Philippians 1 — “TO LIVE IS CHRIST”

 

Philippians 1 — “TO LIVE IS CHRIST”

 “For to me to live is Christ…” — Philippians 1:21

 1. TRUST — GOD WHO STARTED THE WORK WILL FINISH IT

Philippians 1:6 “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…”

 There are things God is doing in me that I cannot see yet.

Some prayers are still unanswered.
Some areas of my character are still being transformed.
Some promises are still unfolding.

But unfinished does not mean abandoned.

 “God is not finished with me.” I don't have to rush God's process.

I need to remain: surrendered → teachable → faithful → obedient.

 When I see my weaknesses, I will not condemn myself or give up. I will say: “Lord, continue Your work in me.”

 2. KEEP GOING — CIRCUMSTANCES CANNOT CANCEL GOD'S PURPOSE

Philippians 1:12 “What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”

 Paul was imprisoned, but the Gospel was not imprisoned.

His circumstances did not cancel his calling.

  “I will not allow my circumstances to determine my faithfulness to God.”

When there is delay— I will keep going.

When there is opposition— I will keep going.

When I am misunderstood— I will keep going.

When I am tired— I will continue depending on God.

When I cannot see the results— I will remain faithful.

 

Instead of asking only: “Lord, why is this happening?”

I will also ask: “Lord, how can You use this season for Your glory?”

What looks like a setback to me may become an opportunity for God.

 3. SURRENDER — CHRIST MUST BE GREATER THAN MY MINISTRY

Philippians 1:20–21 “Christ will be honored in my body…”

 “For to me to live is Christ…”

This is the deepest personal challenge of Philippians 1.

I can serve Christ while slowly allowing ministry to become my identity.

My identity can become attached to:

·       position,

·       recognition,

·       accomplishments,

·       responsibilities,

·       ministry success,

• people's approval.

 

But Paul brings me back to the center: “To live is Christ.”

Not:

To live is ministry.

Not:

To live is recognition.

Not:

To live is success.

 

“Lord, never allow what I do for You to become more important to me than You Himself.”

If nobody sees— I will still serve.

If nobody praises—I will remain faithful.

If someone else is being used—I will rejoice.

If the assignment is difficult—I will obey.

Because my reason for serving is not the ministry.

My reason is Christ.

 

I want to be able to say with Paul, “For to me to live is Christ.”

Not only in my preaching.
Not only in ministry.
Not only in church.
But in every decision, relationship, struggle, success, and ordinary day of my life.

Christ is my life.
Christ is my reason.
Christ is my purpose.
And Christ is the One I want people to see through me.”

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PASTORA AGNES - JCRC