If, If, If, If Philippians 2:1

After completing his thoughts concerning suffering as a Christian for the sake of the gospel, in chapter two and verse one of his letter to the Philippian church Paul the apostle begins to encourage the members with a series of “ifs” where we read:

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

The verse begins, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ,...” Paul begins his encouragement with the word “if” which means “then, therefore, accordingly, consequently, or these things being so” and implies the word “since” which is a conclusion-like term. He wrote, “If there be therefore” or “since there is therefore” “any consolation” which is the Greek word “paraklēsis” and means “a calling near, summons, (esp. for help), importation, supplication, entreaty, exhortation, admonition, encouragement, consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment”. He added “in Christ” which denotes from where true “consolation” comes - Jesus Himself.

The verse goes on to say, “ if any comfort of love,...” Paul uses another “if” and adds “any comfort” which means “a persuasive address” “of love” which is the Greek word “agape”, and as we have learned before “agape” means “an unconditional love”. Not only is there is a coming alongside in Christ, but there is also “agape” love for the Christian.

The verse continues, “if any fellowship of the Spirit,...” Paul continues his thoughts with yet another “if” and adds “any fellowship” which is the Greek word “koinonia” and means “fellowship, association, community, communion, or joint participation”. This special unity and connection between the saints comes “of the Spirit” or by unity with the Spirit of God.

Finally the verse says, “if any bowels and mercies,...” Paul uses one more conditional “if” and resources “any bowels” which is the deepest seat of emotions and “mercies” which are “compassions and pities” upon others in his final plea. Those who have “consolation in Christ”, “comfort of love”, and “fellowship of the Spirit” will have “bowels and mercies” upon one another.

As we think over these four “ifs”, do we find these qualities within ourselves and within our church? Do we have “consolation in Christ”, “comfort of love”, “fellowship of the Spirit” and “bowels and mercies” toward others who are around us? It is obvious that Paul had the church at Philippi examining themselves for these traits as he began this new area of encouragement, and as we imagine ourselves in their place, perhaps it will help us to review these areas and seek the Lord in prayer for His help with adopting them into our lives. Of course, this will only aid us “if” we are willing to seek Him.

Next time Paul gives his instructions for when they follow his “ifs”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Seeing and Hearing the Conflict in Me Philippians 1:30

After encouraging the church members in the Philippi to not be terrified by their adversaries, Paul told them they were not only given the gift to believe in Jesus Christ but they would also “suffer for his sake”. In chapter one and verse thirty of Philippians Paul tells them how his life is an example of the “conflict” they will endure where we read:

Having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

The verse begins, “Having the same conflict which you saw in me,...” As an example of the way the church members would suffer, Paul used himself as a reference. He told them the “same conflict” which means “a place of assembly: especially an assembly met to see games; the place of contest, the arena or stadium; the assembly of the Greeks at their national games; generally, any struggle or contest; a battle” they saw in him would be like the ones they would encounter themselves. Paul's life and the “conflict” within it was not only that of a believer, but also as one who suffered for the gospel's sake.

The verse goes on to say, “...and now hear to be in me.” Not only did the Philippians see the battle which Paul endured in the past, but Paul's present situation was heard by them as well. Paul wrote, “you hear to be” which means it was current at the time, and as an insinuation for the perpetuity of the “conflict” Paul noted that his battle continued to the day of this writing.

Because Paul the apostle cared for the church in Philippi as a father for his children, He told them of things which may have been difficult to hear – they would “suffer” for Jesus' sake. His own life was an example of this truth, and although they might not have wanted to read these words, they were nonetheless true. Paul suffered for his belief in Jesus Christ and for sharing the gospel with others. The Philippian church saw it and heard about it, and as we consider Paul's words today perhaps it would help us to evaluate what others have seen and hear about us. Have they seen us “suffer for his sake”? Have they heard that we presently are under “conflict” as in a battle place or contest? May the Lord help us to live our lives in such a manner that others will know the we serve the true and living God because of our belief in the gospel of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Paul set forth a criteria of “ifs”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Suffering for Christ Sake Philippians 1:29

As Paul the apostle continued his letter to the church in Philippi, he encouraged them to live in such a manner that others would see the gospel of Jesus Christ in them. However, he knew if they did, they would encounter those who would persecute them because of it. In chapter one and verse twenty-nine, Paul shares two attributes that are “given” when a person becomes a Christian. We read:

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

The verse begins, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ,not only to believe on him,...” As a continuation of proof that “adversaries” would come against the church members in Philippi, Paul employs the word “For” which means “because of, in as a result of, or since” to begin his next statement. His words are direct and instructional as he told the Philippians “it is given” or “granted, pardoned, freely given or bestowed” “in the behalf of Christ” which means “because of Christ, for the sake of or on account of” that they have the gift “...to believe on him” which infers the ability to trust Jesus Christ's provision and salvation. Without Jesus Christ's gift “to believe”, the Philippians would have never trusted in Him at all.

The verse goes on to say, “...but also to suffer for his sake;” In addition to believing in Jesus Christ, Paul goes on to add that the Christians in Philippi would “suffer” which means “to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo a bad plight” “for his sake”. Let us note that they would not necessarily “suffer” for their own sake, but “for his sake”. Paul desired to let the Philippian church know that suffering was as much a part of the gospel as was believing it. It's as if they go hand in hand.

When we think of “suffering” for Christ's sake, it is natural that we desire to resist. Suffering is unpleasant, and those who “suffer” more than likely would rather not. When we think about Paul's words, perhaps we get excited to know that Jesus Christ gave us the ability to believe in Him, however, when we add suffering to His gifts, we may not be as pleased. It may help us to remember Jesus' words which were recorded in the gospel of Matthew in chapter five and verses ten through twelve:

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

May the Lord add His words to our lives so that when we “suffer for his sake” others may come to know Him as Savior and Lord.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians how they will identify with him if they suffer, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Not Terrified by Adversaries Philippians 1:28

Paul the apostle's desire for the church members in Philippi was that they continue in their relationship with Jesus Christ and then exemplify their relationship to others. By being united and striving together for the gospel, those around them would see there was a difference in their lives. In chapter one and verse twenty-eight of Philippians Paul told the church how they should respond to their adversaries where he wrote:

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

The verse begins, “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries:” If the church in Philippi maintained their unity and forged together when sharing the gospel, they would have “adversaries” which means “those who oppose, are adverse with or withstand”. They were not to be “terrified” or “be frightened or affright” in anything by those who would opposed them.

The verse goes on to say, “which is to them an evident token of perdition,” When the “adversaries” persecute those who are sharing the gospel, their persecution becomes “an evident token” or condemning proof that they were opposed to the gospel. This proof will lead to their eventual “perdition” which means “destroying, utter destruction or the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell”. Though the Philippians could not eliminate the persecution of their “adversaries”, those who opposed them would eventually pay an eternal price for their actions.

Finally the verse says, “but to you of salvation, and that of God.” Although the “adversaries” would pay a condemning and eternal price for their actions, those who were persecuted, “the Philippians, would enjoy “salvation” which means “deliverance, preservation, and safety”. This “salvation” would not be just a regular type of saving, but would be “that of God”. Because the Philippian church members would suffer persecution for the gospel's sake, they were promised the eternal salvation of God.

As we consider the conditions that Paul the apostle puts before the Philippians, we might want to consider our own lives. Have we or do we suffer persecution from those who are “adversaries”? Are there people who are providing evidence against themselves because they oppose the gospel we represent? Do we live our lives in a manner in which people desire to come against us for our faith in Jesus Christ? If we have “adversaries” let us hear Paul's words once again, “in nothing terrified”, and if we do not have “adversaries” perhaps we should examine our lives and begin to conduct ourselves in a way that exemplifies the gospel of Jesus Christ to others who are around us.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians how they may suffer for the gospel's sake, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Living According to the Gospel Philippians 1:27

Paul the apostle's desire for the Philippian church was for them to continue to grow in their faith and joy in the Lord Jesus Christ. Although he was in prison when he wrote this letter, he knew the gospel was continuing to be spread through preachers and the church. In chapter one and verse twenty-seven of Philippians, Paul encourages the church to share the gospel through their manner of living. He wrote:

Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

The verse begins, “Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ:” Paul begins this verse with the words “Only let” which means “however allow”, and then he added the words “your conversation”. The idea behind the word “conversation” employed by Paul is “to be a citizen, to administer civil affairs, manage the state, to make or create a citizen”. Paul knew there was no better way to demonstrate “the gospel of Christ” than the church members living as Christians. Their “way of living” should be manifest in such a way that Jesus Christ is exalted through their words, actions and attitudes.

The verse continues, “that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs,” Paul continued with the thought that he may or may not be able to be with the Philippian church, so his encouragement to them was “whether I come and see you, or else be absent,” he “may hear of your affairs” which means their “conditions or state”. Paul knew it was important that the church go on in their walk with the Lord Jesus, and if he was to see them or departed from them, he wanted to hear that they advanced in their growth.

The verse goes on to say, “that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” Paul adds that the church members should “stand fast” which mean “to stand firm, to persevere, to persist, to keep one's standing” “in one spirit, with one mind”. They were to be a people of unity both in their relating to one another and to God. There was to be no division between them as they grew, and this unity would allow for “striving together for the faith of the gospel”. By unifying, the church in Philippi would exemplify to the world just what the “glad tidings” of Jesus Christ means.

How is our “conversation” or “manner of living” among others? Are we unified with other believers in Jesus Christ to the point that the world knows the benefits of the “glad tidings” of God? As we consider these words of Paul perhaps we should examine our own situations both with ourselves and with other believers. If Paul were among us, would he reckon us unified, or would he find division among us? We may know this, the Heavenly Father is among us, and through Jesus Christ and His word He has revealed the importance of being unified to spread the gospel. May He help us to live as “citizens” that bless His gospel throughout the world.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians how to react to their adversaries, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Rejoicing More Abundant Philippians 1:26

As Paul the apostle sat in a Roman prison, he wrote to the church members in Philippi. He responded to a gift and report that their pastor Epaphroditus brought to him from the church, and he shared with them his joy over their faith in Jesus Christ. As he wrote, Paul knew that he might die for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ which would be a gain to him, however, if he lived, he knew the church members would benefit by his staying alive. In chapter one and verse twenty-six Paul tells of another advantage to the church in Philippi if he continued to live. He wrote:

That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

The verse begins, “That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me...” This is yet another time that Paul uses the word “rejoice”, “joy” or “rejoicing” while writing to the Philippians. We can almost hear in Paul's tone how happy he is over their state. Paul knew that by staying alive “your rejoicing may be more abundant” which means “their glorying and boasting” would “exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure, abound, and overflow”. This overflowing would not be just because Paul stayed alive, but would be“in Jesus Christ for me”. In other words Paul knew that if he stayed alive, the church would have another way to rejoice in “Jesus Christ” because the Lord's divine providence would have saved him.

The verse goes on to say, “...by my coming to you again.” Paul includes the evidence of their rejoicing - “coming to you again”. Paul knew if he were to appear before the church members in Philippi the people would be exceedingly blessed, and they would rejoice in Jesus Christ because of it. Paul's hope and desire was that the church would continue to abound in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and if he was able to be with them and share once again, they would rejoice in Him all the more.

As we think on these words of Paul, it is interesting to note the relationship that Paul had with these church members. He knew they cared for him so much that they would rejoice in Jesus Christ if he were to continue among them. Do we have people like this in our lives? Are there people who rejoice in the fact that we continue to live? Do we have such a depth of relationship with others that they rejoice in Jesus Christ because of our presence? Would they have such hope and expectation as these who were in Philippi just for the survival of the person who brought them the gospel in the first place? As we meditate upon God's word, may the Lord Jesus help us to know and be among people whose “rejoicing may be more abundant” just because we are living among them.

Next time Paul shares about the way the Philippians are to be living, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Furtherance and Joy of Faith Philippians 1:25

After sharing with the Philippian church concerning being in a “strait” between staying alive to be with them and dying to be with the Lord Jesus, Paul noted the benefit to the people if he were to stay “in the flesh”. In chapter one and verse twenty-five in his letter to the Philippians Paul expounds upon the advantage they would have if he were to abide. We read:

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

The verse begins, “And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all...” Paul said he had “this confidence” which means “be persuaded, to trust, have confidence, be confident” and it implies the idea of being “tranquilized”. It calmed Paul's dilemma when he knew that he would “abide and continue with you all”. There was a certain trust that Paul enjoyed when he thought about staying alive, and by doing so the people within the church would be benefited.

The verse goes on to say, “...for your furtherance and joy of faith;” There are two areas wherein the church in Philippi would be advantaged by Paul continuing to live. First, they would benefit in the area of “furtherance” which means “progress or advancement”. The church members in Philippi needed to grow in their walk with the Lord, and since Paul was convinced he would stay alive, they would continue their progress with God. The second area of advantage for the church in Philippi was in their “joy of faith”. “Joy of faith” was the “gladness” of having “conviction of the truth of anything, belief , relating to God, relating to Christ, fidelity, or faithfulness”. Because Paul the apostle would stay alive, the people in the church in Philippi would continue in their growing relationship with God which would help them to be “glad” and “joyful” over knowing and believing in Him more and more.

As we think on these words of Paul, do we have people in our lives who are benefited in their “furtherance and joy of faith” in their relationship with God? Do we have people we influence and are benefited because we continue to live? Paul the apostle knew that there was an advantage to himself if he died and went to be with Jesus, but he also knew there was a huge advantage for the people in the church if he stayed in the flesh. Perhaps we should examine our lives and ask the Lord to help us to bless those who are advantaged by our being alive, and if we have none who experience “furtherance and joy of faith” because we live, may the Lord add many with whom we may share.

Next time Paul shares about the way the Philippians with rejoice when they see him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

More Needful for You Philippians 1:24

As Paul the apostle sat in a Roman prison, he knew there was the possibility that he would die for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. As he wrote to the Philippian church, he shared with them about the benefits both of living and dying - “to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. In chapter one and verse twenty-four of Philippians, Paul expounded upon the advantage to the church members if he lived where he wrote:

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

The verse begins, “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh...” Paul knew there was an advantage to the Philippians if he were to “abide” which means “to stay at or with, to tarry still, to continue, or remain” living “in the flesh”. As long as Paul was living, he could share truth and understanding from the scriptures with the church members. With joyful resolve Paul uses the word “Nevertheless” to share the advantage of staying alive and being with them.

The verse goes on to say, “...is more needful for you.” Paul added that it is “more needful” that he live which means “necessary, what one can not do without, indispensable” for those who were members of the church in Philippi. By making this statement Paul employs a principle which he gives to the Philippian church in chapter two and verse three:

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Paul thought of the benefit to the Philippians if he stayed alive, and because he was thinking of others rather than himself, he resolved to do what was best for them.

As we ponder Paul's words, do we have others in our lives who benefit because we live? Would we be able to declare that it is “more needful” or “necessary” for us to live because our living becomes their advantage? The underlying thought in these words of Paul is that he has invested in the church members in Philippi, and because he has, they know it is beneficial for him to continue to pour into their lives. Perhaps as we consider these things, we will think of others whom we have invested in who are advantaged by our living, and if we cannot think of anyone, maybe it is time to be as Paul and “esteem” others better than ourselves.

Next time Paul writes more about the benefit of staying alive, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

In a Strait Between Two Philippians 1:23

As Paul the apostle considered the two scenarios which were possible for his future, he had a tough time deciding which one would be more beneficial. He knew that if he lived, he could benefit others, however if he died, he considered it gain to be with Jesus. In chapter one and verse twenty-three he shared more of his dilemma with the Philippian church where he wrote:

For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

The verse begins, “For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart,...” As Paul continued his thought concerning leaving this world, he shared the “strait” which means “to hold together with constraint, to compress” “between two”. It was as if the struggle between the two venues held Paul in a restrictive state. On the one hand he had “a desire to depart” which meant he would leave this world and go to be with Christ, and yet he loved to have fruit among the brethren.

The verse goes on to say, “and to be with Christ; which is far better:” Paul desired “to be with Christ” in which he knew death would provide the entrance. He wrote earlier “to die is gain”, and if died, he would be with Christ which he deemed “is far better”. Paul knew there was nothing on earth that would ever compare to being with Jesus in heaven.

Have we ever considered what it will be like to be with Jesus Christ? Are there things, events, people or circumstances that we think are “far better” than being with Him? As we think about Paul's “strait” perhaps we will discover that we have one of our own, and if we do not find that strait, perhaps we should weigh the temporary things of the world against the eternal value of being with Christ.

Next time Paul writes about the benefit of staying alive, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

I Don't Know What to Choose Philippians 1:22

Paul the apostle wrote these words to the Philippian church members “to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. It was Paul's resolve that there was benefit both to living and dying. In chapter one and verse twenty-two of Philippians Paul continues his thoughts about choosing between life and death where he wrote:

But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I know not.

The verse begins, “But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor:” Paul employs the disassociation conjunction “But” as he began the continuation of his thoughts. We may recall from previous teachings that the word “But” denotes “a current statement taking precedence over what was previously stated”. In this case Paul is comparing the value of living to the value of dying. He stated “if I live in the flesh” which means if he continues to live in his earthly body, “this is the fruit” which refers to “that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result, profit or advantage” “of my labor” or his work in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul knew there was an advantage to the church in Philippi and others if he continued to live in his earthly body.

The verse goes on to say, “yet what I shall choose I know not.” As though Paul had a choice in the matter, he declared “yet what I shall choose” which means “to take for oneself, to prefer, to choose by vote, or elect to office” “I know not” or “I cannot decide or figure out”. We can almost imagine Paul attempting to weigh the choices in his mind and discovering the advantages to each. He knew it was to the profit of many people if he stayed alive, but it was his personal advantage if he should die and go to be with Jesus.

Have we ever weighed in the balances of our minds the choices of living or dying? If we were to examine our lives would we be able to conclude a benefit to others by our living? Have we ever thought about our personal advantage if we were to die and be with Christ Jesus? One of the greatest ways to understand the Bible is to put ourselves in the position of either the writer himself or the characters about whom he writes. As we ponder Paul's words in this verse, let us place ourselves in his position, examine the two choices, and determine whether we can conclude “fruit” in our labor if we live, and “gain” to ourselves if we were to die. May the Lord Jesus reveal to us the advantages of both.

Next time Paul writes of the strait he was in, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Live equals Christ, Die equals Gain Philippians 1:21

Paul the apostle told the church in Philippi that he knew of those who were preaching the gospel with varying motives while he was in prison. Some were preaching with good motives, and some were not. However, Paul rejoiced in the fact that the gospel of Jesus Christ was being preached no matter what the motive was behind it, and he hoped that this preaching might lead to his own salvation both in eternal pursuits and physically. Paul knew that he might live or die because of the good news of Jesus Christ, and in chapter one and verse twenty one he declared the value in either way where we read:

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

The verse begins, “For to me to live is Christ,...” Paul begins this verse with the word “For” which means “because, or on account of, or in conclusion”, and he addresses the possibility of his living first. He declared, “to live is Christ”. While Paul had breath in his body, his most valuable asset in life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. The very essence of his living was all about Jesus, and there was nothing in life that could compare to it.

The verse goes on to say, “...and to die is gain.” In addition to declaring that if he lived he would continue his wonderful relationship with Christ, Paul stated that should his life be taken from him, “to die is gain”. Although there was great value associated to living, Paul knew that if he died he would go to heaven where Jesus is, and there he would reside with Him forever. Though living on earth was outstanding for Paul, to die and be with Jesus was superior.

What about us? When we examine ourselves would we be able to declare, “to live is Christ” or would it be something that competes with our relationship with Jesus? Some might say, for me “to live is having a fun weekend” or “getting a new car” or “escaping to some vacation spot”, however for Paul the apostle he surmised “to live is Christ”. Are we also able to declare, “to die is gain”? Is our life so involved with Jesus that we know no matter what pleasurable events, places, people or times come into our lives, it will pale in comparison to dying and going to be with Him? Paul saw the advantage of both living and dying, and either way he knew that Jesus Christ would be with him. As we ponder Paul's words, may the Lord help us to be able to echo his same words and sentiments as we continue to live, and may all who know us determine there is nothing more important in our lives than Jesus Christ and His saving gospel of grace.

Next time Paul writes of his struggle between two choices, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Christ Magnified by Life or Death Philippians 1:20

After sharing with the Philippian church concerning those who were preaching the gospel with various motives while he was in prison, Paul the apostle told those within the church that he knew their spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ would lead to his personal salvation through their prayers and “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ”. In chapter one and verse nineteen of the letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote more about his desire for Christ to be magnified. We read:

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

The verse begins, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed,...” Paul employed the term “earnest expectation” which means “anxious and persistent expectation” to describe the manner in which he looked for his salvation. The idea of “earnest expectation” is like unto one who cranes or lifts his or her neck in hopes to see someone coming. It was the “hope”, the expectant “hope” that Paul relied upon, and he stated that “in nothing I shall be ashamed” which literally means “to disfigure,to dishonor, to suffuse with shame, make ashamed, or be ashamed” when it came to Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “...but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body,” Paul desired “all boldness, as always” or “freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech,openly, frankly, i.e without concealment, without ambiguity or circumlocution, without the use of figures and comparisons, free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, and assurance” when he spoke of the hope that may be known in Jesus Christ. Paul stated his desire when he declared “so now also Christ be magnified in my body”. Paul did not desire that he personally be “magnified” which means “to make great, magnify, to make conspicuous, to deem or declare great, to esteem highly, to extol, laud, celebrate, to get glory and praise” but rather that all the glory and honor go to Jesus Christ.

The verse continues, “whether it be by life, or by death.” Paul's level and depth of commitment was shown in this portion of the verse. Paul knew there was the possibility that he would live, but it also might be that he would die for the gospel of Jesus Christ. In either case, “whether it be by life, or by death” he desired that “Christ be magnified”.

What is our personal commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we known for sharing the gospel “with all boldness, as always”, or do we shy away from declaring the good news of Jesus? If our lives were examined would people be able to say “Christ is magnified” in their lives? As we ponder these words of Paul, perhaps it would benefit us to examine ourselves to determine “whether it be by life, or death” that we would share the gospel with a lost and dying world. May the Lord lead us to boldly proclaim His wonderful gospel wherever we may be, and may all glory and honor go to Him for helping us to do so.

Next time Paul writes one of the greatest verses in the Bible, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore