"The Marks of a Worthy Life"

Philippians 1:27 NIV84

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 one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

Romans 12:1 NIV84

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Galatians 5:1 NIV84

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 NIV84

Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

Ephesians 4:23–24 NIV84

to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

I. The CALL to the Worthy Life - (4:1)

A. His MOTIVATION - (v.1a)

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV84

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

B. His PLEA - (v.1b)

1 Thessalonians 2:12 NIV84

encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

2 Timothy 1:9 NIV84

who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

II. The CHARACTERISTICS of the Worthy Life - (4:2-3)

A. HUMILITY - (v.2a)

John 3:30 NIV84

He must become greater; I must become less.

“How do I become humble?”

Proper SELF awareness - (2 Cor 3:5; 10:12)

Involves CHRIST awareness - (1 John 2:6)

Involves GOD awareness - (Isa 6:1, 3, 5; Luke 18:13-14)

B. GENTLENESS

C. PATIENCE

D. TOLERANCE in LOVE

1 Peter 4:8 NIV84

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Proverbs 10:12 NIV84

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

E. UNITY - (v.3)

Philippians 2:2 NIV84

then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV84

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Ephesians 2:15 NIV84

by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,

Romans 5:1 NIV84

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

III. The CAUSE or REASON for the Worthy Life: UNITY! - (4:4-6)

A. Unity in the SPIRIT - (v.4)

B. Unity in the SON - (v.5)

C. Unity in the FATHER - (v.6)