The Book of Philippians Pt. 8 Live a Life Fully Dedicated to Christ!

Paul lived his life fully for Jesus Christ

Philippians 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 

Paul used another unique phrase that is only found once in the Bible and it is the text above. This is a remarkable statement from the apostle that really shows his heart and perspective on life. The words "For me" are words that Paul used to introduce his perspective on life as a Christian. 

The words "to live is Christ" means that whatever life, time and strength that Paul had remaining, belonged to Christ. Jesus was the sole reason Paul had for living and it shone through in every aspect of his life. This is why Paul could say that he was rejoicing even while in a Roman jail.  

John 10:9-11  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 

Jesus told us that He is the good shepherd who willingly will die for His sheep and who promised to provide for all of the needs of the flock. Those who are born again are part of the sheep of God's pasture. This is the context where Jesus said that He came to give us life and not just an average life, but a rich, abundant, full and rewarding life.   

The word "abundant" means a life that delivers over and above what we may have expected to receive. It is a superior and uncommonly excellent life because of the new birth. 

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 

This text is a parallel with Philippians 1:21. The grand idea Paul expressed in both texts, is that he cannot imagine living a moment without Christ. This was Paul's view about life as a believer in Jesus Christ. The word "life" means more than just biological life. It means a brand new life of faith with a fresh start and a new eternal destination. 

Christ lived in Paul and the life the apostle lived in the flesh after his Damascus Road conversion,  was a life of faith in the Son of God and His unwavering love for all who believe on Him.  

Matthew 6:19-21  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

Jesus laid out a clear path of walking in newness of life for each born again Christian. Jesus said do not lay up treasures for yourself on earth. In other words, we are not to live like the world lives, trying to hoard as much possessions, property and money as we can. 

No, we are commanded to lay up treasure in heaven. That is, we are to love God and love our neighbors. We are to be faithful witnesses for Christ and tell other people that there is a Savior, Jesus Christ. Living for Christ, loving Christ, and growing more like Christ is a life that lays up treasure in heaven. God can and will use us for His glory to advance His kingdom if we make Him the priority.  

Paul was ready to die for Jesus Christ

Philippians 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Now, we turn to Paul's view about death and dying. Paul said that to die was great gain in his view. The word translated "gain" is a business term that refers to making a net profit after deducting all expenses. It also refers to a financial institution that lends money to borrowers, in order to earn a profit on the interest they receive.

2 Corinthians 5:1-3  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2) For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3) If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 

How could Paul feel so confident about death that he viewed it as better than living? His second letter to the church at Corinth provides the answer. All creation including each believer is groaning for the return of Jesus Christ to set all things right. (Romans 8:22-23). 

In this text, Paul compares his body to an earthly house that will live for a time and then be dissolved by death. What happens after that? Waiting for each believer in heaven is a new body prepared by God, and Paul groaned for this new body while he lived on earth. 

Death will be gain for the believer because we will no longer live in a body that is decaying from the results of sin. We will no longer have to contend with our "old man" and the constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit (Romans 7). God will cloth us with the new body He has prepared for us!

Death brings us into the presence of God!

2 Corinthians 5:5-8  Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6)  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7) (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 

Death will be gain for the believer in Christ because when we die we will be absent from our physical body. However, our souls will be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Proof of God's promise is the fact that He gave us the "earnest" of His Spirit. 

"Earnest money" is a real estate term used when a potential buyer is serious about purchasing a specific home and makes a cash deposit to the seller, to show that this offer is genuine and sincere. 

God sent His Spirit to live in each believer (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). This is God's earnest payment to the believer about the certainty of all His promises connected with being born again, fully justified, fully forgiven, fully saved from sin through repentant faith in Christ. 

Paul then taught us that when we are still living (at home in this body) we are absent from our Lord. However, when we die we are immediately  present with Christ. No wonder Paul could say that to die is gain for the believer.

Philippians 1:22-24  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23) For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24) Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 

Paul then continued his thought about living for Christ and death would be great gain. He said if the Lord left him here on earth to continue, then he would work hard to generate more fruit for Christ. He described himself as feeling torn between helping meet the needs of the churches he started and his desire to be with Christ in glory. Paul left his fate entirely in the hands of the Lord. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Paul laid out a very clear vision for our perspective on life and the afterlife.  

First, he showed us that the very best life is to live a life totally dedicated to loving and serving Jesus Christ. Following Christ leads to the abundant life. He helps us remember to keep the things of this world in their proper place and as our Lord said, that we lay up treasure in heaven for the glory of God.

Second, Paul pulled back the curtain on death. When we die, we will have a new body prepared for us made by God. 

Third, Paul taught us about the precious gift of God in sending His Spirit to live in each believer. The Spirit is God's down payment on all His promises and it is meant to fill us with confident hope like Paul had. 

Last, Paul taught us that when we die, we are then absent from our physical bodies, but are immediately taken into the presence with the Lord. 

May our Lord settle our hearts in these tumultuous times with these great truths from God. May He grant to us growing confidence and hope in all that the Father promised through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Bob