Philippians: Rejoice in the Lord – part 3

Author : Keith Sharp
Devotional study of Philippians

The Single Mind

Paul wrote to the Philippians amidst chains, critics and crisis. Yet he had peace and joy and exhorted them to have these qualities of heart as well.

How can anyone in his right mind have peace and joy when the circumstances of life are so bad? By having the attitude Paul had. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Joy and peace are the results, not of outward circumstances, but of the proper attitude toward Christ. The apostle uses the title “Christ” eighteen times in chapter one (verses 1,2,6,8,10,11,13,15,16,18,19,20,21,23, 26,27,29) and the term “gospel” six (verses 5,7,12,17,27). Christ was his life. Preaching the gospel was his all consuming passion. Thus, the worst thing that could happen to him in this life became gain – a cause for peace and joy. Only by such unqualified devotion to Christ and the gospel, making Him and His word the center, circumference, direction and all of our lives, can we have peace and joy regardless of life’s circumstances. If life’s circumstances cause us to experience depression and anxiety, we need to examine our hearts. How complete is our devotion to Christ?

Now put anything else in place of Christ in your life, and you cannot view death, the worst fear of most people, as gain. Try money. “For to me to live is money, and to die is to leave it all behind.” Try pleasure. “For to me to live is pleasure, and to die is to suffer.” What about fame? “For to me to live is fame, and to die is to be forgotten.” Power? “For to me live is power, and to die is to lose it.” Only the one who can truthfully says, “For to me to live is Christ,” can rationally say, “and to die is gain.”

Reflection in LivesIf we are completely dedicated to Christ as Paul was, it will be reflected in our lives. In our lives “love” will “abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.” We will “approve the things that are excellent” and “be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” We will be “filled with the fruits of righteousness.” (Philippians 1:3-11) Our manner of life will “be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” We will “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27-30) If our lives are devoid of the fruits of righteousness and are unworthy of the gospel, we are not really devoted to Christ.

ConclusionThe story is told of a sail ship making its way to America being caught up in a terrible “Nor’easter” of hurricane force. The ship was being relentlessly driven onto the deadly rocks off Nova Scotia. Brave men wept and prayed openly. Some plaintively sang hymns. But one little girl was perfectly calm and cheerful in all the din. A frightened passenger, aghast at her serenity, inquired, “Little girl, do you realize the danger we face?” “Yes, sir.” “Then how can you remain calm?” “My daddy is the captain. He won’t let us be wrecked.”

If we will put our trust in the Captain of our salvation, He won’t let our lives be ruined by life’s storms, regardless of how overwhelming they seem.

Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rocks and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass came from Thee,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me. (J.E. Gould)

Only if we can truthfully affirm, “For to me to live is Christ,” can we really believe, “and to die is gain.” Only thus can we have true, deep, soul calming peace and joy regardless of life’s circumstances.

Can you truthfully say, “To me to live is Christ?” Can you view death as gain? Are you in Christ? Is Christ in you? Is He your life?