To Live For Christ

Philippians 1

​“If God is powerful enough to get you to heaven, then He is powerful enough to sustain you on earth.” Dr. Tony Evans
Paul wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ.” But he did more than write that statement; he lived it out, even jailed. Jesus Christ is mentioned eighteen times in Philippians 1 and is seen involved in many aspects of Paul’s life and letters in and outside the prison cell.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. Philippians 1:3–7 (ESV)

The Philippian Church was a great partner with the Apostle Paul in ministry. They supported him in his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. They were not, then, fair-weather followers of Jesus. When the gospel was spreading powerfully, they supported him. And when the name of Jesus landed Paul in a jail cell, the Philippian believers still remained true to him in prayer and support.

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:8–11 (ESV)

Paul loved the saints in Philippi; he thought about them, prayed for them, and longed to see them. Christ made these personal friendships and fellowship possible and sustained them even in the most difficult circumstances.

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” Philippians 1:12–18 (ESV)

Paul was a prisoner, not of Rome, but of Jesus Christ, and his chains were “in Christ.” He was practicing Romans 8:28—and it worked! Let me ask you, do you think first of Christ when circumstances are difficult? Do you first call out to His before looking to others or your own strength?

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Know that the gospel is not hindered by struggle, persecution, or even imprisonment when they are tied to our faith and our witness.

“Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1:18–30 (ESV)

Ministry requires self-sacrifice and thick skin, and Paul was pleased to contribute to the spiritual growth of others so that their boasting in Christ Jesus could abound. By willingly laying down His life for the Philippians, Paul was simply following in the footsteps of His Master, Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for him and for you and me on a symbol of Roman ridicule.

Paul’s life was in danger; if he lost the trial, he could be killed as an enemy of Rome like Jesus. But when Christ is your life, death is not your enemy; and you have the assurance of being with Him for all eternity when this life ends.

Paul summarizes the follower’s calling as living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Do you live in such a way? Is Jesus joyous over the life and testimony you are living before others that need to know Him? Paul’s hope is to hear of them standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel.
According to Warren Wiersbe, Paul closes this chapter of his letter informing the Philippian Church that “when you suffer, you suffer for Christ’s sake; and you need not fear your enemies. The vital thing is that God’s people unite in Christ and oppose the enemy, not one another!”

Dr. Tony Evans states in his Study Bible, “Courage is crucial to our gospel witness. God, the sovereign King, can embolden failing hearts and eradicate stumbling blocks. Don’t be frightened by opponents of the good news... Suffering may appear to be a strange gift, but it’s not. Suffering for the sake of Christ is purposeful, not purposeless. He allows it for our good and for His glory—and that makes all the difference.”

As believers or followers of Christ, we are called to take a stand for the gospel in love and truth regardless of repercussions, knowing that some people will support us and others will oppose us. Our goal, whether it leads to life or death, is to point people to Jesus, live in His power by being led by the Spirit, and to glorify His Name in all we say and do. And He takes note of everything and will not forget it for all eternity.

Are you living for Jesus? Are you intentionally pointing people to Him by your actions, motives, and mouth? Are you leaning into His strength in troubled times with courage and hope only achieved by faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone?
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Like the Philippians who endured the same struggle as Paul, we are called to live for Christ despite opposition or persecution. Far from being a miserable existence, though, this is the only way to find true life and purpose. Today, know that dying for Him is a win-win!

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