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 are considering 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.
We started by considering the purpose of life in this passage, and today we will consider –
THE PERSON OF LIFE
Jesus boldly proclaims – “I am the way, the truth, the life…” (John 14:6)
Paul proclaims – “The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,” (Galatians 2:20)
To understand the truth about the Purpose of Life as we studied yesterday, it is imperative that we understand the Person of Life. That Person is the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Bible we see that this encompasses many areas.
First, pause and consider that Jesus is the Creator of Life –
· Col. 1:16 – “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”
Next, meditate upon the thought that Jesus is the Sustainer of Life –
· Col. 1:17 – “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together”
· Hebrews 1: 3 – “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
And, today, spend time musing over the truth that Jesus is the Redeemer of Life –
· Eph. 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace”
Since Jesus is the Creator of Life, the Sustainer of Life, and has with His own blood purchased life – we can understand how the purpose of life and joy of life is wrapped up in Him. “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Cor. 6:20. In the words of Paul, “To Life Christ.”
Tomorrow we will conclude by examining his statement that “To die is gain.”
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