Bible Text: Philippians 1:21 | Preacher: Akash Gaikwad

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.”  Philippians 1:21-26

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him” – John Piper.

Many times, when people talk about Philippians 1:21, they focus on the last part of the verse..”to die is gain”. While a Christian is no longer to be afraid of death, and can look forward to the blessings of perfect communion with the God in heaven, we still need to be living our lives for the glory of God. The Westminster Confession of Faith says that the chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Are we enjoying Christ here on this earth? Are we wasting our lives or using them for the glory of God?

“It is the undoubted character of every good Christian that to him to live is Christ. The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life, the grace of Christ the principle of our life, and the word of Christ the rule of it. The Christian life is derived from Christ, and directed to him. He is the principle, rule, and end of it.” – Matthew Henry

Some Questions for Reflection:

What does Paul mean when he says “to live is Christ”? v21a
What does Paul mean when he says “to die is gain”? v21b
What was the reason for, and background behind, this statement that Paul made?
Brethren! there are but two theories of life; two corresponding aspects of death. The one says, ‘To me to live is Christ, and to die gain’; the other, ‘To me to live is self, and to die is loss and despair.’ One or other must be your choice. Which? (Alexander MacLaren)