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"For to me, to live is Christ..."

Text: Philippians 1:21

A GREAT MOTTO

The apostle lived by a great motto. His entire life was centred in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21

1. “For to me, to live is Christ”

a) This expression is closely related to the previous verse (Philippians 1:20).

b) The particle “for” links the two verses together.

c) His earnest expectation and hope to magnify Christ naturally led to living for Him.

2. Living for Christ

a) It is more than having a belief in Christ.

b) It is to magnify Christ.

i) To see His name glorified.

ii) To see His gospel furthered.

c) This was truly living for Christ.

i) Serving the Lord.

ii) Suffering for Him.

iii) Sacrificing his life for the Lord if necessary.

3. “To die is gain”

a) Paul had fulfilled the basic concept of following Jesus.

i) To deny himself.

ii) To take up his cross.

iii) To forsake all and to follow Jesus faithfully (Mark 8:34).

b) To lose his life for Christ

i) This would not be loss.

ii) It would be gain.

iii) He would have eternal life in Christ.

iv) He would obtain a crown of glory from Christ.

v) He would be well-commended by the Lord for being so faithful and fruitful.