A Life Worthy of the Gospel

by Jason Longstreth

Beginning in the second verse of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, he wrote, "We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you;" (1 Thess 1.2-4). In many ways, this sets the tone for the entire epistle. Paul went on to say that the Thessalonians had imitated the Lord and became examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. In like fashion, Paul praised the Philippians for their participation in the gospel and the way in which they were partakers of grace with him. Nevertheless, the Thessalonians were encouraged to excel still more, and Paul prayed for the Philippians that their "love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment" (Phil 1.9). They were doing well, but they could do more. In fact, all three of Paul's letters to the Macedonian churches (1 & 2 Thessalonians and Philippians) contain exhortations for the Christians to live their lives in such a way that they would demonstrate the worthiness of the gospel. This should also be the goal for each one of us.