Living Like Jesus in Today's World

Have you ever wondered what true spiritual success looks like? It's not about notoriety, political influence, or even being known beyond your community. According to Philippians 3, success is measured by how much we and our community live like Jesus.

What Does It Mean to Stand Firm in the Lord?
In Philippians 4:1, Paul encourages believers to "stand firm thus in the Lord." This instruction follows his personal testimony about pursuing Christ. The success of any church isn't measured by its public profile but by individuals and communities transformed to live like Jesus.
If people in our neighborhoods experience transformation through our witness—even if the wider world never notices us—we've been successful. The gospel isn't just truth to believe; it's a story that creates disciples who look like Jesus.

Five Ways to Become a Model of the Gospel
1. Know Yourself to Pursue Jesus Better
Paul took notice of his inner life—past, present, and future. Spiritual maturity isn't just about Bible knowledge; it's about self-awareness that allows us to apply gospel truth to our unique circumstances.
Paul reflected on his pre-Christ life (Philippians 3:4-7) and decided to count his former "gains" as loss. He recognized how his past could still impact his present, and he processed this reality in light of knowing Christ.
The things that hold you back in your spiritual journey might be different from what holds others back. Understanding yourself better allows you to apply the gospel more effectively to your specific situation.
2. Develop a Disciple's Attitude
In Philippians 3:15, Paul describes the mature attitude: recognizing there's always more of Christ to experience and pursuing it wholeheartedly.
The mature believer doesn't say, "I've got Jesus, He's paid my debt, so I'll just wait until He returns." Instead, they chase after Jesus, seeking to experience as much of Him as possible in this life—and then asking for more.
Paul uses intense language here—the word translated as "pursue" could also be translated as "persecute." It conveys the intensity with which we should chase after knowing Christ more deeply.
3. Practice What You've Already Learned
"Only let us hold true to what we have attained" (Philippians 3:16). This simple instruction reminds us to integrate what we already know into our daily lives.
If you've been in Bible studies for years, put that knowledge into practice. If you've had encounters with the Holy Spirit, incorporate those experiences into your regular way of living. Don't just accumulate knowledge—live it out with integrity.
4. Become a Model for Other Disciples
"Brothers, join in imitating me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us" (Philippians 3:17). The gospel needs to be modeled, not just taught.
Just as God's Word became flesh and lived among us, we need people who apply gospel truth to their lives with the attitude of pursuing the Lord until He returns. Without models, we naturally drift toward thinking about earthly things and become selfish.
Many Christians feel unqualified to be models for others. But you don't need to be perfect—you just need to be making progress. If you've been around church for years, you already know enough. Just live consistently what you've learned, and you'll be a model that transforms lives.
5. Catch the Lord's Care for Relationships
In Philippians 4:2-3, Paul entreats two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to "agree in the Lord." These were godly women who had served in the gospel alongside Paul, but they had a relational rift.
The same word translated as "agree" here is used throughout Philippians to talk about our mindset or attitude. Paul is deeply concerned about unity among believers, especially those who are models for others.
In our world of division, we should pursue unity and reconciliation as much as possible. It should trouble us when there are public disputes between Christian leaders, not leading us to denounce them but to pray for reconciliation.

What Happens When We Don't Pursue Christ?
Paul warns about those who "walk as enemies of the cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18-19). These aren't necessarily people denouncing Christ, but those not following His example of humility and self-sacrifice.
Their characteristics include:

• Their end is destruction
• Their god is their belly (their impulses control them)
• They glory in their shame (boasting about things they should be ashamed of)
• Their minds are set on earthly things

Life Application

The gospel creates disciples who look like Jesus. If you want to measure your spiritual success, ask yourself:

• How well do I know myself? Am I aware of how my past affects my present walk with Christ? Do I understand my unique challenges in following Jesus?

• Do I have a disciple's attitude? Am I actively pursuing more of Christ, or am I content with what I already have?

• Am I practicing what I've learned? Is there integrity between what I know about Jesus and how I live?

• Am I becoming a model for others? Could someone follow my example and grow closer to Christ?

• Do I care about relationships? Am I pursuing unity and reconciliation with other believers?

This week, identify one area where you need to grow. Perhaps you need to become more self-aware, develop a more passionate pursuit of Christ, put your knowledge into practice, step up as a model for others, or work on a broken relationship.
Remember, you don't need to learn anything new if you've been around church for years. Just live consistently what you've already learned, and you will be a model that transforms many lives. The gospel is that powerful, and the Holy Spirit at work in you is that powerful.