4. TO LIVE IS FOR CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN (PHIL 1: 18-22)

4. TO LIVE IS FOR CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN (PHIL 1: 18-22):

Paul asks the Philippians what then, irrespective of whether Christ proclaimed out of selfish ambition or out of love. He affirms that only in that every way, whether in pretense in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that he rejoices. There are different reasons for people to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not everyone has a clear understanding and right motive in presenting the gospel. Some may do it for their emotional gratification, some may do it with the expectation of material gain, and even some may do it to put down others. And some may do it selflessly without any expectation. Whatever the reason is, Paul expresses that he rejoices just because of one reason that Christ has been proclaimed.

Paul will rejoice, for he knows that through their prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, he will turn out for his deliverance, as it is his eager expectation and hope that he will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage then as always Christ will be honoured in his body, whether by life or by death. Though some of the people preached Christ for Paul to be caught and suffer, he states that everything would be turned out for his goodness to proclaim Christ with more strength in the midst of suffering for the glory of God.

Paul claims that for him to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If he is to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for him. Yet which he shall choose he cannot tell. Paul offered himself as a living sacrifice for God, and he no longer lives to gratify his selfish desires but to fulfil the purpose of God. Paul was eagerly willing to give up his life for the sake of Christ, and his way of life will be an added advantage in establishing the kingdom of God. Though there are two possibilities, Paul is open to accepting what is according to the will of God.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      Why does Paul rejoice?

2.      How does Paul justify his reason for joy?

3.      What does Paul say about life and death?

4.      How is it to live is for Christ, according to Paul?

5.      How is it to die is gain for Paul?

6.      What does Paul mean by saying fruitful labor?

7.      How shall we always rejoice?

How shall we live for Christ?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PEOPLE (PHIL 4:1-3)

16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PEOPLE (PHIL 4:1-3): After teaching about the valuable principles for the practical Christian living by following the higher values and Lord Jesus Christ, Paul encourages the Philippians by writing that therefore, his brothers, whom he loves and longs for, his joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, his beloved. Paul affirms how close he is with them in his heart, though he is far away from them, by calling them brothers, by expressing how much he loves them and yearns for them, by considering them to be his happiness and reward because of his work towards them, and overall by calling them beloved. There were some deviations and false perceptions that were spreading in the church, and Paul had already instructed to press on toward their Goal, which is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and he once again emphasizes being well established in the ways of the Lord by following His words. Paul then entreats Euodia, and he entreats Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Euodia a...
Read more

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS : AUTHOR, DATE, and TIME: Apostle Paul (Phil 1:1) is considered to be the author based on the Internal and External evidence. Most probably, Paul would have written the book of Philippians while he was first imprisoned (Phil 1:13, 14) by the Romans in 61 A.D (Some others state that Paul may have written Philippians while he was imprisoned in Ephesus by 53-55 A.D., and also Paul may have written it while he was imprisoned in Caesarea during 57-59 A.D.) RECIPIENTS:   - People of the City of Philippi. The City is named after King Philip II of Macedonia, the Father of Alexander the Great. The City is Prosperous and resembles the Roman colonies, so the citizens take pride in it. Paul writes to the believers of the city that their citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:21). Many believers in Philip are retired military men who were given land in the military regimen. There weren’t enough Jews to construct a Synagogue, and there wasn’t any t...
Read more

7. LOOKING INTO OTHERS’ INTERESTS (PHIL 2:1-4)

7. LOOKING INTO OTHERS’ INTERESTS (PHIL 2:1-4): After writing about the importance of living for God, Paul emphasizes that if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, they shall complete his joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Paul reminds the believers about some of the good characteristics that they have had and wishes that they should continue having them through the genuine fellowship with one another, for making his joy full. Paul wishes that they should have their life’s direction and purpose that is built based on Christ, an attitude of supporting one another with true love, working together with the guidance of the Holy Spirit in them, and having a sense of belonging with one another by understanding each other. Paul then instructs to do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than themselves....
Read more