Page 11 - May 2025 - Truth & Tidings

“Don’t work only while being watched, people.” It is no wonder that “the Lord
as people-pleasers, but work wholeheart- added to the church daily those who were
edly, fearing the Lord” (Col 3:22 CSB). A being saved” (Act 2:47). The gospel should
dependable worker actually makes the have such favourable results in our lives
gospel especially attractive (Titus 2:10). that we gain the favor of others as we seek
Joseph earned his boss’ full confidence opportunities to serve our neighbors and
precisely because of the out-working of community members. We should look to
his faith in God (Gen 39:8-9). form genuine connections with people,

Cooperation Among Believers enabling them to see that we really care
We have been called to live out the for them. They should see over time that
gospel not only through personal wit- our ethical standards are just and our
honesty is unwavering. If they are hostile,
ness but also in community with other
believers. “By this all will know that you our distinct response to hatred should
are My disciples, if you have love for one demonstrate a likeness to God, thereby
another” (Joh 13:35). Paul challenges confirming us as genuine children in His
the believers in Philippi, “Only let your family (Mat 5:43-45). James, in chapter 2,
conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ details how dismissive or discriminatory
… that you stand fast in one spirit, with behaviour towards the less fortunate does
one mind striving together for the faith damage to the name by which we are
of the gospel” (Php 1:27). An important called, and he asserts unapologetically
part of this gospel-worthy conduct is that “faith without works is dead.”
working together in unity. Darby calls it The gospel was never meant to be just
“labouring together in the same conflict.” spoken – it must be lived out to be effec-
It has the idea of “wrestling in company tive! “For our gospel did not come to you
with” someone. Interestingly, Paul uses in word only, but also in power, and in the
this phrase again in chapter 4: “I implore Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you
Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the know what kind of men we were among
same mind in the Lord. And I urge you
also, true companion, help these women you for your sake” (1Th 1:5). In the words
who labored with me in the gospel” (vv2- of a gospel song, “Your walk talks, and
3). Paul had fond memories of gospel your talk talks, but your walk talks louder
2
work in which these two sisters labored than your talk talks.” The hypocrisy of
together, but now they are pulling in dif- professing believers has done great dam-
ferent directions, and their gospel witness age to evangelism over the years. While
has been hobbled. Sadly, the evangelistic some would use it as an excuse, we must
efforts of too many assemblies have been be diligent to make sure that we are not
hamstrung by strife, contention or per- part of the problem. Let it be our prayer
sonality clashes. By God’s help, let the that we might allow the Holy Spirit to so
“striving” be in the right direction. influence our way of living that onlookers

Impact on the Community will be inspired to seriously consider the
gospel that we preach and share.
As the gospel spread in Jerusalem, the
converts were “having favor with all the 2 Babbie Mason and Rodney Griffin

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