What Does It Look Like To Live For Jesus

7 Powerful Ways to Live for Jesus in Challenging Times

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to live for Jesus, especially when life gets tough? As a pastor, I’ve seen countless people struggle with this question, particularly when facing opposition, broken relationships, or difficult circumstances. Today, I want to share with you seven powerful ways to live out your faith, drawn from the book of Philippians in the Bible.

The Context: A Church Under Pressure

Before we dive into these seven imperatives, let’s set the scene. The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians to a church facing significant challenges. In Acts 16:19-20, we see that when Paul first preached in Philippi, he faced strong opposition:

“But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the Marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, ‘These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city.'”

Even years later, the Philippian believers were still dealing with persecution and internal conflicts. It’s in this context that Paul provides these seven powerful instructions for living out our faith.

1. Rejoice, and Rejoice Again!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

You might be thinking, “Really? Rejoice always? Even when everything’s falling apart?” Yes, that’s exactly what Paul is saying. Joy isn’t determined by our circumstances; it’s rooted in our relationship with the Lord. Even when Paul was beaten and thrown into prison, Acts 16 tells us that at midnight, he and Silas were singing praises to God. 

2. Be Reasonable

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5)

In the face of opposition or conflict, our natural response might be to become defensive or aggressive. But Paul calls us to be reasonable – to show “sweet reasonableness” and be big-hearted, charitable, and gentle. Why? Because “the Lord is at hand” – He’s coming back soon, and He’s near us right now.

3. Don’t Be Anxious

“Do not be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:6a)

Worry is the greatest thief of joy. It’s an inside job that involves imagining the worst-case scenario and then reacting to it. But 92% of the things we worry about are things we shouldn’t be worried about at all!

4. Pray About Everything

“…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6b)

Instead of worrying, we’re called to pray. As 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” When we do this, we’re promised that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

5. Think Biblically

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

We’re commanded to think – to dwell on, meditate on, and be occupied with – things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This kind of Biblical thinking shapes our actions and responses.

6. Put It Into Practice

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things…” (Philippians 4:9a)

It’s not enough to just know these things; we need to do them. As Jesus said in John 13:17, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” True discipleship involves learning, observing, and then putting into practice.

7. Experience God’s Peace

“…and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9b)

When we live out these imperatives, we’re promised that the God of peace will be with us. This is what every one of us needs – God’s peace in our hearts as we do His will.

Putting It Into Practice

So how can we apply these seven imperatives in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Start each day by consciously choosing to rejoice in the Lord, regardless of your circumstances.
2. When faced with conflict, pause and ask yourself, “How can I respond reasonably and graciously?”
3. Whenever you catch yourself worrying, turn that worry into a prayer.
4. Make a list of things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. Meditate on these things daily.
5. Identify one area where you’ve been knowing what to do but not doing it. Take a step to put it into practice this week.

Remember, we can’t do this in our own strength. As I said in the sermon, “This is not something that we can muster up, it’s not something that we can manufacture, it’s something that you have to do by your spirit in our hearts and in our lives.” So let’s humble ourselves, acknowledge our need for Jesus, and ask for His help to live out these imperatives for His glory.

May the God of peace be with you as you seek to live for Jesus in all circumstances.