How Will You Fight Fearlessly for Christ’s Gospel?

Exodus 31:1–3, "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—'"

"In biblical thought wisdom has a wide range of meaning. Wisdom can mean simply the practical skills and qualities which humans can acquire in order to live successfully, or wisdom can refer to God's knowledge and creative power which transcend human scrutiny. Given this range of meaning, it is extremely difficult to give a comprehensive definition of wisdom." [1]

Whatever Happens!

To make his point, Paul challenges us with citizenship, military, and sports images. "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 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you." Philippians 1:27–28.

Every word here is powerful. The Greek verb for "conduct yourself" is unusual and has political overtones of obligation, patriotism, and politeuesthe. Against the Philippian preoccupation with their coveted Roman citizenship, Paul challenges a counter-citizenship whose capital is not on earth but in heaven, whose king is not Nero but Christ. The Philippians were incredibly proud of their Roman citizenship because of their unique history.

My ancestors go back to the founding of Texas. I'm a proud, native Texan. The name of the Philippians' city came from Alexander the Great's father, Philip of Macedon. Philippi was filled with Roman military veterans who valued loyalty to Rome. They understood living worthy of Rome.

We understand being American citizens, patriots, and proud of our country. But Paul calls us to a higher citizenship, a deeper loyalty. We are citizens of Christ's kingdom. Paul challenges us,

Fearlessly fight together as one for Christ's gospel.

Paul urges us to live as worthy citizens of God's kingdom. Knowing my transition from Senior Pastor to Founding Pastor and that I will not be as visible, I echo Paul: Fight together fearlessly for the gospel. May Paul's words echo in your heart.

The verb translated as "stand firm" pictures a soldier courageously taking a battle stance in all his armor to resist the opposing force. A lineman is taking his stance with his fellow athletes in a related sports image.

The phrase "striving together" is a compound word in Greek, Sun-athlountes, combining the word from which we get our word athletic and a prefix meaning together. Sunathlountes means to fight together side by side. Ancient soldiers fought as a densely packed phalanx linked together, eight ranks deep, that moved together against their opponents. We are spiritual soldiers and athletes, contending together as one united squad, one team, for the faith of the gospel. We do this in one Spirit. Despite our differences, we strive together as one—in Greek, literally with one soul. We don't need conflict in the barracks or in the locker room! Black or white, Asian or Hispanic, liberal or conservative, rich or poor, the Spirit gives us solidarity to stand together. Despite our differences, united by the Holy Spirit, like soldiers, we unite to advance the gospel.

When we fight together in one Spirit, nothing can stand against us. We fight fearlessly. The phrase translated as "being frightened" was used to describe spooked horses on a battlefield. Don't be a timid horse startled by a noise. Don't let the enemy intimidate you. This is a worthy life—to fight together with your brothers and sisters in Christ's global gospel mission that matters eternally.

This is a far cry from a comfortable life. It is a much higher calling. Joy and honor come from fighting in the arena, even if we get bruised, hurt, or worse. When Paul brought the gospel to Philippi ten years earlier, he and his team were beaten and thrown into prison. In Acts chapter 16, they sang hymns to God in prison. Even the jailer and his family trusted in Christ. The gospel is victorious. Christ cannot be stopped.

It's unlikely any of us will be put in prison. Still, we face other pressures: intimidation, ridicule, economic pressure to conform, academic pressure to resist Christian truth, and cultural pressure to pursue wealth, comfort, happiness, and material success. There is cultural pressure to be quiet about your faith, don't make waves, don't push your beliefs on anyone else. Be tolerant. Don't judge. And so, in our cowardice, we check out of the fight. We sit on the bench.

If we want to live a worthy life, despite all difficult circumstances, including prison, we will fight together fearlessly for Christ's gospel. Like bold athletes and courageous soldiers, we will share Christ's gospel joyfully and courageously. My dear friends, my Christ Fellowship family, I urge you from the depths of my soul to live for Christ in this final series. Advance Christ's gospel together joyfully and courageously.  Live for others' joyful progress in the faith. Despite difficulties and differences, advance Christ's gospel together joyfully and courageously.

[1]Burnett, F. W. "Wisdom." Ed. Joel B. Green and Scot McKnight. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels 1992: 873. Print.