we’re not longer convinced it’s worth it.
This is where the message of Hebrews comes in. It is written to encourage us not to give up, but to persevere in light of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. It is written with teachings, with warnings, and with encouragements to help us do just that. To keep going.
This sermonic letter opens with a majestic declaration:
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)
As the letter progresses, we see that Jesus is greater than the angels, Moses, the priests, and the old sacrificial system. He is our Great High Priest, who mediates between God and his people, and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all. This truth is at the heart of our faith and is written to give us the strength to keep going.
Toward the end of the book Hebrews 12:1-2 says the following to continue this encouragement:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In our faith journey, we might face moments where we want to quit due to life’s challenges, doubts, or our own shortcomings. But we are not alone. We are surrounded by a ‘great cloud of witnesses’—those who have gone before us and those walking alongside us. Most importantly, we have Jesus, who endured the cross for us and intercedes for us.
The continued encouragement is to commit to running the race of faith with faith, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and drawing strength from His example and the community of believers around us.
I look forward to sharing more on Hebrews in coming months as we explore this book.
We know when people work together in unity much can be achieved. There is a bond together, there is a goal to achieve, there is progress made, sometimes quite rapidly, when people are united.
We may have experienced this before ourselves when working with others on a particular task, on a particular project, or toward a particular goal. We might even look at the natural world and think of the ant colony that works together in various lines to sustain themselves, or birds flying in a V formation to make a flight easier, or lionesses hunting in packs to capture their prey.
When in community with others being united is important in achieving common goals and objectives. And for the church at Philippi, to not crumble under the pressure they are facing, Paul presses on them the need to be united at the end of chapter one, verse 27.
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…”
Reflecting The Gospel In Unity
Paul names the unity of the church as a way for the church to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
This is how the gospel is displayed, through the unity of believers.
Whether Paul is with them or not, that in the end doesn’t matter. What does matter is that the conduct worthy of the gospel will be displayed through the church’s unity and togetherness.
The church in Philippi is under some pressure and persecution. We read in v28 of some opponents and Paul’s word to the church is, “to stand firm in one Spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents.”
As the church stands firm, and are of one accord, through the work of the Holy Spirit, then in their striving together they are contending for the faith. In their unity they are displaying the unity they have in the gospel, in Christ. In their unity they are conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
Disunity In The Church
In my experience of church life I have seen and experienced plenty of disunity within the church. So much so I wonder what I’m still doing here sometimes. You may well know or have experienced times when a church has not been united either. And when this occurs, when there is disunity in the church, things can go wrong, very wrong.
The conduct of people goes awry,
The idea of where the church should be putting its energies gets pulled this way and that.
There is commonly some relational breakdown.
It becomes a very poor witness to the Christian community, let alone the wider community.
And the main thing no longer becomes the main thing. The gospel is sidelined, pettiness and gossip increase, and it becomes awkward and awful for many.
When we read the scriptures we are encouraged and challenged toward unity by these words of Paul. As we seek to conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel may we be people who stand firm in the Spirit and in one accord contending together for the faith of gospel.
In today’s polarised society, achieving this unity can seem like an uphill battle.
Unity In An Age of Polarisation
Like the Philippians, we face growing skepticism of Christianity in our society. The secular nature of our society may sometimes conflict with gospel-worthy conduct, creating tension. Furthermore, our era is characterised by extreme polarisation, where civil discourse has been replaced by a binary divide, fostering an us-versus-them mentality.
The challenge we face is how we can maintain unity amid the cacophony of differing opinions and debates. A congregation of 150-200 people will naturally hold differing views, much like any friend or family group. Yet, this must not deter us from seeking unity in our common faith while still encouraging healthy dialogue and disagreement.
As we navigate complex societal issues like:
government and political ethics
euthanasia
race and discrimination
personal and corporate justice
substance use
relationship dynamics
reproductive technologies
sexuality and gender issues
economic disparities
health matters
environmental stewardship
and for us in Australia this year – the Voice to Parliament
We must constantly ask ourselves how to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. It is not about agreement on all matters but upholding the spirit of unity and love as taught by Christ.
As we live in the reality whereby issues such as these are part of our lives and culture how do we remain united around the gospel while wrestling with these things?
Love On Display
Thankfully Paul writes about this unity in a few places in his letters, and he speaks no better about unity than in 1 Corinthians 12 and 13. Beginning with the illustration of the church being one body with many parts he moves on to his most crucial point regarding unity–love. In 13:4-8 we read,
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
It is love which is most central to unity, it is love which is most central to Paul, and it is love which is most central to our faith. It is the “more excellent way” as he writes in 1 Corinthians 12:31.
Christians are to be marked by love and to be unified by love.
That love is best displayed when we head to the cross.
That sacrificial, God-exalting, sinner-redeeming love is most clearly seen through Jesus’ death and unifies all believers to love others rather than themselves.
Why is it that churches split, that conflict occurs, that disunity abounds?
It is because there is no Christ-like love.
On the other hand, why does unity occur?
It is because there is love.
It’s not actually unity through diversity that Paul is calling for here, which for some is a common catch-cry, it’s actually unity through love.
And through the cross of Christ and the love of Christ unity is found.
As people, and as the Church, who are conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel may we be encouraged and challenged to be united through the message of Christ, and in so doing display the love of Christ.
This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:
According to several scientific studies conducted about first impressions, it takes seven seconds for the human brain to create an impression about someone upon first meeting them. And in that initial meet every second is important in creating a good impression. Unfortunately, first impressions can only be made once and it is over in a matter of seconds, meaning that the short interaction can have a lasting impact. Think about where this might make an impact say in a job interview, or on a date, or even when going to church for the first time. Impressions are made quickly. And the way a person conducts themselves, even in those first brief seconds of interaction, can have a lasting impact on how they are perceived.
In Philippians 1:27-30 Paul, the writer of this letter, presses upon his audience the importance of conducting themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. He isn’t aware of these scientific studies about how quickly people might form opinions of others, but he is aware that the gospel impacts the conduct of a believer.
An Exhortation
In v27 Paul gives his first exhortation to the church in Philippi.
v27-30 is one whole sentence in its original language but try speaking that in English and seeing how you go. And if you’re someone who enjoys knowing the technical detail of scripture then know that it is from this opening line, the opening sentence in English, that everything else hangs off. Like a wardrobe, the beginning of v27 is the bar across wardrobe and the rest is on hangers.
Different English translations have sought to express the exact nature of what Paul is saying here, some say, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The one I tend to use, the CSB, says, “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
We’re essentially hearing the same thing just in different words. Paul wants to get across the fact that as citizens of Christ’s kingdom, as the people of God, the Philippians are to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the message of Christ.
And this is the encouragement, to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, because it is through the gospel we are shaped.
The Gospel On Repeat
The gospel, the good news of what God has done in Christ, is of such importance for Paul that he can’t help but keep it on repeat.
Back in the olden days when people would use CD players you would hit a button and it would allow you to repeat the song over and over. Now we have a similar button in the music app on our phones. When we enjoy a song, when we want to hear the song again and again, then we put it on repeat.
For us as Christians we need the gospel on repeat.
It reminds us of what God has done in Christ.
It allows us to enjoy the good news of the gospel again and again.
We constantly need the gospel on repeat in our lives for it to keep making an impact because if we’re honest we’re prone to forget it too.
We don’t just accept the gospel and move on with our lives, no, we need the gospel again and again and again. We need to hear the story of the gospel, the message of the gospel, of God’s great plan of salvation for us through his Son Jesus, again and again.
Paul recognises this and keeps reminding the church about this. Everything is founded on the gospel and the gospel impacts everything (Philippians 1:5, 8, 12, 16, and 27).
The Gospel On Display
The gospel shapes our conduct, our behaviour, our attitudes, and our lives will display just how central the gospel is to us.
As Carolyn Mahaney, pastor wife and author has written,
“Our conduct has a direct influence on how people think about the gospel. The world doesn’t judge us by our theology; the world judges us by our behaviour. People don’t necessarily want to know what we believe about the Bible. They want to see if what we believe makes a difference in our lives.”
And CS Lewis speaks in a similar, albeit in a negative way, saying,
“When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world.”
The gospel shapes us.
The gospel displays us.
And so the exhortation comes from Paul, that because we are gospel citizens, because we are gospel people, then we are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.
This post is part of an ongoing series where we dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians. For earlier posts please see:
I am often amazed when I hear stories of people who have gone through such hardship and suffering yet they are still so filled with joy. Recently I heard testimony of believers and Christian workers who were still joyful and hopeful despite being displaced and impoverished because of the war in Ukraine. Those brothers and sisters from Myanmar, who have now moved nearby to where I live, are often full of joy, despite the tragedy to their families and communities. And then there are those closer to home who have gone through the loss of employment, significant health battles, or grief in losing a child and yet they have an enduring joy.
How can this be?
Well, the letter to the Philippians answers that question by giving us a picture of Christ. A picture of Christ that highlights the greatness of his character and who he is. For in knowing Christ and more of him we find an enduring joy and a persistent contentment in our lives.
In our world joy is portrayed to us differently. It is sold to us through material means, or short-term experiences, or goods and services we may use. I mean, even the box that held our online shopping recently had written across it, “a little bit of joy”.
When we come to the Bible, we find joy described in numerous ways.
In the Old testament joy comes through the religious practice of the people of Israel, through the festivals, celebration, and worship of God. The Psalms describe joy in personal adoration and through corporate worship (Psalms 42:4; 81:1-3; 16:8ff; 43:4). Isaiah associates joy with the fullness of God’s salvation and with anticipation of our future state with God (Isa 49:13; 61:10ff).
When we come to the New Testament, we find joy first described through Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:10) then through his entry into Jerusalem toward the end of his life and also after the resurrection (Mark 11:9ff; Luke 19:37; Matthew 28:8). Jesus speaks of joy being the result of a deep relationship with him (John 15:11; 16:22-24). In Acts and Paul’s letters joy is shown to come through (a) being part of the body of Christ, (b) the outcome of suffering and sorrow for Christ’s sake, and (c) a gift of the Holy Spirit that comes from the love of God toward us and our love toward God (Acts 13:52), and described as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Given that joy is a gift to us we are called to share in the joy of Christ and walk with him in rejoicing in the knowledge and salvation of Christ.
Knowing Christ
In Philippians joy is attached to knowing Christ.
In knowing Christ, we find an everlasting joy that is deeper than that online shopping experience, or that Big Mac you craved for lunch, or the superannuation package you’ve just signed up for. Whatever joy is being sold to us there is nothing that compares to the joy of Christ, which holds through times of gratitude and happiness as well as through times of deep grief and sadness.
For Paul joy comes through his partnership in the gospel with the Philippian church (1:1-11). It comes through the friendship he has with them; it comes through the unity they strive to have with one-another (2:2), and it comes through the ministry he undertakes on their behalf and in his service to them (2:17-18). As they progress in the faith his joy abounds, and despite the circumstances he finds himself in and the heritage had as a Jewish leader (3:7-8), it is only through knowing Christ as Lord that he is able to say, ‘to live is Christ and to die is gain’ (1:21).
Knowing Christ Forms Our Character
I don’t have a radical conversion story. I was bought up in a Christian home and God and faith have been part of my story since I was born. And for many of us we may look upon our own faith journey as being rather ordinary. But I’m aware of others, and you may be too, who have found Christ and had a total change in their character.
As Paul writes to the Philippians, we read that life in Christ impacts our character, whether we’ve had a radical conversion or not.
This is most clearly seen in the high note of this letter, a poetic-like section, that speaks of Christ’s humility. In 2:5-11, Paul encourages the church to adopt the attitude of Christ. He writes,
5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Here is the call to follow Christ’s example in his humility, but it also highlights the character of Christ. It is what we might call high Christology, helping us understand more of who Christ is.
And what do we learn of the character of Christ?
We learn that he is humble.
Even though Christ is God and was with God and existed together with God he did not use his position to his advantage or to advance himself. Instead, he let go of such a position in order to become a servant to God and to humanity. He humbled himself, came into our world as a man, and then was obedient or submitted to the will of God to such an extent that he would die on a cross to serve and save the world.
This is the gospel, this is the good news.
And in this good news we see the character of Christ.
Christ willingly leaving his elevated and first position in order to become last and be of service to the world.
In Jesus’ lifetime he not only displays his character, but he also teaches his disciples about this virtue of humility.
On at least one occasion the disciples are arguing about who is the greatest among them. I’m amused when I think of what that conversation must have been like because I wonder if it was like those conversations people have about who is the GOAT – the greatest of all-time, whether it me a footballer, or basketballer, or cricket player. They just turn into a bit of a mess. But in response to their debate among themselves Jesus tells them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all” (Mark 9:33-37).
And this is exactly what Christ does. He has become last and a servant for all and in doing so he is exalted and lifted on high.
Christ’s character was modelled through his preaching and teaching and through what he does.
Knowing Christ Impacts Our Conduct
Early in the letter Paul deals with those who are preaching the message of Christ out of selfish ambition (1:17), in chapter two he calls the church to be united (2:2) and encourages them to hold to the word of life (2:17). In chapter three Paul speaks about the confidence many have in the flesh and their own actions. He talks about his own heritage which many would believe puts him in a good position to be right with God (3:4-6). And as he writes these things he has Christ at the forefront. For in knowing Christ we will conduct ourselves in a way that is worthy of the gospel (1:27).
And this is what he writes to the church in 1:27, “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
First, note that we have a heavenly citizenship. We are part of the people of God who have an everlasting citizenship. This is assuring in and of itself.
But second, the way in which we conduct ourselves is to be worthy of the gospel. There are practical implications for us as we know and grow in Christ.
For the church in Philippi this conduct is expressed in being united with one-another and putting others first (2:2-3). It is doing everything without grumbling and arguing (2:14). It is holding firm to the word of life (2:16). It is standing firm in the faith together despite those who wish to add to the gospel or destroy the church through self-centred and law-adding false teaching (3:2-6). It is rejoicing in the Lord (3:1; 4:4). It is by being gracious toward others (4:5). It is by not worrying about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, presenting requests to God (4:5-6). And it is by dwelling on that which is just, pure, lovely, and commendable (4:8).
Joy in Christ comes from knowing him. And in knowing him we find our character and our conduct transformed. Transformed into conduct worth of the gospel of Christ.
This post is part of an ongoing series where we will dive into the themes, messages, and lessons found throughout the book of Philippians.
Life + Faith – joncoombs.com 