Philippians 1:7-8 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
One word jumps off the page to me as I read this passage; confirm. We often make it our business to "defend the gospel" as Paul puts it. But, what about confirming the gospel? Is that our obligation as Christians? I feel we should look at it from two directions: 1. We are obligated to confirm the message Jesus left with us. It is not enough to preach it, it needs to be validated as well. 2. As we live the life God has called us to, we will validate the gospel. How do we do this?
1. Confirming that Jesus is the Son of God as we see miracles and power in our lives through prayer to Him and prayer for others.
2. Confirming that Jesus died for this world by living a life that represents righteousness. This can only be done with the help of the holy Spirit as none of us are nor ever will be perfect! the Fruit of the Spirit gives life to our desire to confirm Jesus death.
3. Confirming that Jesus rose from the grave by living for the hope of heaven and its treasure and not the temptation of earth and her treasure.
Confirming Jesus gospel means living what we believe. True belief is shown in actions that align with our thoughts. The fruit of the Spirit is the gospel confirmed in our lives. Let us not simply defend the gospel but confirm it also by our lives lived for him.
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