Gospel Shaped Life = contrast??

Currently walking through Philippians at Westside, we arrived at 1:27 that says: Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.

This speaks of ORDERING YOUR LIFE AROUND THE GOSPEL - living in such a way that your life reflects, expresses, communicates, breathes out the gospel of Jesus.

Paul later highlights that this kind of life can bring on suffering (as he and the Philippian church was experiencing). They were suffering b/c of their faith in Jesus. Some aspects of their life as Christ followers became a contrast to their culture and therefore created hostility towards them. (They thought of themselves more as heavenly citizens in their city than Roman citizens in Philippi)

1:29 is a tough verse: For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,...

It's a privilege not only to believe in Jesus, but to suffer for him. Following Christ includes the gift of belief and suffering.

I've been stuck in thinking of ways we in North America suffer for Christ. For the most part, we don't lose our jobs or purchasing power, we don't lose friends or family (some might). Of course honoring Christ might create less financial success in some areas or less popularity among some crowds.

The rest of Philippians gives us examples of the kind of contrast a gospel life might demonstrate in our culture. For now, maybe we can start here - with Jesus words in Matthew 5 - of how to SHAPE/ORDER our lives around the gospel. Maybe this kind of life is more of a contrast in our Western context. What do you think?

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.