Saturday, November 30, 2013
Philippians 1:18-30 To die is to join Christ in the spirit, but to live in the flesh is meant to glorify Christ
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. The Lord Jesus Christ did not leave us as orphans. Instead fifty days after his ascension into heaven the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell the believer and be our guide. The Holy Spirit did not come to glorify himself, but he came that through us we may glorify Christ.How do we glorify him you ask? By following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not quenching his work in us. Our works are not the basis of our salvation, but they do glorify Christ and set us apart from the world. Amen.
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