Philippians 1:18b-26
July 30, 2006
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 1:19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 1:20 My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 1:22 Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer: 1:23 I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, 1:24 but it is more vital for your sake that I remain in the body. 1:25 And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith, 1:26 so that because of me you may swell with pride in Christ Jesus, when I come back to you.
Still talking about his ministry as a Roman prisoner, Paul’s only concern is that his presence serves to exalt Christ among his captors. He rejoices in the opportunity this gives him to witness to Christ in his present circumstances. In this he exhibits the selflessness of Christ himself.
I have to wonder how many professed Christians, besides Paul, can honestly say, “…to live is Christ and to die is gain,” yet Paul is utterly convincing when he says it. It all comes back to selflessness, a burying of outselves to benefit others. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only man who walked the earth who was completely selfless, in spite of that moment on Gethsemene when he prayed that his cup of suffering be taken from him. Mere mortal that I am, I can only aspire to a life lived for others, but it is a noble hope and one that makes life worthwhile. -sdg-
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