Verse
Context
To Live Is Christ
20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.22But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know.
Sermons
John Piper
J. Sidlow Baxter
Zac Poonen
Eric LudySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For to me to live is Christ - Whether I live or die, Christ is gain to me. While I live I am Christ's property and servant, and Christ is my portion; if I die - if I be called to witness the truth at the expense of my life, this will be gain; I shall be saved from the remaining troubles and difficulties in life, and be put immediately in possession of my heavenly inheritance. As, therefore, it respects myself, it is a matter of perfect indifference to me whether I be taken off by a violent death, or whether I be permitted to continue here longer; in either case I can lose nothing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--in either event (Phi 1:20) I must be the gainer, "For to me," &c. to live is Christ--whatever life, time, and strength, I have, is Christ's; Christ is the sole object for which I live (Gal 2:20). to die is gain--not the act of dying, but as the Greek ("to have died") expresses, the state after death. Besides the glorification of Christ by my death, which is my primary object (Phi 1:20), the change of state caused by death, so far from being a matter of shame (Phi 1:20) or loss, as my enemies suppose, will be a positive "gain" to me.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For to me to live is Christ,.... Christ was his life "efficiently", the efficient cause and author of his spiritual life; he spoke it into him, produced it in him, and disciplined him with it: and he was his life, objectively, the matter and object of his life, that on which he lived; yea, it was not so much he that lived, as Christ that lived in him; he lived by faith on Christ, and his spiritual life was maintained and supported by feeding on him as the bread of life: and he was his life, "finally", the end of his life; what he aimed at throughout the whole course of his life was the glory of Christ, the good of his church and people, the spread of his Gospel, the honour of his name, and the increase of his interest; and this last seems to be the true sense of the phrase here, and to die is gain; to himself, for death is gain to believers: it is not easy to say what a believer gains by dying; he is released thereby, and delivered from all the troubles and distresses of this life, arising from diseases of body, losses and disappointments in worldly things; from the oppressions and persecutions of wicked men; from indwelling sin, unbelief, doubts, and fears, and the temptations of Satan; he as soon as dies enters into the presence of God, where is fulness of joy, and is immediately with Christ, which is far better than being here, beholding his glory and enjoying communion with him; he is at once in the company of angels and glorified saints; is possessed of perfect holiness and knowledge; inherits a kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world, and wears a crown of life, righteousness, and glory; enters upon an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled; is received into everlasting habitations, into mansions of light, life, love, joy, peace, and comfort; is at perfect rest, and surrounded with endless pleasures. This is the common interpretation, and is countenanced by the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, which read, "to die", or "if I die, it is gain to me": but instead of reading the words as consisting of two propositions, they may he considered as one, and the sense be either this; Christ is gain to me living or dying in life or in death; for Christ is the believer's gain in life; he is all in all, his righteousness, his wisdom, his sanctification, his redemption, his life, his light, his food, his raiment, his riches, his joy, peace, and comfort; he is everything to him he wants, can wish for, or desire: and he is his gain in death; the hope he then has is founded on him, and the triumphs of his faith over death and the grave arise from redemption by him; his expectation is to be immediately with him; and the glory he will then enter into will lie in communion with him, in conformity to him, and in an everlasting vision of him: or thus, for me to live and to die is Christ's gain; his life being spent in his service, in living according to his will, in preaching his Gospel, serving his churches, and suffering for his sake, was for his glory; and his death being for his sake, in the faith of him, and the steady profession of it, would be what would glorify him, and so be his gain likewise; and this seems to be the genuine sense of the words, which contain a reason of the apostle's faith, why he was persuaded Christ would be magnified or glorified in his body, whether by life or by death.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here an account of the life and death of blessed Paul: his life was Christ, and his death was gain. Observe, 1. It is the undoubted character of every good Christian that to him to live is Christ. The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life, the grace of Christ the principle of our life, and the word of Christ the rule of it. The Christian life is derived from Christ, and directed to him. He is the principle, rule, and end of it. 2. All those to whom to live is Christ to them to die will be gain: it is great gain, a present gain, everlasting gain. Death is a great loss to a carnal worldly man; for he loses all his comforts and all his hopes: but to a good Christian it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery and the perfection of his comforts and accomplishment of his hopes; it delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to the possession of the chief good. Or, To me to die is gain; that is, "to the gospel as well as to myself, which will receive a further confirmation by the seal of my blood, as it had before by the labours of my life." So Christ would be magnified by his death, Phi 1:20. Some read the whole expression thus: To me, living and dying, Christ is gain; that is, "I desire no more, neither while I live nor when I die, but to win Christ and be found in him." It might be thought, if death were gain to him, he would be weary of life, and impatient for death. No, says he, I. If I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour (Phi 1:22), that is, Christ is. He reckoned his labour well bestowed, if he could be instrumental to advance the honour and interest of the kingdom of Christ in the world. It is the fruit of my labour - karpos ergou - operae pretium. It is worth while for a good Christian and a good minister to live in the world as long as he can glorify God and do good to his church. Yet what I shall choose I wot not; for I am in a strait betwixt two. It was a blessed strait which Paul was in, not between two evil things, but between two good things. David was in a strait by three judgments - sword, famine, and pestilence: Paul was in a strait between two blessings - living to Christ, and being with him. Here we have him reasoning with himself upon the matter. 1. His inclination was for death. See the power of faith and of divine grace; it can reconcile the mind to death, and make us willing to die, though death is the destruction of our present nature and the greatest natural evil. We have naturally an aversion to death, but he had an inclination to it (Phi 1:23); Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, Observe, (1.) It is being with Christ which makes a departure desirable to a good man. It is not simply dying, or putting off the body, it is not of itself and for its own sake a desirable thing; but it may be necessarily connected with something else which may make it truly so. If I cannot be with Christ without departing, I shall reckon it desirable on that account to depart. (2.) As soon as ever the soul departs, it is immediately with Christ. This day shalt thou be with me in paradise, Luk 23:43. Absent from the body and present with the Lord (Co2 5:8), without any interval between. Which is far better, pollō gar mallon kreisson - very much exceeding, or vastly preferable. Those who know the value of Christ and heaven will readily acknowledge it far better to be in heaven than to be in this world, to be with Christ than to be with any creature; for in this world we are compassed about with sin, born to trouble, born again to it; but, if we come to be with Christ, farewell sin and temptation, farewell sorrow and death, for ever. 2. His judgment was rather to live awhile longer in this world, for the service of the church (Phi 1:24): Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. It is needful for the church to have ministers; and faithful ministers can ill be spared when the harvest is plenteous and the labourers are few. Observe, Those who have most reason to desire to depart should be willing to continue in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. Paul's strait was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison: but his strait was between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Still it was Christ that his heart was upon: though, to advance the interest of Christ and his church, he chose rather to tarry here, where he met with oppositions and difficulties, and to deny himself for awhile the satisfaction of his reward. II. And, having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith, Phi 1:25. Observe here, 1. What a great confidence Paul had in the divine Providence, that it would order all for the best to him. "Having this confidence that it will be needful for you that I should abide in the flesh, I know that I shall abide." 2. Whatsoever is best for the church, we may be sure God will do. If we know what is needful for building up the body of Christ, we may certainly know what will be; for he will take care of its interests, and do what is best, all things considered, in every condition it is in. 3. Observe what ministers are continued for: For our furtherance and joy of faith, our further advancement in holiness and comfort. 4. What promotes our faith and joy of faith is very much for our furtherance in the way to heaven. The more faith the more joy, and the more faith and joy the more we are furthered in our Christian course. 5. There is need of a settled ministry, not only for the conviction and conversion of sinners, but for the edification of saints, and their furtherance in spiritual attainments. III. That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me, by my coming to you again, Phi 1:26. They rejoiced in the hope of seeing him, and enjoying his further labours among them. Observe, 1. The continuance of ministers with the church ought to be the rejoicing of all who wish well to the church, and to its interests. 2. All our joys should terminate in Christ. Our joy in good ministers should be our joy in Christ Jesus for them; for they are but the friends of the bridegroom, and are to be received in his name, and for his sake.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:21 dying is even better: For believers, death holds no fear, as death leads directly into the presence of Christ (see 1:23; cp. John 5:24; 11:25-26; Rom 8:38-39).
To Live Is Christ
20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.22But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?"
By John Piper8.7K02:46EXO 33:111CH 28:20EST 4:16MAT 16:241CO 15:58PHP 1:21
This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all else, and to be faithful unto death in fulfilling the work God has given them. It challenges men and women to be courageous, selfless, and willing to risk everything for the sake of God's kingdom, echoing the examples of biblical figures like Moses, Paul, Joab, and Esther.
(John - Part 17): Lessons on John the Baptists Humble Ministry
By A.W. Tozer4.1K51:37ExpositionalMAT 6:33JHN 3:30ROM 12:11CO 3:7GAL 2:20PHP 1:21COL 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. He encourages the audience to let go of their desires for honor and praise and instead make Jesus their everything. The preacher reminds them that this life is temporary compared to eternity and urges them to surrender completely to Jesus. He concludes by urging the listeners to make a vow to change the direction of their lives and allow Jesus to increase in their lives.
For Me to Live Is Christ
By J. Sidlow Baxter3.8K31:02ChristMAT 6:33JHN 14:27ROM 8:6GAL 2:20PHP 1:21PHP 4:7COL 3:17In this sermon, Dr. Dave Sidlow-Baxter focuses on the powerful words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He emphasizes that this statement holds the secret to a truly great life and the inmost mystery of the Christian experience. Dr. Baxter highlights the significance of Paul's ability to write and how it has impacted countless lives. He also discusses the contrasting perspectives on death, highlighting that while it is a loss for the natural man, it is gain for the Christian. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the centrality of Christ in a believer's life and the eternal hope found in Him.
Dvd 11 - the Set Time to Favor Zion
By Art Katz3.4K1:29:54ISA 35:4EZK 37:1PHP 1:21
This sermon delves into the deep spiritual journey of surrendering all to God, even the best virtues and spirituality that we hold dear, in order to attain a union with God that transcends human understanding. It emphasizes the need for a total yielding to God, even beyond our comfort zones, to reach a level of compassion and identification with Israel and God's people that reflects God's own heart. The ultimate goal is to become a bride adorned for the bridegroom, reflecting the glory and nature of God, leading to the surrender and worship of all nations.
Communism, Islam, Sept 11, Soverenty of God - Part1
By Josef Tson2.6K48:25PSA 46:10MAT 5:10MAT 10:28ACT 5:41ROM 8:28PHP 1:211PE 4:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the important role of missionaries and their desire to share their stories and literature at mission conferences. He then shares a personal experience of being arrested and interrogated by six officers. Despite the intimidating situation, the speaker maintains a strong belief in the sovereignty of God and sees the officers as mere instruments in God's plan. He encourages the audience to support missionaries by visiting their tables, engaging in conversation, and showing interest in their stories. The speaker also mentions the importance of gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, and provides a pamphlet explaining why he thanked a general for beating him.
The Genuine Baptism of Fire
By Zac Poonen2.5K27:48GEN 22:2LEV 1:9MAT 6:7ACT 1:8ACT 2:3ROM 12:11CO 6:19PHP 1:21JAS 4:3
This sermon emphasizes the importance of offering ourselves completely to God, drawing parallels between the burnt offering in Leviticus and the surrender of our lives to God as seen in Romans 12:1. It warns against seeking imitation fires or fake experiences in charismatic churches, stressing the need for genuine surrender and devotion to God to receive the true baptism of the Holy Spirit that transforms lives and frees from sin and worldly desires.
Asking the Tough Questions
By Eric Ludy2.2K07:30MAT 6:21MAT 10:39MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23LUK 14:33ROM 12:1PHP 1:21PHP 3:8HEB 11:6
This sermon challenges listeners to examine what truly motivates them in life, whether it is the pursuit of material wealth (gold) or a deeper relationship with God. It questions the level of trust and obedience individuals have towards God, urging them to surrender fully and unconditionally. The speaker emphasizes the willingness to sacrifice personal comforts, reputation, and even life itself for the sake of serving God and advancing His kingdom.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 7
By Richard Wurmbrand2.0K05:48MAT 5:44MAT 10:28MAT 24:13ROM 8:352CO 12:10PHP 1:21HEB 13:31PE 3:141PE 4:16REV 2:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and faith in the face of persecution, particularly focusing on the struggles of persecuted Christians in various countries. It highlights the need for support, prayer, and understanding for those facing persecution, especially in communist and Muslim nations. The message encourages believers to show love, strength, and courage in the midst of adversity, following the example of persecuted Christians who demonstrate unwavering faith and love even in the most challenging circumstances.
Effective Prayer - Part 2
By William MacDonald1.9K32:57Effectual Prayer2CH 7:13PRO 3:5MAT 6:33ACT 9:1ROM 5:20PHP 1:21In this sermon, the speaker shares various stories and examples to emphasize the power and importance of prayer. He highlights the transformative impact prayer can have on individuals and communities. The speaker encourages listeners, particularly women and elders, to turn to God in prayer and seek His intervention in their lives and surroundings. He also mentions a specific instance where people across the country engaged in a day of humiliation, fasting, confession, and prayer, which coincided with the Watergate scandal.
How Is It That God Desires to Be With Man?
By Bob Jennings1.8K14:042SA 7:12JHN 17:24ACT 20:24PHP 1:21COL 3:111TH 4:13
This sermon reflects on the preciousness of Scripture, focusing on John 17 where Jesus expresses His desire for believers to be with Him and behold His glory in Heaven. It emphasizes the joy and completeness of salvation, the hope of being reunited with loved ones in Christ, and the importance of finishing the Christian journey with joy and faith. The sermon also touches on the comfort of knowing that God is sovereign over life and death, and His ability to raise up others for His purposes.
K-086 the Mystery of Israel and the Church
By Art Katz1.7K1:05:39IsraelGEN 32:28ROM 11:11ROM 11:25ROM 11:32ROM 11:36EPH 3:9PHP 1:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communicating and fulfilling the mystery of God. He challenges the audience to evaluate their measures of success in Christendom, such as programs, numbers, and budgets, and instead focus on being a people who are utterly yielded to God. The speaker highlights the need to break free from self-centeredness, even in religious or spiritual matters, and to prepare for the coming historic moment of eternal magnitude. He encourages the audience to be a formidable presence for God, extending mercy and wrestling in prayer. The sermon concludes with a prayer for understanding and a recognition of the profound nature of the message being conveyed.
The Shameful Sufferer
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K53:18MAT 6:33MAT 27:31ROM 14:82CO 5:21GAL 6:14PHP 1:21HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the shame and suffering that Jesus endured on the cross. He vividly describes the physical torment Jesus experienced, from being flung onto the rough wood of the cross to having his flesh torn by the iron nails. The preacher emphasizes the shame Jesus endured, being naked and exposed to the gaze of onlookers while hanging on the cross. Despite being in excruciating pain and facing humiliation, Jesus willingly endured it all for the joy that was set before him. The preacher encourages the audience to reflect on this shameful suffering and to see Jesus as an admirable example of selfless love and sacrifice.
Memento Mori
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K00:00DeathEternal LifeDEU 32:29PSA 90:12ECC 3:2MAT 24:44JHN 11:25ROM 6:232CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 9:27C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Memento Mori,' urging listeners to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of considering their eternal destiny. He emphasizes that while society often avoids the topic of death, true wisdom lies in acknowledging its certainty and preparing for it. Spurgeon warns that our earthly possessions and pleasures are fleeting, and that thoughts of death can lead to a deeper understanding of sin and a greater appreciation for salvation through Christ. He encourages believers to view death as a transition to eternal life, while imploring the unconverted to recognize the urgency of their spiritual state. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a heartfelt response to the gospel, reminding all that the way to salvation is simple and accessible.
What Is Your Life - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K09:44MAT 16:24LUK 9:23ROM 6:61CO 6:20GAL 2:20GAL 5:24PHP 1:21COL 3:1COL 3:31JN 5:12
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life fully surrendered to Christ, where our identity is hidden in Him and we bear the marks of Jesus in our thoughts, actions, and words. It challenges believers to let go of worldly pleasures and distractions, to embrace a life marked by the sacrificial love and commitment exemplified by Christ on the cross. The speaker urges listeners to consider the true cost of discipleship and the radical transformation that comes from being crucified with Christ, forsaking the allure of the world for the glory of God.
Martyrs Prayer (Compilation)
By Compilations1.5K15:12CompilationGEN 22:9PSA 39:4MAT 10:32ACT 7:59ROM 12:1PHP 1:21REV 19:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young girl named Rebecca whose father was killed by lions because he loved Jesus. Rebecca and her brother were later taken to the same arena where their father died, and they were faced with the choice of denying Jesus or being eaten by lions. Despite their fear, they chose to remain faithful to Jesus and were martyred. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a story and a belief worth dying for, and highlights the sacrifice of many martyrs around the world who have given their lives for the gospel. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their own lives and consider what they are willing to burn for and give their lives for.
The Mystery of Incarnation (2 of 9)
By Art Katz1.4K36:55IncarnationJHN 1:14ACT 17:28ROM 1:161CO 1:181CO 1:27PHP 1:211TH 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the current state of the world, highlighting how it is suffering from disease and the exploitation of natural resources. However, there is hope for restoration and redemption. The key to this restoration lies in the coming forth of the sons of God, who will be united with the deity of God through the resurrection of Christ and the impartation of His Spirit. This union does not dismiss or diminish their humanity, but rather amplifies and glorifies it. The speaker calls for believers to embrace their calling and destiny to continue the work that Jesus started, growing in stature and living out their faith through relationship, submission, and obedience to God.
Commitment to Christ
By William MacDonald1.4K42:45CommitmentMAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 12:21CO 2:92CO 5:17EPH 2:8PHP 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of endurance in the Christian life. He shares a story about the coronation ceremony of the Queen of England, highlighting the Archbishop of Canterbury's proclamation of the Queen's authority. The preacher also recounts a personal experience of a woman who prioritized Jesus Christ above all else in her life. He emphasizes the need for Christians to surrender their lives to Jesus and allow Him to have control. The preacher concludes by challenging the audience to fully commit their lives to the Lord and trust Him in all aspects.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 5
By Paris Reidhead1.4K09:22ROM 6:61CO 6:19GAL 2:20PHP 1:21COL 3:17
This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance not for personal gain or assurance of salvation, but because Jesus Christ deserves our worship, adoration, and obedience. It delves into the significance of surrendering all sins and making restitution as a response to God's deserving of our love and obedience. The focus is on coming to the cross, embracing death with Christ, and allowing God to receive glory through our lives by being filled with His presence.
The Providence of God-01
By William MacDonald1.4K49:24Providence Of GodPSA 145:10PSA 145:14PHP 1:21In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about his friend Billy Bray, who was in Bangkok, Thailand to serve the Lord but also worked as a writer for Time Magazine and Newsweek. One night, Billy accidentally left his attaché case at a hotel where they were having supper. Interestingly, Billy always signed his name as "Billy Bray, Phil-121" which refers to Philippians 1:21 in the Bible. Miraculously, the teller who found the attaché case asked Billy about the significance of "Phil-121" before returning it to him. The speaker emphasizes God's perfect timing and providence in arranging this situation, highlighting that God is in control of all things and works everything together for good. The sermon also touches on how God guides and protects his people, listens to their prayers, and fulfills their desires. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the righteousness and graciousness of the Lord in all his ways.
Funeral Sermon Message
By Erlo Stegen1.3K43:41PSA 90:12JHN 4:16JHN 11:25PHP 1:21REV 20:12
This sermon reflects on the reality of death and the importance of being prepared to meet God at any moment. It shares stories of individuals facing death, highlighting the peace and triumph that can come with a strong faith in Christ. The message emphasizes the need to examine one's life in light of eternity, ensuring reconciliation with God and others before it's too late.
Having an Effective Quiet Time
By E.A. Johnston1.3K15:48Quiet TimePSA 46:10PRO 8:17MAT 6:33LUK 10:38JHN 3:162CO 5:17PHP 1:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a close walk with God. He shares a personal story of going through a tough trial and realizing the need to spend extra time with God to hear His voice. The speaker references the book "The Cross and the Switchblade" by David Wilkerson, highlighting Wilkerson's commitment to spending time with God in the early hours of the morning. The speaker also mentions the teachings of Dr. Stephen Ohford, who emphasized the significance of having a regular, daily quiet time with God. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God through prayer and spending time with Him.
The Soverign of the Universe
By William MacDonald1.3K34:44SovereigntyISA 46:10EPH 1:11PHP 1:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Esther as a commentary on the sovereignty of God. He emphasizes that even in difficult times when we may not see it, God is still in control and working out his purposes. The speaker shares two personal stories to illustrate this point, one involving a plane landing safely despite a mistake in signaling, and another about a lost checkbook being returned at the perfect time. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is sovereign and is working all things together for the good of those who love him.
Philippians
By Norman Grubb1.3K47:43PhilippiansROM 5:121CO 15:452CO 4:10PHP 1:21COL 1:271TH 4:161TI 2:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of intercession and the role it plays in the body of Christ. He emphasizes that intercession is not just a spiritual gift, but a responsibility for all believers. The speaker also highlights the concept of union life, which involves being united with Christ and operating on a higher level of faith. He references biblical figures like Paul, James, and John to illustrate the different levels of understanding and maturity in the Christian journey. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to embrace intercession and strive for a deeper union with Christ.
Lifting Up Our Eyes - Part 3
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K07:47PSA 2:8ISA 6:8MAT 9:38MAT 10:28MAT 16:24ACT 20:24PHP 1:21COL 4:21TH 5:17
This sermon emphasizes the sacrifices and persecution faced by missionaries in the mission field, highlighting the extreme challenges and dangers they encounter for the sake of spreading the Gospel. It shares stories of missionaries being martyred, families torn apart, and individuals making the ultimate choice to surrender their lives to Christ despite the risks. The message calls for a deep commitment to prayer, intimacy with God, and a global perspective in Christian living, urging believers to dedicate time for fasting, prayer, and intercession for the nations.
Audio Sermon: Ten Shekels and a Shirt
By Paris Reidhead1.2K51:16ROM 11:361CO 10:31GAL 2:20PHP 1:21COL 3:231PE 4:11
This sermon delves into the story of Micah and the Levite from Judges Chapter 17, highlighting the danger of serving God for personal gain or utility rather than for His glory. It emphasizes the need for repentance not for personal benefit but because God deserves our worship and obedience. The speaker contrasts utilitarian Christianity with true devotion to God, urging listeners to surrender fully to Christ for His glory alone.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For to me to live is Christ - Whether I live or die, Christ is gain to me. While I live I am Christ's property and servant, and Christ is my portion; if I die - if I be called to witness the truth at the expense of my life, this will be gain; I shall be saved from the remaining troubles and difficulties in life, and be put immediately in possession of my heavenly inheritance. As, therefore, it respects myself, it is a matter of perfect indifference to me whether I be taken off by a violent death, or whether I be permitted to continue here longer; in either case I can lose nothing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--in either event (Phi 1:20) I must be the gainer, "For to me," &c. to live is Christ--whatever life, time, and strength, I have, is Christ's; Christ is the sole object for which I live (Gal 2:20). to die is gain--not the act of dying, but as the Greek ("to have died") expresses, the state after death. Besides the glorification of Christ by my death, which is my primary object (Phi 1:20), the change of state caused by death, so far from being a matter of shame (Phi 1:20) or loss, as my enemies suppose, will be a positive "gain" to me.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For to me to live is Christ,.... Christ was his life "efficiently", the efficient cause and author of his spiritual life; he spoke it into him, produced it in him, and disciplined him with it: and he was his life, objectively, the matter and object of his life, that on which he lived; yea, it was not so much he that lived, as Christ that lived in him; he lived by faith on Christ, and his spiritual life was maintained and supported by feeding on him as the bread of life: and he was his life, "finally", the end of his life; what he aimed at throughout the whole course of his life was the glory of Christ, the good of his church and people, the spread of his Gospel, the honour of his name, and the increase of his interest; and this last seems to be the true sense of the phrase here, and to die is gain; to himself, for death is gain to believers: it is not easy to say what a believer gains by dying; he is released thereby, and delivered from all the troubles and distresses of this life, arising from diseases of body, losses and disappointments in worldly things; from the oppressions and persecutions of wicked men; from indwelling sin, unbelief, doubts, and fears, and the temptations of Satan; he as soon as dies enters into the presence of God, where is fulness of joy, and is immediately with Christ, which is far better than being here, beholding his glory and enjoying communion with him; he is at once in the company of angels and glorified saints; is possessed of perfect holiness and knowledge; inherits a kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world, and wears a crown of life, righteousness, and glory; enters upon an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled; is received into everlasting habitations, into mansions of light, life, love, joy, peace, and comfort; is at perfect rest, and surrounded with endless pleasures. This is the common interpretation, and is countenanced by the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, which read, "to die", or "if I die, it is gain to me": but instead of reading the words as consisting of two propositions, they may he considered as one, and the sense be either this; Christ is gain to me living or dying in life or in death; for Christ is the believer's gain in life; he is all in all, his righteousness, his wisdom, his sanctification, his redemption, his life, his light, his food, his raiment, his riches, his joy, peace, and comfort; he is everything to him he wants, can wish for, or desire: and he is his gain in death; the hope he then has is founded on him, and the triumphs of his faith over death and the grave arise from redemption by him; his expectation is to be immediately with him; and the glory he will then enter into will lie in communion with him, in conformity to him, and in an everlasting vision of him: or thus, for me to live and to die is Christ's gain; his life being spent in his service, in living according to his will, in preaching his Gospel, serving his churches, and suffering for his sake, was for his glory; and his death being for his sake, in the faith of him, and the steady profession of it, would be what would glorify him, and so be his gain likewise; and this seems to be the genuine sense of the words, which contain a reason of the apostle's faith, why he was persuaded Christ would be magnified or glorified in his body, whether by life or by death.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here an account of the life and death of blessed Paul: his life was Christ, and his death was gain. Observe, 1. It is the undoubted character of every good Christian that to him to live is Christ. The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life, the grace of Christ the principle of our life, and the word of Christ the rule of it. The Christian life is derived from Christ, and directed to him. He is the principle, rule, and end of it. 2. All those to whom to live is Christ to them to die will be gain: it is great gain, a present gain, everlasting gain. Death is a great loss to a carnal worldly man; for he loses all his comforts and all his hopes: but to a good Christian it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery and the perfection of his comforts and accomplishment of his hopes; it delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to the possession of the chief good. Or, To me to die is gain; that is, "to the gospel as well as to myself, which will receive a further confirmation by the seal of my blood, as it had before by the labours of my life." So Christ would be magnified by his death, Phi 1:20. Some read the whole expression thus: To me, living and dying, Christ is gain; that is, "I desire no more, neither while I live nor when I die, but to win Christ and be found in him." It might be thought, if death were gain to him, he would be weary of life, and impatient for death. No, says he, I. If I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour (Phi 1:22), that is, Christ is. He reckoned his labour well bestowed, if he could be instrumental to advance the honour and interest of the kingdom of Christ in the world. It is the fruit of my labour - karpos ergou - operae pretium. It is worth while for a good Christian and a good minister to live in the world as long as he can glorify God and do good to his church. Yet what I shall choose I wot not; for I am in a strait betwixt two. It was a blessed strait which Paul was in, not between two evil things, but between two good things. David was in a strait by three judgments - sword, famine, and pestilence: Paul was in a strait between two blessings - living to Christ, and being with him. Here we have him reasoning with himself upon the matter. 1. His inclination was for death. See the power of faith and of divine grace; it can reconcile the mind to death, and make us willing to die, though death is the destruction of our present nature and the greatest natural evil. We have naturally an aversion to death, but he had an inclination to it (Phi 1:23); Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, Observe, (1.) It is being with Christ which makes a departure desirable to a good man. It is not simply dying, or putting off the body, it is not of itself and for its own sake a desirable thing; but it may be necessarily connected with something else which may make it truly so. If I cannot be with Christ without departing, I shall reckon it desirable on that account to depart. (2.) As soon as ever the soul departs, it is immediately with Christ. This day shalt thou be with me in paradise, Luk 23:43. Absent from the body and present with the Lord (Co2 5:8), without any interval between. Which is far better, pollō gar mallon kreisson - very much exceeding, or vastly preferable. Those who know the value of Christ and heaven will readily acknowledge it far better to be in heaven than to be in this world, to be with Christ than to be with any creature; for in this world we are compassed about with sin, born to trouble, born again to it; but, if we come to be with Christ, farewell sin and temptation, farewell sorrow and death, for ever. 2. His judgment was rather to live awhile longer in this world, for the service of the church (Phi 1:24): Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. It is needful for the church to have ministers; and faithful ministers can ill be spared when the harvest is plenteous and the labourers are few. Observe, Those who have most reason to desire to depart should be willing to continue in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. Paul's strait was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison: but his strait was between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Still it was Christ that his heart was upon: though, to advance the interest of Christ and his church, he chose rather to tarry here, where he met with oppositions and difficulties, and to deny himself for awhile the satisfaction of his reward. II. And, having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith, Phi 1:25. Observe here, 1. What a great confidence Paul had in the divine Providence, that it would order all for the best to him. "Having this confidence that it will be needful for you that I should abide in the flesh, I know that I shall abide." 2. Whatsoever is best for the church, we may be sure God will do. If we know what is needful for building up the body of Christ, we may certainly know what will be; for he will take care of its interests, and do what is best, all things considered, in every condition it is in. 3. Observe what ministers are continued for: For our furtherance and joy of faith, our further advancement in holiness and comfort. 4. What promotes our faith and joy of faith is very much for our furtherance in the way to heaven. The more faith the more joy, and the more faith and joy the more we are furthered in our Christian course. 5. There is need of a settled ministry, not only for the conviction and conversion of sinners, but for the edification of saints, and their furtherance in spiritual attainments. III. That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me, by my coming to you again, Phi 1:26. They rejoiced in the hope of seeing him, and enjoying his further labours among them. Observe, 1. The continuance of ministers with the church ought to be the rejoicing of all who wish well to the church, and to its interests. 2. All our joys should terminate in Christ. Our joy in good ministers should be our joy in Christ Jesus for them; for they are but the friends of the bridegroom, and are to be received in his name, and for his sake.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:21 dying is even better: For believers, death holds no fear, as death leads directly into the presence of Christ (see 1:23; cp. John 5:24; 11:25-26; Rom 8:38-39).