Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?
I still have it.
It’s tucked away in a box now. In some ways, I’m still attached to it. Logic says there’s no reason to hold onto it, but it’s not the item itself—it’s the memories it carries. It’s the way it triggers snapshots of my youth, moments spent in anticipation and excitement.
I spent hours with this item. It came with me everywhere. It was always in my bag, ready for the next opportunity. Whenever I had a chance, I’d pull it out and add to it.
Some people I knew even contributed to it, leaving their mark on its pages. I’ll admit, a few entries were made up—copied from somewhere else just to fill the gaps. But most of it was real, collected during hours of waiting, sometimes long into the night.
These entries weren’t just ink on paper. They were people—heroes of mine. People I admired and tried to imitate as I practiced their craft. They weren’t just my heroes, either. They were legends for so many others, drawing crowds of thousands who came to watch them do what they did best.
I’d stand around the boundary, waiting. Outside the changing rooms, I’d wait. I’d write letters with pre-stamped, self-addressed envelopes, hoping for a response. I was determined to get another entry—an autograph I didn’t yet have.
This item, if you haven’t guessed by now, was my autograph book. A small, colourful book filled with the signatures of sporting heroes. Cricket captains, Australian players, touring sides—anyone who took to the pitch to play.
Whether it was a Test match or a one-day game, I’d wait after play had finished, hoping to catch a glimpse of the players as they headed to their cars. And if I was lucky, I’d get their signature.
It’s more than just a book. It’s a collection of memories, a connection to the joy of my youth. And now, as I pull it out to show my kids or take it to a game we’re going to, I’m instilling in them the same excitement and appreciation for heroes, patience, and the moments that stay with you forever.
When I think about that autograph book, I’m reminded of how much time and effort I put into collecting those signatures. It’s a small picture of the kind of dedication and patience we’re called to in our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB) says,
“Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Just as I stood waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of my heroes, we’re called to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is infinitely greater. The effort, time, and love we pour into following Him shape who we are, just as those hours around the boundary shaped my childhood.
My mission, if I choose to accept it, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Borrowing from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, this mission aligns the whole of life with its ultimate purpose. As John Piper reframes it: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
But we live in a world full of missions. Whether it’s crafting a New Year’s resolution, striving for career success, or parenting through the seasons of childhood, everyone is pursuing something. These missions often shape our daily rhythms and long-term goals.
For many, crafting a personal mission statement offers clarity and focus. Every few years, I revisit my values and ask whether they align with my daily life and priorities. This exercise helps me focus on what matters most, alongside this it has also taught me something deeper.
Missions, as we often define them, are like to-do lists. They have a beginning, middle, and end. Once completed, we move on to the next. While this approach works for concrete goals—like finishing a project or achieving a fitness milestone—it can fall short when applied to life’s bigger intentions.
Take faith, family, or health, for instance. These aren’t tasks to be completed but lifelong priorities. They require ongoing attention, growth, and care. You don’t “finish” being faithful, raising your family, or looking after your body. These are life long responsibilities, not one-off missions.
Instead of viewing life’s intentions as a series of missions to accomplish, I’ve come to view them as as a set of sustainable priorities. Priorities allow for a lifelong focus, recognising that some tasks will never be fully completed but are worth our time and effort nonetheless.
If we turn for a moment to our theological understanding of mission, mission isn’t just personal—it’s part of a bigger story. Jesus gave His followers a clear mission in Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB):
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Similarly, in Acts 1:8 (CSB), Jesus said:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This mission—the Great Commission—is ongoing. It’s not something we check off a list but a lifelong call to share the gospel and live as witnesses to Jesus.
This perspective reframes how we think about mission. It’s not about achieving a specific result but faithfully living out our calling in Christ.
It’s like building a house. A mission-driven approach might focus on completing individual rooms: the kitchen, the bedrooms, the living space. Each project has a clear endpoint.
But a priorities-driven approach sees the house as a home—a place that constantly requires attention, care, and investment. It’s not about “finishing” the house but creating a space where life can flourish.
Similarly, our faith is is a priority that requires daily investment—prayer, scripture, community, and service.
Central to our faith and its mission is to glorify God. This mission extends beyond church walls and spiritual disciplines into every corner of life. Colossians 3:17 (CSB) reminds us:
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Whether we’re at work, raising a family, or simply enjoying the beauty of creation, our mission is to honour God in all we do.
The beauty of God’s mission is that while it remains unfinished in this life, it’s already fulfilled in Christ. Our call to glorify God and enjoy Him forever is both a present reality and an eternal hope.
So, what is your mission? Is it a project to complete, or a priority to pursue?
The angle of need and want in the material world in which we live.
The angle of the inner life, what we seek and need for our souls and hearts.
The angle of the right here and now, or the long-term perspective of life as a whole.
I wonder how you would answer?
For me, the answer is clear.
I’ve already received the greatest gift.
This is a gift I was given many years ago. It’s a gift many others have also accepted, and it’s one I hope others will receive too—particularly those I know and love.
This gift is from God, who seeks to give all people the gift of His love through Jesus Christ.
As the familiar words of John 3:16 remind us:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse highlights God’s deep love for His people and all of creation. It speaks of a gift given so that the world may know true love—divine love—and receive eternal life.
This is the gift of salvation. It’s the gift of forgiveness for sin. It’s the gift of being present with God. It’s the gift of peace, joy, and hope—those very themes we celebrate at Christmas.
This is the greatest gift I have ever received, and it will always remain the greatest gift I could ever receive.
What about you, how would you respond?
This is a writing response to the WordPress daily prompt.
As the year wraps up, it’s time to look back and celebrate the posts that have resonated with you, my dear readers. To begin with, this year hasn’t exactly been a literary whirlwind. It’s been more a little bit of randomness and some adaptation of other content I’ve worked on. Evidently there are a few people who appreciate my ramblings though, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy my writing and share it too.
Just like my post on the Top Books of 2024, without further ado, here are the stats and then a summary of the posts that had the most views.
Enjoy.
THE STATS:
Total Views: 8,944 (Clearly, you still like me!)
Unique Visitors: 7,058 (Some of you even brought friends—thanks!)
Comments: 11 (Keep them coming; I’m lonely over here)
Likes: 20 (A number so small, even my posts feel insecure)
Posts Published: 14 or 10,645 words (Let’s call it “quality over quantity”)
This post explores the sacrificial love of God, vividly demonstrated through the cross of Christ. Drawing on 1 John 4, it reflects on how God’s love transforms our sin and brokenness into something good through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. If you’ve ever doubted God’s love or struggled with the weight of sin, this post will remind you of the grace that calls you “perfect” even in your mess.
Looking at Mark 14:53-65, this post unpacks the unjust trial of Jesus as both a moment of human injustice and a divine fulfilment of prophecy. Jesus’ silence, His declaration of being the Son of Man, and His willingness to endure suffering reveal the depths of God’s plan for salvation. It’s a reflection that leads us to the cross with gratitude and confidence in Christ’s work.
Inspired by Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, this post delves into his reflections on the complete forgiveness found in Jesus. Luther’s bold and comforting words remind us that forgiveness is not something we earn but something Christ gives freely through His sacrifice.
So, after posting about my reading in 2024 and giving some recommendations for the year this post got a little traction. It ended up sneaking into the top 5 within a week. If you’d like to see what I’ve been reading and what books you might like to add to your list this coming year then heading over and have a look.
Adoniram Judson’s marriage proposal to Ann Hasseltine is anything but ordinary. This post recounts the radical faith behind his request, as he asked Ann’s parents to release their daughter to a life of missionary hardship—and possibly death. Ann’s courageous response highlights the cost of following Christ and her shared commitment to God’s mission. It’s a love story that’s as inspiring as it is humbling.
This book review highlights the life and legacy of Adoniram Judson, the father of American missions. Through the lens of Duesing’s collection of essays, this post explores Judson’s faith in God’s sovereignty, his endurance through suffering, and his commitment to long-term service. If you’re looking for a book to inspire your faith and challenge your perspective on missions, this review will convince you to pick it up.
So there you have it: my greatest hits of 2024. Thanks for reading, sharing, and sticking with me—even through my quieter years. This blog wouldn’t exist without you (well, it would, but it’d feel more like me talking to myself).
This is something I’ve done in previous years, which you can find here: Top posts for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015. I also have a collection of writings published elsewhere on the inter-webs, which you can read here.
Got a favourite post or a burning topic you’d love me to tackle in 2025? Drop me a comment or message.
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:
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:
Life + Faith – joncoombs.com 