Worthy by Sinclair B Ferguson Book Review

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.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)