TO LIVE IS CHRIST: TO SPREAD HIS JOY TO OTHERS
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I go on living in the body, this will mean
fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two. I desire to
depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. But it is more necessary for you that I
remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you
for your progress and joyG5479 in the faith, so that through my coming to you again your
exultationG2745 in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.
Philippians 1:21-26
Evidence from the pastoral letters, confirmed by early historical testimony, indicates that Paul was released from this first Roman imprisonment and began to travel, including a trip through Macedonia (and presumably Philippi), before being reimprisoned and suffering a martyr’s death. Paul’s continued ministry among the Philippians would be aimed at advancing their spiritual growth and deepening their joy in the Christian faith. Believers should not be static in their faith but should grow in understanding of spiritual truth. This will increase their joy as they enter more fully into the understanding of their privileges and prospects in Christ. (54)
Barker, Expositor’s Bible Commentary
We must remind ourselves that Paul was writing to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome, probably chained to a Roman soldier. Therefore, death was a real possibility in his near future. In this passage, Paul made his oft preached statement, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He knew that if the Romans executed him, he would immediately be in the presence of Jesus with no more concerns, no more thorn in the flesh, no more struggles, which would certainly be “gain”. However, Paul knew that if the Lord spared his life, he would remain in service to Jesus here on earth which is what he meant by to “live is Christ.” He concluded that surely God would have him remain on earth to continue his ministry of encouraging and discipling the churches. He said this would be not only for the Philippians’ progress but for their joy.
As we progress in the faith, as we draw nearer to Jesus, not only are we more fruitful in our witness to others; but our joy increases exponentially. Some days we may think it would be easier to just leave here to be with Jesus. However, as long as there is breath in our bodies, God has a purpose for us here on earth. As we desire to know Jesus more and to make Him known to others, we will have the joy of fulfilling God’s plan for us. We are not here to simply “bide our time” until the Lord calls us home. We are here to glorify God! Are you living up to your potential to bring people to Christ? Are you finding joy in serving Jesus here and now? Are there people you feel you need to pour into before you die? There is no better day than today. To live is Christ—to be Jesus with skin on by encouraging, teaching, and spreading joy to others.
Father, may the joy of knowing You deeper flow from us to the people we encounter day-to-day. As we grow, may we be a conduit of grace, peace, and joy.
Worship with Zach Williams singing “Old Church Choir”: