Philippians 1:5
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
The Gospel of Christ is the answer for the world; any other “solution” to the world’s problems always ends with failure. Paul understood that the only thing that really mattered was the spreading of the Gospel. The Gospel is what gave Paul a drive to continue despite many adversities that were caused by his desire to get the Gospel to every person. Paul was zealous for the enemies of the Gospel before he got saved, but he became more zealous for the Gospel of Christ after he got saved. His zealousness allows us to have much of the New Testament today.
My friend, many of today’s believers have gotten their focus wrong. Sadly, we see believers more focused on politics or community projects when the Gospel is the answer. You will never turn a nation or a world around through politics because politics is only contrived by sinful humans. Likewise, the desire to win a city over to Christ through community involvement only causes believers to compromise what they believe for the sake of getting the Gospel to the lost. Paul focused on the Gospel, and that focus led to his drive to get the Gospel to the lost no matter what he faced. Let me share several things the Gospel will produce in the believer.
First, the Gospel produces great fellowship with fellow believers. Notice, there is fellowship in the Gospel. The greatest fellowship one will enjoy will only be discovered by working with others as you try to spread the Gospel. You will find more real friends by spreading the Gospel with others than you ever will in any worldly entertainment.
Second, the Gospel gives purpose for suffering. Paul said the things which happened unto him have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. The trials you face will always help you to identify with others so that you can win them to Christ. When you realize that every trial sent your way is for the furtherance of the Gospel, that is when you find purpose for your suffering.
Third, the Gospel gives boldness to others. Paul said that others became bold because they saw his witness for Christ in his bonds and suffering. Nothing motivates others to do more like seeing someone having the courage to fight for right despite the suffering or battles they face. The greatest motivating stories you will read in life are motivating because someone continued in suffering. Their suffering produced a drive and boldness in you to do more for Christ. When the Gospel is your focus, you will find that NOTHING will stop you from getting it out, which will stir others to be bold for Christ.
Fourth, the Gospel gives drive in the battles. Paul realized that Christ was still being preached even though the enemy told his story with a desire to destroy him. You will face battles if you spread the Gospel, but those battles always get the message of Christ out even though those fighting against you tell your message with a hope to destroy you. You will find a great drive to fight the battles for truth because those battles are a tool God uses to spread Christ’s Gospel.
Fifth, the Gospel produces a great army of believers who strive together for the Gospel. The greatest way to get unity among the brethren is for all the brethren to be focused on the Gospel being spread. When a church stays focused on spreading the Gospel, the result will be a unified church.
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