July 31, 2005

TO DEPART AND BE WITH CHRIST

Philippians 1:21-26

 

   Paul was "in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." Yet he had complete confidence and chose to "abide and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith" (Phil. 1:23-24).

   Paul's "earnest expectation and hope, [was] that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." Then he added, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (1:20-21). Instead of concluding that Paul expressed a preference for his personal gain, we should ask, "Whose gain?" Paul's purpose of life and ministry was "the defense of the gospel" (1:17). He was in prison on false charges and some had thought to "add affliction to his bonds" (insult to injury), by preaching Christ "of contention." Yet his bonds and this opposition had backfired and the enemy's plots "had fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel" (1:12).

   Just as Paul in selfless serviced had lived for Christ's gain, if now a martyr's death were required of him, that too would be Christ's gain, not his! To suggest that Paul expressed his own gain would be contrary to the way he had lived and everything he was teaching. He begged the Philippians to, "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Then he detailed how the Lord "pleased not Himself," but "humbled Himself...even to the death of the cross" (2:8). He wrote next of sending Timothy to minister to their needs saying, "I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state, for all [the others] seek their own [things], not the things which are Jesus Christ's." Epaphroditus had ministered so unselfishly that "for the work of the Christ he was near to death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me" (3:25-30).

   Paul chose the "more needful" ministry to the saints rather than the "far better" presence of the Lord. Paul's writings are clear that he would not enjoy or experience Christ's presence before receiving his own new body, "fashioned like unto [the Lord's] glorious body.

 

Ivan L. Burgener