We protect what we are passionate about. Paul just shared his spiritual passion in chapter 1:19-26. Now he moves to spiritual protection. In today's text, the Philippians are encouraged (and so are we) to protect the gospel of Christ. Real joy comes by determining your priorities. The last priority discussed in this chapter is to protect your passion - the gospel. In defending the gospel, these verses take on a military motif.
There are three duties you have in guarding the gospel:
1) It's your duty to protect the reputation of the gospel, v. 27a.
2) It's your duty to protect the message of the gospel, v. 27b-28a.
3) It's your duty to protect the followers of the gospel, v. 28b-30.
Real joy comes from finding something worth living and dying for. Aren't you glad Jesus was that passionate for you?
Is the protection of the gospel a priority in my life? A good "test" of this is to make a list of the things worth living for. Now make a list of the things worth dying for.
