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.”
We noticed yesterday that 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.
So, today, meditate and consider a major issue in philosophical thought –
THE PURPOSE OF LIFE
Many philosophers have attempted to answer the question of what is the purpose of life?
God, who created us is the One who can give us the true and final answer on this topic. Take a moment and see what He says through the pen of Peter.
1 Peter 2:21 – “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps”
Our purpose according to Peter is to “follow His steps,” or as Paul phrases it, “To live Christ.”
Charles Sheldon in 1896 published his book – “In His Steps.” The central theme of this work – was a penetrating, almost haunting question – “What would Jesus do?”
It involved a Dr. Henry Maxwell – pastor of the 1st Church of Raymond. He struggled with the idea that Christian discipleship demanded more than just mental assent. This was triggered by the untimely death of an unemployed printer. Maxwell challenged his congregation for a year to ask before every attitude and action – “What would Jesus do in this situation if He were here?” This group proceeds to cut deeply into the fabric of Raymond’s economic and social structures. I encourage you to acquire and read this challenging Christian Classic.
We are to so live as to be reflections of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ponder over these verses today –
· Acts 11:26 – “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch”
· Col. 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
· Phil. 1:27 – “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
What is our purpose in life? “To live Christ.”
Can we honestly answer to the Lord that we do? Why not? What can I do to move forward in doing this? Maybe take the challenge to ask yourself at every junction – “What would Jesus Do?”
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