Philippians 1:27
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Before we discuss this scripture, read the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44.
- Where did Jesus sit? (across from money boxes where people put their offerings to God)
- Who did Jesus see at the money boxes? (many rich people and one poor widow)
- What did the poor widow do? (she put two small coins into the offering box)
- What can we assume the rich people put in the offering box? (Probably a lot of big, valuable coins)
- Why does Jesus say that the poor woman gave more than the rich people did? (Because the poor woman had little money; in fact, the two small coins were all the money she had to live on. And it’s important to note that she is a widow, which means her husband died. Back then, husbands supported their wives. Women had very few ways to make money. This widow had no other earthly means of buying food or what she needed to survive. Still she gave ALL her money to God! Jesus saw that the widow trusted and loved God more than she loved money and security in this world. The rich people only gave a portion of what they had which showed God their hearts didn’t truly trust in Him rather than the security of the world).
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to point out the poor woman’s actions to His friends? (Because what she did showed that she had a good heart that loved God. Her actions showed Jesus’ friends how true Christians or followers of God behave. They love and trust God, which makes them loving, compassionate and generous).
How does this story relate to Philippians 1:27? (The poor widow’s sacrifice of all she had for Jesus showed her heart motivation to please and worship God. By pointing out her actions to others, Jesus was teaching His friends what kind of conduct was worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ–sacrificial trust and love of God).
Are there other ways we can behave to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of Christ? (Yes! Love one another, obey all God’s commandments, forgive others, and ask forgiveness when we do wrong. By behaving this way, it convinces others to become Christians too!)
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27