06/04/2019 - CONDUCT YORSELF WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

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Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, Philippians 1:27

After defeating the four kings who had overcome the rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah and of three other nations nearby, Abraham refused to receive any portion of that great spoil, though he was entitled to. In fact, he had raised his hand to the Lord, swearing that he would not take anything – from a thread to a sandal strap – in order for the king of Sodom not to say that he had enriched him (Genesis 14: 14-23). Abraham kept the promise to live righteously.

Joseph was another example of righteous behavior, for he preferred to remain holy than enjoy privileges in the house of Potiphar, and later he was chosen to be the prime minister of Egypt (see Genesis 39). God´s children will never be confounded, for the Lord knows how to take care of them. Even if they don´t understand what is happening to them at first and even if they have to go through prisons, justice will be done to them, and they will see that such events were like a “training facility” for them to reach a better position in the future. 

Abigail was able to appease David so that he would not kill her wicked husband and all her family. After becoming a widow, she became David´s beloved wife (read 1 Samuel 25). Boldness is present in the life of the one who has the Spirit of the Lord. Although the person does not understand God’s plans, for only a part is shown to them, in the end this person will see that He always works with love and dedication. It is so worth trusting in Him!

Even though David had Saul in his hands, he respected the divine anointing that was upon this king and did him no harm. On the other hand, if Saul found David, he would kill him with no hesitation. David refused to lay his hand on the anointed of God and he didn’t allow any of his warriors to do so, for he knew that at the right moment the Lord would give his yes, and he would take over the kingdom with his hands clean(read 1 Samuel 24). This is how those who love God must live their lives. He will not use anyone who does evil. Victory will belong to those who are faithful!

Jeremiah was lifted up as a prophet in a difficult time for the people of Judah, for the works of the flesh and of the pagan worship spread rapidly among them. But he was faithful to the Lord, and that which he received from God was what the people would hear coming out from his lips. Sometimes the message was too harsh, but he would deliver it and then be sent to jail. Even so, he remained steadfast. When the Babylonians took over Jerusalem, they received orders to spare him (Jeremiah 1: 15-19; 39: 11-14). Halleluiah!

Epaphras taught the Colossians to love the Most High and to live the faith in Christ, with the wisdom granted by God to His people in every generation, to solve the problems of their regions. He was fighting spiritually on their behalf, so that is why those beloved brethren experienced the best of God (Colossians 1: 7-10). We lack pastors who consecrate themselves to the Lord and fight for the people to be victorious!

Paul went from being a persecutor to one being persecuted, choosing not to give money to the corrupt Felix to obtain his freedom, which would not be real (Acts 24:26). After that, the apostle decided to go to Rome in order to face Caesar. Most assuredly, we must behave ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, just as Paul and many other servants of the Lord did.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares