DEC 10

Philippians 1:21
Memorise Philippians 1:21
“for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain…”

The main theme of Philippians is joy. Forms of the words joy, rejoice, and gladness appear fifteen times. Throughout the book Paul himself rejoices and he encourages the Philippians to rejoice (and again I say, rejoice!). Paul finds joy in the midst the sufferings he went through and even then in prison. The reason is that even there in the prison, he was able to preach the gospel and people were coming to the Lord. This theme of joy is a continual reminder to the Philippians that joy is to be a part of the Christian life and a constant aspect of the Christian walk. Every chapter is a reminder that Christians are to live their lives with a sense of joy. There is joy that flows from faith in Christ (1:25); joy that comes from proclaiming the gospel (1:18), joy that is a product of church unity (2:2) and joy that is beyond difficult personal circumstances (2:17-18). Indeed the brethren are exhorted to “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (4:4).

Philippians 1:21 is one of the key verses in this epistle. It should also be a key verse in the life of every saint. Paul is giving us his own view of living. This is the gold standard that we should aspire to. Paul was faced with the prospect of death at the hands of the Roman government. He faced the truth that truly life’s chief aim is not living for money, fame or pleasure but for Christ and Christ alone. All things pass away and are of temporal value. Furthermore, to die is gain. Paul knew that death is not a defeat or the end to the Christian but a promotion to glory, a “net gain” in accounting terms. When a Christian dies, he or she really begins to live to the full, for he passes into the perfect, eternal, glorious union with Christ free from the sin and evils of this world. It is only with such an perspective in life that we can attain true joy!

Dear teen, have you experienced the joy of the Lord? As you walk in close relationship to the Lord, your eyes and your heart will be touched by the wonderful, stupendous grace, mercy, love and power of the Lord. This realisation will lead you to rejoice that you have a loving Saviour who cares immensely for you. As you learn more about His great redemptive plan and how it reaches even you, you will rejoice deeply. But do make sure that you have truly been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you come with a repentant heart to the Saviour?

Thought: For a Christian death is exchanging the burden of earthly life for the eternal joy of heaven. – A. T. Robertson.
Prayer: My gracious, merciful and loving Father, may the joy of the Lord be my strength. Make me a joyful Christian to shine for Thee.