4/02/19

Philippians 1:21

²¹ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³ I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. ²⁴ But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 

What does it mean “to live is Christ”?  In this context Paul gives three reasons why living in the body was an advantage. Look with me at:

1.      Vs 22 - " fruitful labor" would be a result of Paul continuing as he was. Look at the fact and the certainty of this. 

 First he did not doubt that his life was one of labor in Christ's cause. Paul was committed to act or live according to God’s will. But until he was directed to something different, he saw no need to change from the labor that marked his life. No indecision for him. Secondly he did not doubt that it was certain to be fruitful. When one lives with Christ being the object and end of their life it is always fruitful. The only way a Christian life becomes unfruitful is to lose sight of Christ and instead see the world.

2.      Vs 24 - "more necessary for you." Paul never saw his life separate from his union with Christ. And equally so his union with the church. Our union with Christ and with each other is an equal certainty. cf John 1:9;17:21-23.

3.      Vs 25 "for your joy in the faith."  This letter is called Paul’s Epistle of Joy and it is. Dear Believer be thankful for the privilege of Christian Joy. cf Nehemiah 2.2.  

² And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid.