A. The way of life that is “worthy of the gospel of Christ” (27-28)

27 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 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. :

1. Standing in the one Spirit

2. Not being frightened by those who oppose us

B. Let’s put our hope in the Lord

29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

For Discussion

To believe in Jesus is indeed a struggle. It is a struggle against the sin of human beings that seeks what is not worthy of seeking and that fears what should not be feared. It also involves suffering to be hurt by others or to face our own weakness. It is not true to say that there should be no struggle or suffering once believing in Jesus. Let us get to know both joy and sorrow of Jesus.

For Discussion

1. Why is to believe in Jesus a struggle?
2. What do you do when you get tired of striving?