TEXT: Philippians 1:19-30 (CSB) – “because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound. Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.”
An aged Scotsman, while dying, was asked what he thought of death. He responded by saying, “It matters little to me whether I live or die. If I die I will be with Jesus, and if I live, Jesus will be with me.”
As we read this passage in verse 21 notice: the word “is” is not in the original Greek manuscript. It was added to make it easier to read. The Greek literally reads “For to me, to live Christ, and to die gain.”
Look at some other translations of this sentence –
· Good News Bible – “For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more.”
· Living Bible – “For to me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying – well, that’s better yet.”
· Phillips – “For living to me means simply ‘Christ,’ and if I die I should merely gain more of Him.”
Jesus said in John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus also said in John 14:6 – "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Paul in Galatians 2:20 makes that great pronouncement of the Christian – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
We live in a time that boasts through advertising and education that we KNOW how to live.
· Television shows us how.
· Magazines are written to show us how.
· Books are turned out in abundance on how to live.
And -- -- we are the most stressed out, miserable, depression-prone age yet.
Why? People are searching for purpose in life – and with it real joy in their life.
Paul tells us that life’s purpose and joy is wrapped up in this –
“To live Christ”
Say that out loud with me – “To live Christ”
This truth gave Paul the power to –
· Rest in God’s Security – vs. 1-11
· Rejoice in Suffering – vs. 12-18
· Remain glad in Service – vs. 19-30
Tomorrow, we will ponder on the question about the purpose of life as Paul shows in this letter.
No comments:
Post a Comment