The Christian Life is a Battleground
November 5, 2019
Commentary
Because of Paul’s chains, Christ was known (v. 13), because of his critics, Christ was preached (v. 18), and because of his crises, Christ was magnified (v.20). Paul’s main purpose in living was to glorify Christ and yet he knew that if he was martyred he would also glorify Him through his testimony (vv. 21-22).
For people who do not know the Lord, life on earth is striving for this world’s values, money, popularity, power, pleasure and prestige. For the apostle Paul his main purpose in living was to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ. In fact he was hard pressed to know which would bring the most glory to God. His personal desire was to depart and be with the Lord (v. 23). This he knew would be better for him as it would mean his release from persecutions and other hardships he suffered. However he knew that the Philippians needed him and the Lord had more work for him to do (vv. 24-25). I want to cause your life to be more abundant in Christ (v. 26).
Paul says that the most important weapon we have against the enemy is a consistent life. Paul is suggesting that we Christians are citizens of heaven, and while we are on earth we need to behave like heaven’s citizens (v. 27). It takes great courage for a church to resist infighting and to maintain the common purpose of serving Christ.
Application
A good question for me to ask myself regularly is, “Am I conducting myself in a manner that fulfills His purpose for my life?
Philippians 1:22– 30 (NET)
22 Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer: 23 I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, 24 but it is more vital for your sake that I remain in the body. 25 And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that what you can be proud of may increase because of me in Christ Jesus, when I come back to you.
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that—whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent—I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation—a sign which is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.