For Me to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 1:21-30. Paul starts this Scripture by saying, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” What do you think Paul meant by that statement? Paul knew since he was a Christian, when he died, he was going to heaven. Therefore, he wasn’t worried about dying. He would gain by being in the presence of God. As a martyr, his death would be a gain for the cause of Christ.

Paul also knew that if he continued to live, his life would be a gain for the kingdom of God. Paul was a fruitful Christian. It would also be a gain for the Philippians. They would have Paul to continue to encourage them in their faith. Even though Paul’s death would be martyrdom for the cause of Christ, he sensed his work on earth wasn’t done.

Paul says that he was pressed between the two. Have you ever noticed this attitude when someone gets near the end of life? They may not be afraid of death, especially if they are a Christian, because they know their reward is in heaven. Although they hate to give up this life and leave behind those they love and care for in this world. This is what Paul meant about being torn between the two.

Paul told the Philippians, whether he came to be with them again or not, he wanted them to stand strong in the faith. He reminded them to let their conversation be as it suited the gospel of Christ. Paul encouraged the Philippians to be good citizens of the kingdom of God. Paul wanted them to know, whether he came to see them or not, he would be checking on them. The Philippians were accountable to Paul. He wanted them to work together for the continuance of faith in the gospel of Christ.

It helps us to be accountable to another Christian. By having an accountability partner we know there is someone who cares enough for us to check on the progress we are making in our relationship with God. It is encouraging to have someone you can call on to pray for you in times of trouble. It is also good to know you have someone who supports you in your Christian walk.

Paul didn’t want the Philippians to be afraid of their adversaries. He encouraged them to be strong in their faith. Paul wanted them to know and realize that they weren’t only to believe in Christ, as Christians, but they may also have to suffer for His cause. The Philippians had seen the sufferings of Paul. He didn’t want them to be so afraid that they wouldn’t stand up for the gospel. Paul wanted them to be strong in the Lord and be willing to do whatever it took to protect the gospel of Christ.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 1:21-30

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

 

Things to think about:

• What did Paul mean by saying, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain?”

• Why was Paul torn between living and dying?

• Do you have an accountability partner in the faith?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul said, “For me to live is Christ to die is gain.” Help us, as Christians, to have this same confidence in Your Word. Help us to be fruitful Christians, as Paul was. Help us to be accountable for our actions. Give us strength not to fear the enemy, but to stand strong for the work of the Lord. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

– Philippians 1:27

 

Christian Music Video:

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Bible Verse Tweet

Recipe for Life