Gracious God of all days, bless and protect this dear reader in all that they may face today; in Christ Jesus' name, amen.
Our text for today comes from Philippians 1: 15ff: 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
What would you choose? Life or death? It's an ancient text shared throughout the pages of the Bible and made dramatically so by Joshua as the people were crossing and settling into the Promised Land. It's a choice we make every day as to how we will live our lives, the decisions we make, influences we make, etc. But for Paul he knew exactly what he faced: Certain death by execution if he were to be found guilty of the charges brought against him. Key to this morning's passage is verse 21: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul knew that Christ was with him in life here and in life beyond. He knew and had experienced the Risen Christ and so he knew of Christ's power over death, but he's torn about what he was assigned and called to do and that was to preach Jesus to all. He knew he wasn't reaching everyone and he had this urgency to reach as many as he could. He undertook those missionary journeys to reach people of the known world and he also longed to go to Spain and preach there. Even while imprisoned his enemies were preaching Christ in a way to make more trouble for him, but he said, either way Christ is being proclaimed. In all this he shares how his faith kept him from being frightened. He knew he had sufficient courage to face everything coming his way; fear in no way gripped his life.
Our sermon series on "Free From Fear in The New Year" winds down this coming Sunday and the message has been the same: Those with faith in God cannot let fear paralyze them. Paul is a prime example of living free from fear. How about you?
PRAYER: Lord, let that faith of Paul and that conviction to know that to live is Christ and to die is gain be mine as well. Give me that courage to share Christ and the courage to know that even in death Christ is with me and my gain. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
