Meaningful Life
Date: Mar. 4, 2024
Philippians 1:21-26
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on.
Bible Reading: Philippians 1:21-26
Take Home Point: Live For Christ.
What Does Paul’s Message Mean?
To Live Is Christ (vs. 21): Paul by this statement is letting us know that everything about him is focused and centered on Christ alone. All he ever wanted, desired, and aimed to be pointed to Jesus Christ. Paul’s sole aim in life was to advance the gospel message and to bring honor and glory to God. “To live in Christ’ means to preach and tell people about Jesus, the gospel message, and the kingdom of God. Our goal and number one desire should be to bring glory to Jesus.
In 1 Corinthians 2:2 Paul wrote; For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” He lived, dreamt, and proclaimed Christ alone in all that he did. That again should be our focus. To live is Christ means that we are willing to forego everything, ambition, and desire that may prevent us from following Christ 100%.To Die Is Gain (vs. 21): How in the world could dying be gain? Paul already gave us a background to this statement in verse 20 of Philippians 1 when he wrote “ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” The reality is that Paul had endured so many pains in his Christian journey. We know that he was stoned, physically tortured, suffered a shipwreck, beaten by a viper snake, and imprisoned for the sake of Christ and the gospel and he was prepared to die even for the gospel of Christ.
The Paradox (vs.23-26) Paul appeared to be confused on the choice to make. To die immediately and go enjoy the glory of seeing and being with Christ or to remain here and encourage the brethren in the faith. He writes; 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” To resolve this paradox, he chose the latter by wishing to remain here and encourage the brethren as they grow in their faith and in building God’s kingdom that their joy may be full. Paul was not afraid of death. He knew it would come; he was prepared for it. He knew he was going to spend eternity with Christ. The apostle Paul’s choice was borne out of pure love for the brethren to encourage them, and love to see sinners and the unsaved come to know Jesus the Christ. I pray that we too should develop that kind of agape love for the gospel of Christ and for the redemption of souls.
Until I come your way next week, remain Christ focused. I wish you a meaningful week.
Pastor David Kachi Jite