21 Nov December 10th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

CONDUCT YOUR LIFE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

Philippians 1:27-28 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ  without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.”

God has saved (you) and called (you) to a holy life—not because of anything (you) have done but because of His own purpose and grace.” (2 Timothy 1:9) He has called you into His kingdom. (2 Thessalonians 2:12) Therefore, ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. (paraphrase of Colossians 1:9)

God, in His Holy word directs you in your conduct as one who He has called.  Today’s devotional verse says,  “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ  without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” God reminds you in His word that He cares about you and how you live your life because “you are not your own; you were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)  That price was paid by Jesus with His suffering and death on Calvary’s cross.

Your conduct is guided by God’s law, motivated by the Holy Spirit working in your heart through the gospel.  St. Paul instructs, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

God has chosen you to be His very own child.  You are precious to Him.  He is building you into “. . . a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5) “Through Jesus, therefore . . . continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit guide me to conduct my life in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ.  In His holy name.  Amen.

I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed,

That thou might’st ransomed be And quickened from the dead.

I gave My life for Thee; What hast thou giv’n for Me?

I spent long years for thee In weariness and woe

That an eternity Of joy thou mightiest know.

I spent long years for thee; Hast thou spent one for Me?

My Father’s home of light, My rainbow-circled throne,

I left for earthly night, For wand’rings sad and lone.

I left it all for thee; Hast thou left aught for Me?

I suffered much for thee, More than My tongue can tell,

Of bitt’rest agony, to rescue thee from hell.

I suffered much for thee; what canst thou bear for Me?

And I have brought to thee Down from My home above

Salvation full and free, My pardon and My love.

Great gifts I brought to thee; What hast thou brought to me?

Oh, let thy life be given, Thy years for Me be spent,

World’s fetters all be riven, And joy with suffering blent!

I gave Myself for thee: Give thou thyself to Me.

(TLH 405)