Today we are continuing to look at Philippians 1, and we aregoing on to verse 29, where we come to a very challenging truth. It says this: “Forto you it has been granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, butalso to suffer for His sake.” Today we are going to be talking aboutthe gift of suffering.

NowPaul says two things are granted by grace. Number one, faith to believe in Him.And how we all love and appreciate for that. We know Ephesians 2:8–9: “Forby grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is thegift of God..." Thank God for thegift of grace!

ButPaul goes on to say, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer forHis sake. Remember back in verse 28, Paul said “we should not be inany way terrified by our adversaries”. We should not be terrified by thosewho will cause persecution and suffering and inflict pain upon us. Why? BecauseGod has granted us this gift of suffering.

Welove the gift of grace, but we might have a hard time understanding the gift ofsuffering, and it is even harder to accept. But what we need to understand isthat suffering connects us to Jesus Christ. Remember Philippians 3:10 wherePaul wrote later in this epistle: “That I might know Him and thefellowship of His sufferings.” In Romans 8:17 he wrote: “If indeedwe suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together with Him”. Andthen verse 18, Paul goes on to say: “For I consider that the sufferings ofthis present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall berevealed in us.”

In1 Peter 4:13, Peter said, “Rejoice to the extent that you partake ofChrist’s sufferings.” Remember Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:10–12, “Blessedare those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake… Rejoice and beexceedingly glad,” that you have the privilege of suffering and beingpersecuted for Christ’s sake.

Wemust know that suffering is not meaningless. It deepens our faith, strengthensour character, and prepares us for glory.

Thechurch in China, which has suffered so deeply under great persecution over theyears because of their faith, would tell us, “Don’t pray that we are notpersecuted and that we do not suffer. Pray that we remain faithful.” When Ivisited the unground church there years ago the church leaders told us, “Persecutionpurifies the church”. As a matter of fact, we have heard that some churches inChina made it a requirement to have served time in labor camp prisons sufferingfor their faith to prove that they were truly a Christian before they couldbecome part of their fellowship of believers.

Myfriend, that is not what we have faced so far in America, but it might not befar off! In James 1:2–3, it reminds us “to count it all joy when you fallinto various trials and tribulations”. In 1 Peter 1:6–9 we read: “Inthis you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you havebeen grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith,being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested byfire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of JesusChrist..."

Nowlet’s be honest—we do not naturally see suffering as a gift. But from God’sperspective: It is shaping us.

Itis refining us. It is drawing us closer to Christ. So today: Do not waste yourtrials. See them through God’s eyes. Trust Him in the process.

Inclosing this chat, I want you to read 1 Peter 5:6-11 that reminds us to humbleourselves as we face the attacks of the devil, “resisting him, steadfast inthe faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhoodin the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal gloryby Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish,strengthen, and settle you. ..." Also a good book to read that would bless and give you abetter understanding of God’s purposes of suffering in our lives is: “The Insanityof God” by Nik Ripken.

Today we are going to be talking about courage in the face ofopposition as we move to the next verse in Philippians 1:28. After the ApostlePaul told them in verse 27 to stand fast in one spirit and with one mind,striving together for the faith of the gospel, he goes on to say in verse 28, “Andnot in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof ofperdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”

Theword “terrified” means do not be frightened in any way. In the Greek, it wasused of a horse that was startled in battle—or even startled by nothing—causingit to throw its rider. The Apostle Paul is saying to these believers inPhilippi, who were facing persecution, do not be afraid. We find the sameencouragement throughout the epistles: believers are told to be courageous evenwhen they are being persecuted or mistreated.

Thisis similar to what Joshua was told at least three times in Joshua 1:1-9, whenhe took the place of Moses to lead the people into the Promised Land, facinggiants and overwhelming opposition. In verse 9, God told him: “Have I notcommanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor bedismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

But Paul is saying: do not panic, do not run—stand firm. One commentator saidit this way: “Do not be scared out of your determination to live out yourheavenly citizenship by anything your enemies might try to do to you.”

Paulis teaching that their opposition is actually evidence. He says it is “to thema proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” Think aboutthat. When the world opposes the gospel, it does at least two things: Itreveals their rejection of God and it confirms your relationship with God. Rememberwhat Jesus said in John 15:20: “If they persecuted Me, they will alsopersecute you.”

In2 Thessalonians 1:4–8, the Apostle Paul wrote something similar to that church:“So that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for yourpatience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,which is a manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may becounted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you also suffer. Since it is arighteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, andto give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed fromheaven with His mighty power in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who donot know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Godhas the final word. In Psalm 2 we are told that when the kings of the earth mockand attempt to deny God and His authority and throw off His restraints that: “Hewho sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. ThenHe shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure”(Psalm 2:4-5).

SecondTimothy 3:12 reminds us, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus willsuffer persecution.” Not might, not maybe—but will suffer persecution. Oppositionis not a sign that you are failing. No, my friend—it is a sign that you arebeing faithful.

Hereis something powerful: Your confidence in trials is a testimony. In Acts 5:41,it says the apostles “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shamefor His name.” And remember Stephen in Acts 7. As he was being stoned todeath, his face shone like the face of an angel. Even in that moment ofmartyrdom, there was a peace and courage that could not be explained. Myfriend, that kind of courage comes from God.

Aswe face opposition—even today, in America or anywhere else in the world—forbeing followers of Jesus Christ, we do not need to be afraid. We do not need tobe terrified by anything. God is in control. Your salvation is secure. And theenemy does not win. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world you will havetribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

“Only let your conductbe worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or amabsent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with onemind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

Welcometo Pastor’s Chat. Today we are continuing to look at verse 27 of Philippians 1.In the first part of the verse, the Apostle Paul talked about our conduct, ourconversation—our citizenship in heaven. We have citizenship on earth, but weshould live on earth as though we are citizens of heaven. We are different. Welive differently. You read this throughout all Paul’s epistles. It is soimportant.

Todaywe are going to continue with the last part of the verse, where the ApostlePaul writes: “So that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear ofyour affairs.” Here it is: “that you stand fast in one spirit, with onemind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Today we are talkingabout standing and striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Now,the word “faith” here is not referring to our personal faith—like my faith inJesus Christ for salvation. The word “faith” here refers to the truth—the truthof Scripture, the truth of the gospel. The gospel is the power of God untosalvation to everyone who believes. The gospel is the death, burial, andresurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the good news for every person whowill trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.

TheApostle Paul now shifts from what we might call citizenship to teamwork. Andthe first thing he writes is, “Stand fast.” That phrase means tohold your ground, like a soldier in battle. First Corinthians 16:13 says, “Standfast in the faith. Be strong. Be brave.” Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to“put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wilesof the devil.” To stand—to stand fast—is to hold your ground. We are in aspiritual battle, but my friend, we are not standing alone.

Thenthe Apostle Paul writes, “with one spirit and with one mind strivingtogether.” That phrase “striving together” gives us our wordathletics. It paints a picture of a team working together toward one goal. TheChristian life is not a solo race—it is a team effort.

Buthere is the reality: our enemy, the enemy of the church, the enemy ofChristianity, loves division. “Divide and conquer” is still his strategy. Evenin Philippi, there were tensions. We will see that when we get to Philippians4:2. That is why Paul emphasizes one spirit, one mind, one purpose.

InPhilippians 2:2, he writes, “Be like-minded, having the same love, being ofone accord, of one mind.” No doubt that is why Jesus said in John 13:35, “Bythis all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for oneanother.” Unity is not optional—it is essential. A divided church isa defeated church, but a united church is a powerful church for the glory ofGod.

Ilove the quote we have used for years in the churches I pastored: “Inessentials, we have unity. In non-essentials, we have liberty. But in allthings, we have charity.” The Bible reminds us in Romans 12:5, “We, beingmany, are one body in Christ.” So we are to stand fast in the truth. We areto work together in love. We are to strive together for the sake of the gospel.

Whyis that? Because the main thing we are to be about as a church—and asindividuals—is sharing Jesus Christ with people who are lost, who are in theirsins, and who are headed for a devil’s hell. We are their only hope. The churchis the institution God has placed on earth to share and carry forth His greatgood news. Matthew 28:19–20.

 Myfriend, let us make sure we stand fast. Let us hold our ground. Let us worktogether with other believers in unity for the sake of the gospel. We will beblessed as individuals. We will be a blessed church. And we will be excitedabout what God is doing as we join Him on His mission—telling the good news ofChrist to a lost world around us.

Todaywe are moving on to the last verses of chapter 1 of Philippians, verses 27–30: “Onlylet your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ... 

Remember,Paul is writing from prison. He is writing to this church at Philippi, tellingthem they can have joy in their lives despite the circumstances they might befacing in a Roman Empire that was full of debauchery, wickedness, violence, andevil. It sounds very much like the world we live in today.

Heis telling them here in these verses: live worthy of the gospel. Look atthis very first statement—a powerful one: “Only let your conduct beworthy of the gospel of Christ.” “Monon” (only), is placed at the beginningof the sentence in the Greek text for emphasis. This is a strong word,emphasizing that this is very important. What truly mattered was theirconsistent, holy conduct. Above all, Paul wanted their lives to reflectworthily on the gospel of Christ.

Theword “conduct” here, in some translations, is “conversation,” but itactually means “citizenship.” That word is also very important. Paul isbasically saying, live like citizens of heaven. Philippi was a Roman colony,and the people took great pride in being Roman citizens. You may remember thatafter the Apostle Paul had been beaten there in Philippi, they were going torelease him, and he said, “I am a citizen of Rome, and you cannot treat Romancitizens this way—beating me and throwing me into prison without a trial.” Theywere afraid, because citizenship meant a great deal to these people, especiallyin that community.

Pauluses that picture to say: you belong to a greater kingdom—the kingdom ofheaven—so live like it. In fact, in Philippians 3:20, he says, “For ourcitizenship is in heaven.” As believers, you and I have two citizenships:one in the country and world in which we live, and one in heaven. But, myfriend, our greater citizenship is in heaven. And with citizenship comesprivileges, honors, and also responsibilities.

Asa citizen of heaven, what a wonderful privilege it is to belong to thatkingdom—but it also carries great responsibility. That is why Paul says, letyour life, your conduct, your conversation be a testimony. Many people neverread the Bible, but they will read your life. That is why the Apostle Paulemphasized consistency—not just in what we say, but in how we live.

Hewrote the same to the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 4:1: “Walk worthy ofthe calling with which you were called.” He said the same to the Colossianchurch in Colossians 1:10: “Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.” Weare not trying to earn our salvation, because we are already saved. But weshould reflect Jesus Christ. So we are to walk worthy of what? The gospel.

Thegospel is a message that changes lives. First Corinthians 15:3–4 tells us whatthe gospel is: Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again. Thisis the message that brings salvation. It is powerful. And, my friend, thatmessage should be reflected in our lives—transformed, resurrected lives inChrist Jesus. Old things have passed away; all things have become new (2Corinthians 5:17).

Sowhat happens then? We reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me ask you: ifsomeone saw your life—and that was the only thing they could see—what wouldthey think the gospel is? We are writing the gospel every day: With our words.With our actions. And with our attitudes. That is why Jesus said in Matthew5:16, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good worksand glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Sotoday, let us live like citizens of heaven—worthy of the gospel of JesusChrist.

Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Todaywe conclude our thoughts in Philippians 1:22–26. We are looking particularly atverses 25 and 26, where the Apostle Paul writes, “And being confident ofthis, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progressand joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in JesusChrist by my coming to you again.”

TheApostle Paul, remember, is in prison in Rome. He is writing back to the churchat Philippi that he had founded years earlier. He uses the words “I amconfident.” He expresses confidence that he will remain—not because ofcircumstances (who knows what the authorities are thinking or planning to dowith him), and not because of human authority—but because he believes that Godhas a purpose for him.

“Beingconfident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue.” Remember verse 6 ofthis chapter: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a goodwork in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” I love Psalm138:8: “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” God knows when mylast day is. He knows when the time of my departure will be at hand. I don’tknow. But I do know this: I can be confident that as long as I have breath inmy lungs, my mind is working, and my heart is beating, God has a purpose forme—and God has a purpose for you.

Thatis what Paul is talking about. What is that purpose? “For your progress andjoy of faith.” The word “progress” means advancing—advancing in your faith,growing in your faith, even through difficult times and circumstances that arenot good. The Christian life is not easy. It involves trials and challenges.But God uses people like the Apostle Paul to help others grow and move forward.God uses people like you and me to help others take that next step in theChristian life in the right direction.

Thisreminds us of Acts 14:22, where Paul said, “Through many tribulations wemust enter the kingdom of God.”  Butnotice, growth is not just about endurance—it is about joy. So his confidencewas not only that they would make progress, but that they would have joy offaith. Because as you grow in your faith, you grow in your confidence. Andguess what? Your joy, your completeness, your maturity in Christ grows as well.You experience a satisfaction that only comes from being intimately connectedin a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is living in you.

Thenin verse 26: “That your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in JesusChrist.” Notice carefully, Paul is not pointing them to himself. Their joyis not in Paul. Yes, he mentions rejoicing for him—they are rejoicing forPaul—but their rejoicing is not in Paul. Their rejoicing is in Christ. Paulunderstood that any impact he was making was because Christ was working throughhim. That is why he wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:21, “Let no one boast in man.” Everythingpoints to Jesus Christ. So Paul is saying, “When I come to you again, yourjoy will increase—but not because of me, but because of what Christ has doneand is doing.”

Letme conclude with this: Live to help others grow. Your life should be impactingsomeone else. Let me ask you—are you discipling someone else? I can tell you,when you experience Christ working in you and through you, and you see othersgrowing in Christ because of your influence, that is real joy. I am convincedthat is the joy Jesus was speaking about in John 15:11 & 16: “Thesethings I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joymay be full”….“Bearing fruit that remains…”

Weshould always be pointing others to Christ, no matter what, because we are onlythe instruments—He is the source of all life. It is evident that Paul, while hewas on earth, was not living for himself but for the spiritual growth of others.May the Lord help us to do the same.

Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Todaywe are talking about choosing to stay for the sake of others, and we arefocusing on Philippians 1:24, where Paul writes, “Nevertheless, to remain inthe flesh is more needful for you.” Now Paul has just said in verse 23 thatbeing with Christ is far better. But now he shifts his focus from his desire tohis responsibility. He begins this verse by saying, “Nevertheless.” Inother words, even though I long to be with Christ, to remain in the flesh ismore needful for you.

Thisis one of the clearest pictures of selfless living in the New Testament. Paulis saying, “Oh goodness, it is far better for me to go to heaven, but it isbetter for you if I stay.” He chooses to stay for their sake. This reflectswhat we also learn in Philippians 2:3–4: “Let each of you look out not onlyfor your own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Italso reflects the example of our Lord Jesus Christ that we read in Philippians2:5–8, who humbled Himself for us: “Let this mind be in you which was alsoin Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery tobe equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of abondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearanceas a man, He, Jesus Christ, humbled Himself and became obedient to the point ofdeath, even the death of the cross.”

Jesusalso gave us an example in Mark 10:44–45. Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoeverof you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man didnot come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom.” TheApostle Paul is living that out. Paul is willing to delay his own joy so thatothers can grow. I am telling you, my friend, this is real love.

Thisalso reminds us of 1 Corinthians 15:58, where he wrote in that greatresurrection chapter, “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work ofthe Lord.” Paul saw ministry not as a burden but as a privilege in serving theLord Jesus Christ. Even though he faced pressure, imprisonments, and hardships,he still wanted to stay because he knew there was still work that needed to bedone.

Paul gives us a glimpse of the hardships he faced in 2Corinthians 11:22–28: “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are theyIsraelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministersof Christ? (I speak as a fool.) I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripesabove measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews fivetimes I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods.Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. A night and a day I have beenin the deep. In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, inperils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city,in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among falsebrethren, in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst,in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comesupon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.”

Nowlisten, my friend, we think we have it tough. Did you just hear what Paul saidhe has already gone through in his ministry? And yet he says, “I choose to staybecause it is more needful for me to be with you, even though I would muchrather be with Christ.” You can see why he would rather be with Christ inheaven. But he says, “It is needful for me to stay for you.” Oh, for the sakeof others—serving others despite the hardships that we face even now in ourlives.

So,let us bring this home today. Your life matters to others. There are people whoneed your encouragement, your example, and your prayers. Staying is sometimesharder than leaving, but God calls us to stay and serve. True maturity putsothers first. It does not ask, “What do I want?” but, “What do others need, andwhat can I do to encourage them?”

Paulchose duty over desire. May God help us to do the same today.

Todaywe are looking at verse 23 of Philippians 1, where Paul writes, “For I amhard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ,which is far better.” Now remember, in verse 21 he said, “To die isgain.” He said in verse 22, that to live on in the flesh means fruit forhis labor; yet what he shall choose he cannot tell. Now he shares somethingdeeply personal—his desire: “I am hard-pressed between the two.” Thatmeans he is being pulled in two directions. On the one side, there is fruitfulservice here on earth, but on the other side, there is being with Christ inheaven.

Paulsays very honestly, “having a desire to depart and to be with Christ.”Now the word “depart” here is a beautiful word. It is used of a ship beingloosed from its mooring and going out to sea. It is used often in Scripture asa tent that is being taken down and leaving for another place. It is a soldierbreaking camp in a war and going to a different battlefront. For the believer,death is not a defeat—it is a departure.

Paulis not afraid of death. He is not dreading it. In fact, he says he has a strongdesire for it—not for death itself, but for what comes after: to be withChrist. That is the key. Remember, later Paul would write in 2 Timothy 4:6, “ForI am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departureis at hand.” He would write that to Timothy just before he is executed byNero. In 2 Peter 1:13–14, Peter also writes and says, “Yes, I think it isright, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowingthat shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.”

Thesetwo men do not fear death. Putting off their tent and going on their departureonly means they are going to be with Jesus Christ. Paul says, “which is farbetter.” In the original language, “it is far, far better”. Why?Because he had the confidence of 2 Corinthians 5:8: “To be absent from thebody is to be present with the Lord.” Jesus, remember, told the thief onthe cross in Luke 23:43, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Yousee, the Scripture teaches that the moment a believer dies, he is immediatelyin the presence of Jesus Christ.

Thispassage reminds us there is no such thing as soul sleep. Paul expected to beconsciously with Christ immediately. Think about it—no more sin, no moresuffering, no more sorrow—fully in the presence of Christ.

RememberRevelation 21, where John later would write, “And I heard a loud voice fromheaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwellwith them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them and betheir God.’ Now listen to this: ‘God will wipe away every tear fromtheir eyes; there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There will beno more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ He goes on to say,‘Behold, I make all things new.’ Then He said to me, ‘Write, for these thingsare true and faithful.’”

Myfriend, we do not have to worry about going through the valley of the shadow ofdeath. Why? Jesus is going to be with us (Psalms 23:4). Do you have thatconfidence today in your life—that heaven is your next destination, the placeof your departure? Are you looking forward to being with Christ?

Because,when you really know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, heaven isnot just a place—it is a person with whom we long to be.

Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

“But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from mylabor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between thetwo, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Neverthelessto remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, Iknow that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy offaith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by mycoming to you again.”

Todaywe are talking about fruitful living while we are here. Let us look atverse 22 again. He says, “But if I live on in the flesh, this will meanfruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose, I cannot tell.” So Paulbegins by acknowledging something very simple, but very, very powerful. As longas he is active, his life has a purpose. He says, “If I live on in theflesh, this will mean fruit—fruit for my labor.” In other words, if Godallows me to continue living here on earth, then my life will continue toproduce fruit for the Lord.

WhenPaul used the word “flesh,” of course, he was not talking about his sinfulflesh. He was simply referring to his physical life. As long as he is in thisbody, there is work to be done. What kind of work is that? It is fruitfullabor. This reminds us of Colossians 1:5–6, where Paul also wrote to the churchof Colossae: “Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, ofwhich you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has cometo you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, asit is also among you since the day you heard and know the grace of God intruth.”

InEphesians 2:10, remember that great verse: “For we are His workmanship,created in Christ Jesus unto good works,” bringing forth the fruit of “goodworks”. So, Paul understood that his life was not about just existing—it wasabout producing fruit for Christ. Let me say this clearly: if God leaves ushere, it is because there is still fruit to be borne. This fruit may includethe fruit of the Spirit, as you know in Galatians 5:22–23. It could be righteousactions in Philippians 1:11 (“Being filled with the fruits of righteousnesswhich are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God”). Or it might be thefruit of winning others to Christ as Paul wrote about in Romans 1:13.

Paulsaw his life as an opportunity, not a burden. I will never forget a dear friendof mine. Her name was Estelle Dollar. She was 100-plus years old, and she hadto go into a nursing home—if I remember right—for an infection in her foot. Iwent in to visit her one day after she had been there for only a few days, andshe said, “Pastor Mike, guess what?” She said, “I have already shared thegospel with 50 people—50 people since I have been in here.” Goodness—over ahundred years old, and she still had a passion to be fruitful and share thegospel. How powerful is that? She saw her time in the nursing home as anopportunity to share Christ with others.

Butthen the Apostle Paul goes on to say something very interesting: “Yet what Ishall choose I cannot tell.” Now Paul is not trying to control his future.He is not making demands. He is completely submitted to the will of God. He issaying, “I do not know what God is going to do with me, but I am content withwhatever it is.”

Oh,my friend, what a lesson for us today. So often we want to control outcomes. Wewant to know the future. But Paul teaches us that we really need to rest inthis truth: As long as I am here, my life has a purpose, and God is incontrol.

Solet me ask you today: Are you seeing your life as fruitful? Are you investingyour time, your energy, and your opportunities for Christ, like Estelle Dollar?Because one day, according to 1 Corinthians 3:12–15, our works will be tested. MayGod help us today to live fruitful lives for the glory of God while we arehere.

“For I know that thiswill turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the supply of theSpirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that innothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christwill be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live isChrist, and to die is gain.”

Todaywe are going to conclude our thoughts on these verses in Philippians 1:19–21,and we want to talk about some practical applications that we can take fromthese verses.

Numberone: Keep your focus on Christ and not on people. Just like in the previousverses, people will disappoint us. Some may serve with wrong motives, but ourfocus must remain on Christ being magnified—not on what others are doing. Weneed to make sure that we keep our eyes on the Lord.

Secondly:We need to depend on prayer and the Holy Spirit—the prayers of others and theSpirit of Jesus Christ to strengthen us and help us. Paul knew that he neededboth the prayers of believers and the supply of the Holy Spirit. We are nodifferent. We cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. That is why Iwant to encourage you to read the Psalms daily. They remind you that the Lordis your rock. He is your salvation. He is your strength. He is your deliverer.He is everything. The Psalms daily remind us of that truth.

Numberthree: Make it your goal to never be ashamed of Christ. Paul said, “Innothing I shall be ashamed.” This reminds me of Romans 1:16: “For I amnot ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Ask yourself regularly: Am Iliving boldly for Christ, or am I shrinking back? Augustine said, “Preach thegospel. Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.” And I can assure youit will be necessary to also use words!

Numberfour: Live so that Christ is magnified in your body. In other words, in youractions, your responses to trials, your life—does your life make Christ lookgreat? This again reminds me of 2 Corinthians 4:7-10: “But we have thistreasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God,and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we areperplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but notdestroyed. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, thatthe life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” And so, myfriend, that is what we should be doing—living so that Christ is magnified inour bodies.

Weshould remember that we can fill in the blanks ourselves:

Forme to live is ______, and to die is ______.

Somepeople say, “For me to live is money, and to die is to leave it all behind.”

Otherssay, “For me to live is fame, and to die is to be forgotten.”

Otherssay, “For me to live is power, and to die is to lose it all.”

Myfriend, we must echo the conviction of the Apostle Paul, “For me to live isChrist, and to die is gain”.

Ifwe are going to have joy in spite of our circumstances, and if we are going toshare in the furtherance of the gospel, then we need to adopt Paul’sperspective on life and death:

Tolive is Christ—then every day has purpose.

Todie is gain—then we do not have to fear the future.

Thefinal thought for these verses on my heart today is this: Paul could rejoice indifficult circumstances and ignore the wrong motives of others because his lifewas anchored in one unshakable truth—Christ is everything. That is why we havetitled chapter one “The Single Mind”—a focus that is always on Christ and thefurtherance of the gospel. Yes, that Christ would be magnified in us.

Thatis my prayer for you today. And that is my prayer for me today.

Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Todaywe are continuing to look at Philippians 1:19–21, where the Apostle Paulwrites: “For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance through yourprayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. According to my earnestexpectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with allboldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whetherby life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Herethe Apostle Paul shares his heart in verse 20—that in nothing he would beashamed, but that Christ would be magnified in his body, whether by life or bydeath. That is a powerful statement. You see, Paul’s greatest concern was nothis comfort. It was not his reputation. It was not even his survival. His onegreat desire was that Christ might be magnified.

Iread something that I felt I ought to share with you: “How does Christ need tobe magnified? After all, how can a mere human being ever magnify the Son ofGod? The stars are much bigger than the telescope, yet the telescope magnifiesthem and brings them closer. The believer’s body is to be a telescope thatbrings Jesus Christ close to people. You see, to the average person, Christ isa distant figure in history who lived centuries ago. But as the unsaved watchthe believer go through a crisis, they can see Jesus magnified and brought muchcloser through the life of a Christian with a single mind. Christ is with ushere and now.”

“Thetelescope brings distant things closer, and the microscope makes tiny thingslook big. To the unbeliever, Jesus is not very big. Other people and otherthings are far more important in their lives. But as the unbeliever watches theChristian go through a crisis experience, they ought to be able to see howgreat Jesus Christ really is. The believer’s body becomes a lens that makeswhat seems like a small Christ to them appear very great—and brings what seemsdistant very near.” Oh my friend, how powerful that truth is.

Thisis what we see in 2 Corinthians chapter 4. When we go through a crisis as abeliever, we are vessels that carry a great treasure—and that treasure is JesusChrist. When we are knocked down, yet get back up… when we are persecuted, yetrespond with grace… when we bless those who oppose us and pray, “Father,forgive them; for they know not what they do”—and people are watching us—theybegin to see something different. And they say, “Wow, how did you do that?”

Thatis why in 2 Corinthians 4 it speaks of Christ being made manifest in our mortalbody. Paul’s one desire was to magnify Christ—to make Him large, visible, andexalted. He was saying, “I want my life, or even my death, to make Christclearly seen.” This echoes what he wrote in Galatians 2:20: “I am crucifiedwith Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.”

Andin 2 Corinthians 5:15: “That they which live should not henceforth live untothemselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” Oh my friend, weshould desire to be able to say with the Apostle Paul: “For to me to live isChrist, and to die is gain.”

Thiswas not just theology for Paul—this was his life motto. To live is Christ: Christis his purpose. Christ is his message. Christ is his strength. Christ is hisreason for living.

“Andto die is gain.” Why?Because to depart and be with Christ is far better. “To be absent from thebody is to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Paul is saying,“If I live, I serve Christ. If I die, I go to Christ. Either way, I win.” Oh,what a great message for us today.

Today,I trust that even as you face the crises of life, Christ will be magnified inyou—so that those who do not know Him will see the real Christ living in you.

Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!