Though self-preservation is a prominent characteristic of this age, the apostle Paul took his cue from the Lord Jesus and was willing to suffer that others might live. Motivated by the faithfulness of Jesus, he was committed to the dying process of the Christ-centred life with the result that he truly lived. This is God’s call to everyone whom he saves. The rejection of a life stunted by self-preservation requires four things:

1. Be willing to speak up (v. 13)

2. Know that you will be raised up (v. 14)

3. Long for praise to be offered up (v. 15)

4. Learn to look up (vv. 16–18)