Giving Our All

When Paul wrote to the Philippian church, he was in prison in Rome, Italy. They weren’t that far away by modern standards (northern Greece), but Paul longed to be with them. His life was on the line, depending on how Caesar judged his case. He wanted to be released from prison and visit them, but he wasn’t sure at that time what would happen. Look at Paul’s attitude (all scriptures are from The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips).

Philippians 1:21:
For living to me means simply “Christ”, and if I die I should merely gain more….

Look at the context of this statement:

Philippians 1:12-21:
Now, concerning myself, I want you to know, my brothers, that what has happened to me has, in effect, turned out to the advantage of the Gospel. For, first of all, my imprisonment means a personal witness for Christ before the palace guards not to mention others who come and go. Then, it means that most of our brothers, somehow taking fresh heart in the Lord from the very fact that I am a prisoner for Christ’s sake, have shown far more courage in boldly proclaiming the Word of God.

I know that some are preaching Christ out of jealousy, in order to annoy me, but some are preaching him in good faith. These latter are preaching out of their love for me. For they know that God has set me here in prison to defend our right to preach the Gospel. The motive of the former is questionable – they preach in a partisan spirit, hoping to make my chains even more galling than they would otherwise be. But what does it matter? However they may look at it, the fact remains that Christ is being preached, whether sincerely or not, and that fact makes me very happy.

Yes, and I shall go on being very happy, for I know that what is happening will be for the good of my own soul, thanks to your prayers and the resources of the spirit of Jesus Christ. It all accords with my own earnest wishes and hopes, which are that I should never be in any way ashamed, but that now, as always, I should honour Christ with the utmost boldness by the way I live, whether that means I am to face death or to go on living. For living to me means simply “Christ”, and if I die I should merely gain more of him.

Paul’s primary interest was serving Jesus Christ and obeying the Father’s will. Whether he died in prison, or lived and was released—every moment alive was to honor Christ, and to see him preached. Paul looked forward to the return of Christ and the eternal blessings that he would receive.

Philippians 3:14:
I go straight for the goal – my reward the honour of being called by God in Christ.

Paul had put up with persecution for years in preaching Christ (II Corinthians 11:16-33). He was tired, but was committed to serve his Master to his last breath. He was caught between two possibilities: dying and someday having Christ return to raise him from death in a new body; or living and preaching Christ as he supported the Philippian believers.

Philippians 1:22-26:
I realise, of course, that the work which I have started may make it necessary for me to go on living in this world, I should find it very hard to make a choice. I am torn in two directions – on the one hand I long to leave this world and live with Christ, and that is obviously the best thing for me. Yet, on the other hand, it is probably more necessary for you that I should stay here on earth. That is why I feel pretty well convinced that I shall not leave this world yet, but shall be able to stand by you, to help you forward in Christian living and to find increasing joy in your faith. So you can look forward to making much of me as your minister in Christ when I come to see you again!

Obviously, the best thing for Paul was to enjoy eternity with his Lord and Savior. But it seemed to Paul more needful that he stay and minister longer. He wanted the believers in Philippi to follow his example of dedicated service to God through Christ.

Philippians 1:27-30:
But whatever happens, make sure that your everyday life is worthy of the Gospel of Christ. So that whether I do come and see you, or merely hear about you from a distance, I may know that you are standing fast in a united spirit, battling with a single mind for the faith of the Gospel and not caring two straws for your enemies. The very fact that they are your enemies is plain proof that they are lost to God, while the fact that you have such men as enemies is plain proof that you yourselves are being saved by God. You are given, in this battle, the privilege not merely of believing in Christ but also of suffering for his sake. It is now your turn to take part in that battle you once saw me engaged in, and which, in point of fact, I am still fighting.

Paul did eventually die. But he fought bravely to the end to preach Christ. That is what he encouraged Timothy to do, shortly before his death.

II Timothy 3:14—4:2:
Yet you must go on steadily in all those things that you have learned and which you know are true. Remember from what sort of people your knowledge has come, and how from early childhood your mind has been familiar with the holy scriptures, which can open the mind to the salvation which comes through believing in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error, for re-setting the direction of a man’s life and training him in good living. The scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God and fit him fully for all branches of his work. I urge you, Timothy, as we live in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus (whose coming in power will judge the living and the dead), to preach the Word of God. Never lose your sense of urgency, in season or out of season. Prove, correct, and encourage, using the utmost patience in your teaching.

Paul knew that he would be crowned for his faithful service.

II Timothy 4:5-8:
For yourself, stand fast in all that you are doing, meeting whatever suffering this may involve. Go on steadily preaching the Gospel and carry out to the full the commission that God gave you. As for me, I feel that the last drops of my life are being poured out for God. The glorious fight that God gave me I have fought. The course that I was set I have finished, and I have kept the faith. The future for me holds the crown of righteousness which God, the true judge, will give to those who have loved what they have seen of him.

May we live each day preaching Christ with the hope of his return—and like Paul, go straight for the goal. We have the reward and honor of being called by God in Christ!