Thursday, 16^th November 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: TO LIVE AND DIE IS CHRIST.

THEME SCRIPTURE: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”– Philippians 1:21

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What does it mean to live and die for Christ Jesus?

Human existence is characterized by two unavoidable occurrences – the experience of life in whatever condition it comes and the inevitability of death. Death emerges as an automatic consequence of life; life and death are inextricably linked. For every day of our lives here on earth, we gravitate towards the ultimate end, death. We live, so that we can die. Our hearts are beating to when it shall beat no more. Many live in perpetual fear of death and believe that death shatters everything. To them, living on earth forever without death is utopian.

What should be the Christian’s approach to life and death?

Chained and caged like an animal amid heavily armed Praetorian Roman soldiers, Paul awaits his trial and impending death. In the confines of a Roman prison, he writes an emotional letter showing gratitude to the Christians in Philippi for extending support to him. He recounts how his chains have advanced the gospel's spread, reaching the imperial guard and beyond - (Phil 1:12-13).

Paul seems to have precisely answered Questions 3 to 5 (which center on the whys, the hows, and the reasons for glorifying God) of the Westminster Shorter Catechism when he proclaims “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 (Phil 1:20).” Living and dying for God’s glory alone was Paul’s preoccupation at any moment of his life, whether pleasant or not. He affirms his resolution by declaring “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil 1:21).”

‘To live is Christ’ simply means acknowledging the source of the new birth to be from Christ Jesus and living according to the pattern of life as outlined in God’s word.

It’s a resolution that defies all else to embrace and live out the Christian life and ideals. In other words, Christ is the fulcrum on which his life turns. Everything in Paul’s life was centered on Christ Jesus. The reason for living is to glorify Christ Jesus in all things. ‘To die is gain’ also highlights the benefits that await him, even if Caesar sentenced him to death. He saw death as the greatest event that could ever happen to him, in that it was the only moment he came face-to-face with the one he lived for. Hallelujah! 

Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, what is your worldview on life and death?

How well have you lived your life in honor of the one who saved you out of darkness, bringing you into his marvellous light? Have you lived in a way to look towards death as the great benefit that will bring you right into union with Christ Jesus? God bless you as you resolve, with Paul, to live by this motor “To live is Christ and to die is Christ?” 

 

FURTHER READING – Philippians 1:1-26

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.  

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Will Christ Jesus be happy with you should you meet Him in death now?

 

 PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me through Your Holy Spirit to be preoccupied with nothing else than living a life to glorify You alone and to live in joyful anticipation of death which only brings me right into your presence in Christ Jesus, Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Nehemiah 3; Hosea 13; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2