A life worthy of the gospel

Philippians 1:27 (ESV)  Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ

Oh how I want to obey this verse.  For wouldn’t it be tragic to meet Christ and realize that our conduct on earth did not measure up to the worth of the gospel?  I know that I cannot earn salvation through my good works, but now that I am a Christian I have the Spirit of Christ abiding in me (Rom 8).  Now that I am a disciple of Jesus, I have the Word to equip me for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17).  Now that I have placed my faith in the finished work of the cross, I find that I have been created in Christ Jesus for good works. (Eph 2:8-10).  And when it all comes down to it, good works are the evidence that I am a Christian in the first place (James 2:17). 

But what does a life worthy of the gospel look like?  Here are some cross references to show what the bible identifies the Christian life to look like.

Philippians 2:14–15 (ESV)  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

2 Peter 1:5–11 (ESV)  For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 6:10–11 (ESV)  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.