This
is a short book that can be read in a couple of hours. Its length is
not a reflection of the importance of the topic, however. Paul urges
us to live a life worthy of the gospel. (Phil. 1:27) What does that
mean and how does it happen?
We
shouldn’t think that this use of worthy means we must behave a
certain way to get God’s approval. The Greek, axios, has the
sense of equivalence. The idea is that our lives should be in keeping
with the gospel. Rather than a performance issue, it is living life
from our new identity in Christ. Our new identity is to be the basis
of everything we do. Life is a reflection of Jesus and flows from our
Christlikeness.
This
is not a how to book. It is rather a meditation on living a life
reflecting the gospel and Christ. Ferguson helps us see how God works
in our lives to bring this about, by His providence and by His Word.
Our model is Jesus. An essential element is humility. We are given
the example of Paul and his focus to know Christ and be like Him.
(Phil. 3:8,10) Everything else is loss.
This
little book is a good encouragement to live a life reflecting the
character of Jesus. That means focusing on knowing Him and becoming
like Him. It is a life long venture.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Sinclair
B. Ferguson (PhD,
University of Aberdeen) is Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic
Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and the former senior
minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South
Carolina. He is the author of several books, including By
Grace Alone and Lessons
from the Upper Room.
Sinclair and his wife, Dorothy, have four grown children.
Crossway, 128 pages.
