Philippians 1:19-26
Reflect
One of the most profound statements in the entirety of the New Testament is the Apostle Paul’s simple confession that ‘to live is Christ and to die is gain.’ The passage we read today hinges on this statement and is one that requires considerable reflection. Up to this point, Paul’s life is one that had been marked with persecution and pain. Before Jesus saved him, he was the one inflicting that persecution and pain on others. After Jesus saved him, he was on the receiving end of this! His faith and trust in his relationship with Jesus was so real and vibrant that he desired, in life or in death, for Jesus to be exalted in him. By saying ‘to live is Christ’ Paul was saying that Christ alone was worthy of his affection, devotion, and service. His activity on the Earth would be for the sake of Christ. By saying ‘to die is gain,’ Paul was saying that he saw his death as the reward of his sufferings here on Earth (we see more of this in Romans 8). He was so sure of His salvation in Christ that even his death was something he was ready to welcome, even hopeful for, but only if Christ was not ‘done with him’ in life.
Apply
As you reflect on this statement today, think about two questions: 1) Is this something that you can say with true belief and conviction, and 2) If not, what would it take for you to be able to say that in life or death, your one aim is for Christ to be exalted in you?
Pastor Daunavan
Pray
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken.
- Pray for Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for all our small group leaders, and our Small Group Intern Isaac Lee.
- Pray for the ministry of International Student Ministries.