To Live Is Christ

In Philippians 1: 8-11 Paul expressed his genuine affection for these believers whom he had evangelized and taught. It was the love that is generated between believers in Jesus Christ for one another. It is brotherly love, and should lead to a sharing of doctrinal growth and discernment. Wonderful word, discernment. It means acuteness of judgment and understanding. It enables the practice mentioned in verse 10: “approve things that are excellent…” That means they will:

Not be distracted by false issues.
Not emphasize wrong criteria for spirituality.

It means they will judge everything by God’s standard.

“sincere:” (v.10) eilikrines. Judged by sunlight. Tested as genuine.

Philippians 1:12-14 has been commented on and posted January 27, 2012 under the title “Excuses?” In those verses, Paul explained to the Philippian Church that even though he was in prison, the gospel is going forth unhindered.

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:15-20

Paul realized and warned the Philippians that some of the preachers of that time (and this) had other than pure motives. Some were doing it thinking to make Paul look bad, apparently, but others were real and totally in support of the gospel that Paul came to share. Whatever the reason, Paul himself knew that he was not in bondage by accident. He had the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and would proclaim it in whatever circumstances he found himself. No matter what happened to Paul, Christ would be glorified.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Philippians 1:21-26

Paul knew he could soon be executed. He was ready, if that was God’s will for him at this time. In fact, he was actually longing to be elevated into eternity with the Lord. He loved the church, though, and knew they still needed what he had to teach. So, whichever it would be, he accepted what the Lord would give him to do. If he were to live, it would be to further the teachings and spiritual presence of Christ in the local congregations. To die, though, would be a real promotion for this faithful servant of God.

This is the attitude of a mature believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our example of what we are to aim for in our own individual experience of learning, applying and sharing Bible Doctrine with our fellow believers and with anyone who is willing to learn God’s wonderful plan of grace.