READ: Phil. 1:18b-21: … yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Paul has a hard time in prison. Nevertheless, he is glad that the preaching of Christ continues. He also rejoices because he knows that what happens to him will result in his deliverance.
Here, Paul echoes the same thought expressed by Job in Job 13:15-16: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him… He also shall be my salvation.” Paul knows that God works all things together for good for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).
This does not mean that everything will turn out well on earth, that God will ensure his release from prison so he can continue his ministry as a free man. No, Paul sees things from a completely different perspective through his faith. His ultimate goal in everything he endures is that Christ is glorified through his body. He wants his life to bring honor to Christ.
This is not arrogance on Paul’s part. He first points to the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (v.19). The Spirit is given to him in response to prayer, including the prayers of the church. Through the Spirit’s strength, Paul can testify boldly about his Saviour even in prison, thus bringing honor to Christ.
For Paul, the essence of his life is his communion with Christ. Through Christ, he has received true life and the hope of perfection to come. That is why he declares: “For to me, to live is Christ.” His life is dedicated to Christ.
But he would rather be with Christ in heaven—that is his greatest gain! In Rom. 14:7-9, he writes: “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Is your life also Christ? Explain.
Sing: Ps. 16:3,4