Living for Christ: The Ultimate Gain

Introduction

As believers, our faith in Christ shapes our perspective on life and death. The words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," encapsulate the essence of our Christian journey. In this article, we will delve into the profound meaning behind this verse and explore the implications it has for our lives. We will examine four key themes: being made spiritually alive, dying to sin, dying to the things of this world, and engaging in fruitful labor for Christ. Through a detailed analysis of the transcript, we will gain a deeper understanding of these themes and their impact on our faith and daily lives.

Being Made Spiritually Alive

To truly live as Christ, we must first experience spiritual rebirth. Before coming to faith in Christ, we were spiritually dead, separated from God. Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds us that God, in His mercy and love, made us alive together with Christ through His grace. This new life is a gift from God, not something we can earn or deserve. It is through faith in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit that we are made spiritually alive. This transformation allows us to see God as our Creator and Sustainer and to put our faith and trust in Him.

Dying to Sin

Once we have been made spiritually alive, we are called to die to sin. Before our salvation, sin reigned in our lives, and we were slaves to its desires. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can now walk in righteousness and put to death the old ways of our life. Romans 6:11-12 urges us to count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. This means that sin no longer has dominion over us, and we have the ability to resist its temptations. Our lives are now characterized by growing righteousness as we are conformed to the image of Christ. While we are not yet perfect, we are continually being sanctified and transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Dying to the Things of This World

Living for Christ also requires us to die to the things of this world. The world offers various temptations and distractions that can lead us away from our devotion to Christ. In Philippians 3:4-8, Paul shares his own experience of forsaking worldly achievements and possessions for the sake of knowing Christ. He considered everything else as rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. Our ultimate allegiance should be to Christ alone, not to the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world. While we may still enjoy God's good gifts, we must hold them loosely and prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else.

Engaging in Fruitful Labor for Christ

To live as Christ means to engage in fruitful labor for Him. Paul understood this well and rejoiced in the opportunity to serve Christ and His Church. In Colossians 1:28-29, Paul describes his labor as proclaiming Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that he may present everyone fully mature in Christ. This labor is not in vain, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:58. We are called to stand firm, giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Our service to Christ and His Church brings joy and fulfillment as we participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

To live as Christ and to die as gain is not just a catchy phrase, but a profound truth that should shape our lives as believers. It calls us to be spiritually alive, to die to sin and the things of this world, and to engage in fruitful labor for Christ. This mindset transforms our perspective on life and death, enabling us to find joy and purpose in serving Him. As we continue our journey of faith, let us hold fast to the truth that to live is Christ, and to die is gain, allowing this truth to guide our decisions, actions, and priorities. May we live each day with the assurance that our ultimate gain is to be with Christ, and may this truth inspire us to live wholeheartedly for Him.

Listen to the entire sermon, “To Live is Christ. To Die is Gain (Philippians 1:18-26)”