- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 17,520
16 November 2007
Philippians 1 v 20-26
I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die. To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me. If I continue living in my body, I will be able to work for the Lord. I do not know what to choose - living or dying. It is hard to choose between the two. I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is much better, but you need me here in my body. Since I am sure of this, I know I will stay with you to help you grow and have joy in your faith. You will be very happy in Christ Jesus when I am with you again.
How can I be sure about living and dying?
Paul's attitude to life and death seems incredible! He's genuinely torn between the two and isn't sure which one he prefers. "Shall I die and be with Jesus or shall I keep living and working for him?" Here is a man with no fear in life and no fear of death. Whatever lies ahead, he knows that Jesus will be with him and that's enough - more than enough!
What is your life all about? For Paul it's all about Jesus - Having the "courage to show the greatness of Christ". Some people think the Christian life is boring but these people obviously never met Paul! Paul's experience of Jesus was that life became a huge adventure for serving him and helping others to know him too. What would it look like if your life was all about Jesus?
One of the biggest heavy metal bands of all time - Metallica, have a lyric in one of their songs that says: "My lifestyle determines my death style". That's not a bad thought to hold in mind when reading this passage. For Paul, to live is Christ and to die is Christ. What is living and dying to you?!
Father, make my life all about you! May every second of every day be part of the adventure that you're calling me to live, even when times are incredibly hard. Take away the fear of death because I know I'll see you face-to-face and take away the fear of life because you are with me even now! Amen!
Written by Dave Pegg
Philippians 1 v 20-26
I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die. To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me. If I continue living in my body, I will be able to work for the Lord. I do not know what to choose - living or dying. It is hard to choose between the two. I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is much better, but you need me here in my body. Since I am sure of this, I know I will stay with you to help you grow and have joy in your faith. You will be very happy in Christ Jesus when I am with you again.
How can I be sure about living and dying?
Paul's attitude to life and death seems incredible! He's genuinely torn between the two and isn't sure which one he prefers. "Shall I die and be with Jesus or shall I keep living and working for him?" Here is a man with no fear in life and no fear of death. Whatever lies ahead, he knows that Jesus will be with him and that's enough - more than enough!
What is your life all about? For Paul it's all about Jesus - Having the "courage to show the greatness of Christ". Some people think the Christian life is boring but these people obviously never met Paul! Paul's experience of Jesus was that life became a huge adventure for serving him and helping others to know him too. What would it look like if your life was all about Jesus?
One of the biggest heavy metal bands of all time - Metallica, have a lyric in one of their songs that says: "My lifestyle determines my death style". That's not a bad thought to hold in mind when reading this passage. For Paul, to live is Christ and to die is Christ. What is living and dying to you?!
Father, make my life all about you! May every second of every day be part of the adventure that you're calling me to live, even when times are incredibly hard. Take away the fear of death because I know I'll see you face-to-face and take away the fear of life because you are with me even now! Amen!
Written by Dave Pegg
