Laws Publishing
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TO LIVE IS CHRIST - TO DIE IS
GAIN |
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PHILIPPIANS 1:21 |
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JIM
LAWS |
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The book of Philippians is one of the most
personal letters that we have written by the apostle Paul (see 4:1). The Philippian church, established on the second missionary
journey of Paul, was a strong congregation. Their strength is seen in a
number of ways, one of which is the support the church continued to give Paul
despite the little time he spent there. They supported Paul, even while they
were suffering and being persecuted (cp. Phil. 1:7, 27-30; |
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In the greeting of the book (1:1-2) one sees
that the church at Philippi was a fully organized congregation, as can be
seen by the way Paul address them, "To all the saints … with the bishops
and deacons" (v. 1). The bishops were elders and were the overseers of
the flock (Acts 20:17, 28; I Tim. 3:1-8; Titus 1:5-9; I Peter 5:1-3). The
deacons, of course, refer to a special group of servants in the church (I
Tim. 3:8-10). Paul thanks God for the Philippian
Christians, and he prays for them with joy. "Joy" is the keynote of
this book. Paul presents a number of aspects that tell of his fondness for
them, as well as, the close relationship that they share (1:3-11). For
instance, he is thankful for them (v.3), and he continually prays for them
(v. 4). He says that such memories of them are a source of joy to him (v. 4);
this is due to the fellowship that Paul and the church have sustained (v. 5).
The Philippians had had fellowship with him in spreading the gospel. It has
always been a church with an evangelistic spirit. He expresses confidence in
them (v. 6); he describes them as partners together (v. 7-8); his desire is
that they continue to grow (v. 9-10) and that they will be filled with the
fruits of righteousness (v. 11). One can easily see the tenderness and
warmth, as Paul writes about |
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Paul then begins to discuss himself as an
apostle and the experiences he has had as a prisoner (vv. 12-19). He relates
the fact that these things have turned out unto "the furtherance of the
Gospel" (v. 12).1 Here he is, in reality,
telling the Philippians how his afflictions had worked for him in spreading
the gospel. He faithfully preaches the gospel regardless of the circumstances
(vv. 12-14). Paul had the opportunity to teach a number of Roman soldiers.
The fact of Paul's preaching had become well known, as the "whole
Praetorian Guard" had become aware of Paul and the cause of Christ.2
Another fact that has arisen from this Roman imprisonment is the fact that
other Christians in |
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This marvelous passage has been looked upon by
many as the key to the book of Philippians and has become an essential key to
our Christian lives. This research will consider Paul's statement from a
practical view, that is, what does such a statement mean for me and my life?
What will some of the implications be, when such a statement as this is at
the center of our lives, as it was for Paul? |
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Before considering the implications of Paul's
statement in verse 21 a closer look at verse 20 in required. Philippians 1:20
states, "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 earnest desire and hope Paul had was not so much that he be
released from bondage, but more so that in all circumstances he might be true
to the gospel, either in life, or in death. His desire was to stand up every
where and under every circumstance as an advocate of the gospel of Christ. It
was his hope that he would not do anything that he would be ashamed of later,
but, rather, that he would maintain the truth of the gospel with all
boldness. He wanted Christ to be magnified, that is, held up to the view of
all as the one and only savior of mankind, regardless, of what might happen
to him personally. How would Paul magnify Christ by his life? He made Jesus
the focus of his life (Phi. 3:7-8). He would magnify Christ by devoting his
life to serving Christ (Gal. |
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FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO
DIE IS GAIN |
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First, a statement such as this would mean that
Paul was presenting his body as a living sacrifice to God. Romans 12 serves
as a good illustration of what this passage is emphasizing (Phil.1: 21).
Romans 12:1 states, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies
of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service." For eleven chapters in Romans
Paul discusses the blessings that are to be received by God through Christ.
In light of this he says, "present your bodies as a living
sacrifice." To present our bodies as living sacrifices is to use our
bodies in the service of Christ. Notice, Paul's use of the word
"living" in the passage. For Paul to use the phrase "living
sacrifice" is to refer to the constant, continuous sacrifice that one is
to offer and not just an occasional dedication of one's body to the service
of the Lord. A person does not offer his being to God today and then take his
body into his own hands and use it as he pleases tomorrow. A living sacrifice
is a person, who dedicates his body to live for God and to keep on living for
God. Notice, also Paul's use of the word "sacrifice." Our lives are
to be just that, a sacrifice. Under the Old Testament dispensation offerings
were made of living animals that were offered on an altar to God. The passage
teaches that we offer our bodies, our lives, and our very being to God for
his service. The child of God lives for God by obeying him and serving him.
It means that we give up our own selfish ambitions and desires, and it means
that we serve God as well as we can while here on this earth. Perhaps an
illustration will be of help. For instance, we have two eyes with which to
read and study God's word; we have two ears to hear the message of the
gospel, and we have a mouth and a tongue to use in teaching and preaching the
gospel. We have two hands that we may use in the service of others, and we
have two feet to carry the gospel message to those who will hear. As one
reads the book of Acts, he is certainly impressed with the way Paul did just
as he instructs in this passage (Rom. 12:1; Phil. |
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Therefore, if one is to "live for
Christ" and do so successfully, then one will live life for God as a living
sacrifice. Stop and ask yourself the question, "What does life mean to
you?"; Why are you living?; What is your great
purpose in life? Are you living for money and possession (clothes, houses,
cars, property)? If so, what do you do in a few years when you die, that is,
if you happen to escape any form of life threatening accident or disease?
What is going to happen to you, when you lose your possessions? When that day
comes, and it is coming, (there is nothing in heaven or earth that can stop
it); if you have lived for material possessions, what good will it do you then? This is the very thing for which the child of
God should seek: to live our lives so as to be acceptable and well pleasing
in the sight of God. I Corinthians |
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This is certainly at odds with the common
approach to life in our modern culture. There are those who would live their
lives for nothing but comfort (a good job, a nice place to live, plenty to
eat, and enough money to do what you desire now and at retirement)? If
anything threatens their comfort, then they choose comfort over truth. If so,
what happens when disease, or an accident, or tragedy strikes, or old age
comes, as one or the other is coming? It cannot be stopped. If you have lived
for comfort, what good will it do you eternally? Are
you living for position? If so, what do you do when you are edged out,
removed, demoted, transferred, or by-passed? If you are living for family, as
important as our families are, what will you do when the family or family
members are transferred, moved away, or when the
various family members die? What good will families do, if we have lived for
family, rather than for Christ, when we meet Christ in eternity? There are
those who live for recognition, honor, popularity, recreation, and
gratification. What do you do when you face the crises of life, and then in
the end come face to face with death? At that moment, if not before, what
good will anything on this earth do for the individual facing the judgment? |
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Second, a statement such as this would imply
that Paul is in control of his mind and continually focuses his heart upon
Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:8 states, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things
are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think
on these things." Not only must the Christian guard carefully his
actions, so as to keep himself in harmony with God's will for his life; but
as the passage points out, God is concerned with how we think, as well.
Paul's final exhortation emphasizes that we should think about that which is
true; that would mean, among other things, that each one maintain the truth
about God, about eternity, about judgment, and about man's character. Those
things which are just would have to do with maintaining a right relationship
with each other and that we be just in all of our
dealings. To remain pure and chaste in our heart and mind is emphasized as
well. Paul's admonition concludes with the instruction to think on these
things, that is, let them be the object of careful attention and study, so as
to practice them. The child of God should think about what they are, and
think on the obligation to observe them. What we think is very important. I
John 2:16 states, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is
of the world." John's reference to the world is a reference to all that
is not authorized by God for our lives, but rather, is of this world; all
that would destroy our relationship with God. Therefore, the Christian will
refuse to indulge in the lust of the flesh (immorality, inordinate emotions),
the lust of the eyes, (materialism, greed, covetousness), and the pride of
life (vainglory, boasting, arrogance). All these matters can be summarized
with one word: sin. Emotional states of mind are often the result of sin, as
well. Anxiety, worry, depression, despair, discontentment, and fear, when not
cause by some organic condition, are often the results of sin (perhaps not
sinful action per se, but rather, sinful thinking). If the individual is to
control his thoughts, then he must control what he sees, reads and hears. Our
minds should have only what is wholesome, pure, and clean. This will mean
that we will monitor television viewing, as well as, what we see in the
cinema. What one reads will require censorship, as not everything available,
either to us, or to our young people, is profitable for Christian growth and spiritual
maturity. Evil thoughts will come into the mind of even the very best of people, however, the sin is not in the coming of the
thought, as it is in entertaining the thought. How shall we control these
thoughts? First, by making sure that our heart and mind is filled with the
revelation of God. David said, "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I
might not sin against thee" (Psa. 119:11).
Second, that is why Bible study is so important for each of us. It is
important for the congregation to study seriously God's word, but it is also
important for us as individual to do the same. The more one fills his heart
with the word of God, the more he is able to set the direction of his
thoughts. We would be better served, if we would realize that the old adage,
"a penny for your thoughts," in reality means, "An eternity
for your thoughts." That is what our thoughts will cost us: an eternity.
For one to live for Christ will mean that he thinks for Christ by
disciplining both his heart and his mind to think what he ought to think. |
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Third, a statement such as this would imply
that Paul was devoting himself to preaching the gospel, so that others might
live eternally. The apostle Paul was one of the greatest of preachers in the
first century. II Corinthians |
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Acts 26:18 states, "To open their eyes,
and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto
God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them
which are sanctified by faith that is in me." Preaching the gospel of
Christ is the greatest work that one may do. This truth and all those
attached to it were near and dear to the heart of Paul and they should be to
us, as well. There is the great need for preaching today, because the world
is preaching and it is not preaching the message of Christ, but rather a
message of error and deception. The worldly view is that religion is a
failure. Modern man must have something else in order to meet his needs as a
human being. The world is using our culture to pressure people into being
converts. There is the pressure of "big city living", which
pressures man into thinking that man is not responsible for what he does. Man
may live as he chooses, and everyone else is expected to look upon his
behavior as acceptable. There is the pressure of modern philosophy, which
pressures man into thinking that man himself is the measure of all things,
and that he really does not need anyone or anybody to help him with his
problems. There is the pressure placed upon man from the field of science
saying that science will give man the answers to our questions, and that
given enough time and knowledge man will answer all of his own problems, so
that he does not need God. |
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When there is a time of great trial and
problems for Christianity, that is, also, the time of great opportunity.
Christianity has faced trying times in the past and has been victorious,
because Christians saw the need to preach the gospel. Christ has proclaimed,
"Lo I am with you all the days even until the end of the earth"
(Matt. 28:20). Therefore we see that there is a great need for gospel
preaching, because of the world in which we live. Due to the great power of
the gospel, there is the need to spread the message of Christianity by this
means. |
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Fourth, a statement such as this implies that
living for Christ is the best of all possible lives that one can live. It is
clear that Paul's sole aim in living was to glorify Christ. He is the supreme
end of one's life. For this to be accomplished one must come to know as much
about Christ, as is possible to know. We must know as much as we can about
his character, his purpose, and the relationship he sustains to the Father
(see Phil. |
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However, compare that to what the world has to
offer. W. T Stace formerly professor of philosophy
at |
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Fifth, a statement such as this implies that
death to the Christian is not a horrid ending to be shunned, but a victory to
be gained. Romans 14:8 states, "For whether we live, we live unto the
Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or
die, we are the Lord's." Paul is referring to the state of death and not
the act of dying. Those who die as children of God die in Christ and are now
at home with the Lord, who are in a far more blessed
state than the saints on earth. No one, when they face death, will ever
regret that he has lived for Christ. But every man, who lives for himself,
will regret it at the time of death. |
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Paul, in his reference to death, uses the word
"gain" (profit, advantage). The meaning of the word conveys the
idea that there is an advantage in dying above that of living. There are
important benefits that would result to one personally should he die. What
gain is there in death? (1) In death there is the freedom from sin and
temptation. Here sin is the source of sorrow; in heaven there will be no sin.
No one while living here knows when one will be tempted, or just how powerful
that temptation may be. We are told that we must resist temptation and that
God's word provides sufficient power for one to overcome each temptation to
sin. In heaven however, there will be no temptation; there will be no
allurement to lead one astray. (2) In death there is freedom from all
enemies. Here, of course, each must contend with the slanderer, the false
teacher, and the persecutor of God's people. The Christian faces such here,
but there will be no injustices in heaven. (3) In death there is freedom from
suffering, both physically as well as, mentally. However, even though each
must face such here, over there, there is no place for sickness, no sorrow,
and no tears. There are advantages to be gained in death, which causes one to
realize that death to the Christian is not the horrid experience that the
world would have one to believe. However, Paul does not wish for death. There
is no hint of pessimism; he does not ask, "I have suffered so much, is
life really worth living?" He knows that it is, because Christ is the great
purpose and direction of his life. Therefore, his life has meaning, purpose,
and direction. He is not the worn-out rogue, who has been self-indulgent to
every form of pleasure life has to offer. He has not become worn-out as a
child of God with exhausting labors, who is anxious to rid himself of trials
and persecutions. There is nothing here that conveys the idea that Paul is
soured on life or cynical about life. If Paul's expression were to be
construed as an expression of weariness and a desire to escape from suffering,
responsibility, labor, and temptation, then it would have been a selfish one
and would have implied that Paul was living for himself. However, his
assertion marks the true connection between what death really is and the
Christian's gain. Death, therefore, is gain to the Christian, in that it puts
an end to sin, as well as, the temptations to sin, and ushers the child of
God into full possession of his inheritance with the saved in eternity. It
puts one into a closer union with Christ, enabling one to have a higher form
of life, eternal life. This fact causes Paul to say; "to die is
gain." However, Paul goes on to say that he has every intention of
living. The reason he would wish to continue, even in the midst of such great
persecution, was to be of service to others. Philippians |
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The Christian lives in preparation for death.
Our lives are short and uncertain, therefore, the Christian is content to
live and content to die. Jesus prayed, "Thy will be done." This
should be our attitude. Death is a great loss to the carnally-minded man. He
loses all his comforts and all his hopes. In contrast to the Christian, death
is gain. Those who know the value of heaven will readily acknowledge that it
is far better to be in heaven than to be in this world. |
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SUMMATION |
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Briefly stated, for Paul to say to the Christians
at |
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