To live is Christ, to die is Gain = Win Win
Today I'm starting my new reading in Philippians, and with that I've decided to blog my thoughts each day as a live journal. The verses I focused on where Philippians 1:18b-26.
Paul is writing this from prison where he was waiting for a trial. Paul saw his adversity as a means of spreading the Gospel, and his entire focus. His single focus was in v20 "Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death". When the idols of this life are removed, what is left? Is there a vacuum or is there Christ? Our focus should be Christ in adversity, and Christ in the good times, and of course our hearts desire should be to be with Christ and not with this world. The only reason I should want to stay is to do the work that Christ has for me to do. In v23 Paul says he's torn between two desires, to depart or to stay, but in the end it's a gain for Christ.
Paul is starting this letter with the knowledge his death is immanent, but he isn't dwelling on the loss but Christ. v21 solidifies this entire book for me, to live is Christ, to die is gain. I need to focus on the work of Christ, I need to live as if I was Christ to the dying world, and look forward to death as an eternity with Christ.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d] 20 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. 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 account of me.Showing Courage in chains
Paul is writing this from prison where he was waiting for a trial. Paul saw his adversity as a means of spreading the Gospel, and his entire focus. His single focus was in v20 "Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death". When the idols of this life are removed, what is left? Is there a vacuum or is there Christ? Our focus should be Christ in adversity, and Christ in the good times, and of course our hearts desire should be to be with Christ and not with this world. The only reason I should want to stay is to do the work that Christ has for me to do. In v23 Paul says he's torn between two desires, to depart or to stay, but in the end it's a gain for Christ.
Paul is starting this letter with the knowledge his death is immanent, but he isn't dwelling on the loss but Christ. v21 solidifies this entire book for me, to live is Christ, to die is gain. I need to focus on the work of Christ, I need to live as if I was Christ to the dying world, and look forward to death as an eternity with Christ.
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