Choose to Live for Others and for Christ's Sake

August 3, 2019

Text: Philippians 1:22-30

Title: Living in the Body

Christ is both for me to live and to die

Principle: To live not for one self but for the sake of others (v24)

Command: Live for others (v24); Live according to the Gospel (v27)

Reflection:

• To live for the sake of others needs sacrifice (v24)

• It is a joy to see others progressing and rejoicing in the faith (v25)

• I believe Jesus Christ therefore I will also suffer for His sake (v29)

Prayer: To live for others and suffer for Christ's sake

Observation:

• To believe is not from the person but is being granted (v29)

• Believing go hand in hand with Suffering (v29)

Unbelievers do not want to die because they love to live and enjoy the pleasures of this world. On the other hand, believers want to die knowing that it is much better because Jesus is their hope and pleasure not this world. However, Christians must choose to live not seeking their own pleasures but the welfare of others (v24).

This is a call especially for the pastors to choose to live for the sake of the brethren. Paul mentioned a fruitful labor which means it will never be in vain. The goal to live, as far as brethren are concerned is to labor for their sake in terms of their faith.

To those under the care of a pastor, Paul admonished them to conduct according to the gospel. He wanted to hear a report that they stand in one spirit and strive for the faith with one mind. Here Paul wanted them to be one in spirit and mind. This gives the idea the very cause of the problem in terms of their service. They were divided in spirit and mind.

Another problem is their opponents in verse 28. Paul comforted them by saying not to be afraid of them. What their opponents were doing to them is a sign of their destruction and for the brethren it would be salvation. Another comforting word from the apostle is that not only to believe is what God has granted but also to suffer. This means that it is in God's plan that Christians will suffer in the hands of their enemies like what Paul was experiencing by that time. Therefore, if there is any suffering, God is in control of everything. Just choose to live for others and for Christ's sake.