Living is Christ!




Paul's Assurance of Salvation
Paul's life is united with the life of Jesus Christ. Therefore he knows that he will be united with Christ after death. He's sure of it, so sure that he wonders aloud which would be better. To be or not to be, that is the question!

Philippians 1:21-26
For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer.I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith,so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

Is this an assurance we can have? -  "Living is Christ and dying is gain."
Yes, Paul the mystic had great faith. But the promises of God are for us, too!

A Life Worthy of the Calling
As Paul concludes this chapter he reminds them that suffering is part of the Christian life. This was especially true in Paul's day. It was dangerous to be a Christian. Jesus and Paul suffered for the Good News, and so would the Philippians.

Philippians 1:27-30
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well—since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

What a great thought! - Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

What would it mean for us to live today worthy of the gospel of Christ that we've received?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Philippians 1:1-2

Image
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ancient Letter Writing Today when we write letters we start off with who we're writing to, "Dear Mom." And we end our letters by signing our own names. In ancient times it was different and easier. One first identified one's self and then who you were writing to. Have you ever received a letter and had to skip to the end to see who it was from? Long ago they didn't have to! It was settled early on. The Blessing Paul often begins his letters with a blessing.  " Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  Starting with a blessing  was also common in ancient letter writing. Paul raised it to a theological art form.  It was Paul's desire to be a blessing to them. Here's a good, short prayer to start the day
Read more

The Purpose of Paul's Letter

Image
As I write this letter . . . Paul writes his letter to the Philippians for the following reasons: 1. To thank them for a gift he's received from them (Phil 4:10-11). 2. To instruct them to receive Epaphroditus back into their fellowship (Phil. 2:29-30). Paul sent him back to Philippi for having an unpronounceable name! Actually Mr. E. was ill and Paul urged him to return to his home. E. was supposed to stay with Paul to assist him in his time of imprisonment. Paul wanted to make sure that the Philippians knew that Epaphroditus had not deserted Paul. 3. To encourage them during their time of trails and persecutions (Phil. 1:28-30). 4. To appeal for unity. Chapters 2 & 3 deal with this subject. An early Christian writer named Polycarp was well aware of Paul's letters to the Philippians. He once wrote to them, "when he (Paul) was absent he wrote letters to you." I always get a kick out of the tarp company named, &q
Read more
Image
Who Am I? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young theologian of great promise, was martyred by the Nazis for his participation in a plot against the life of Adolf Hitler. In the prison camps Bonhoeffer became a chaplain to other prisoners. As you’ll read below he wrestled with peoples’ impressions of him versus what he was often feeling inside. In doing though he resolved the identity question in a very faith-filled, God-centered way. Who am I? They often tell me I stepped from my cell’s confinement Calmly, cheerfully, firmly, Like a squire from his country-house. Who am I? They often tell me I used to speak to my wardens Freely and friendly and clearly, As though it were mine to command. Who am I? They also tell me I bore the days of misfortune Equally, smilingly, proudly, Like one accustomed to win. Am I then really all that which other men tell of? Or am I only what I myself know of myself? Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage, Struggling for breath, as thou
Read more