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?

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