Live Worthy of the Gospel

Topics: promoting the gospel

I. Stand firm in spiritual unity

* We are planted firmly by the unifying work of the Holy Spirit!

1. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit (Philippians 1:27a).
2. Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
3. I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me (John 17:23).

II. Strive together for the faith

* We team together in mutual support to promote the gospel!

1. With one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God (Philippians 1:27b, 28).
2. And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24, 25).

III. Suffer graciously for Christ's sake

* We are graced with salvation and with suffering for God's glory!

1. For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me (Philippians 1:29, 30; see 1 Peter 4:12-14).
2. Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12).
3. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, August 23rd, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Live Worthy of the Gospel

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Living beyond superficial Christianity is the goal of spiritual maturity. Discuss in your Life Group how you can stimulate one another to live worthy of the gospel.

Getting Started:

1. We have dual citizenship as Americans and as Christians (Philippians 3:20). What kind of reputation do many countries hold about Americans? What is the reputation of Christians?
2. How do we create a desire and longing for Jesus by living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?

Discussing Truths:

1. Why do you think it's more unpopular to be a Christian today in America than at any time previously?
2. How would you define "Integrity"? How does spiritual integrity reflect consistency between what you believe and how you behave (1 Peter 2:11, 12)?
3. Make a list of the many "one another" teachings of Scripture and discuss how important it is to be ministering together as Believers.
4. What is the writer of Hebrews referring to when it says, "and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24, 25)?
5. Why is it vital that we don't live the Christian life alone (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)?
6. How can you develop a biblical attitude and godly response to suffering for your faith (1 Peter 3:14-17; 4:1, 2; James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5)?
7. What are the "blessings" that Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:10-12?

Now What? Application:

1. Will you join Paul in faithfully praying Colossians 1:10 for our COTW family?
2. Do a Bible study on "suffering for the Lord" and share your findings with your Life Group.