This is a great passage for 2020. The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi, from prison likely in Rome around A.D. 62. He wrote the letter to encourage Philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city and to serve God and others with Jesus as the supreme example of this way to live. He wrote the letter from prison. His tone in these verses are that of an upbeat prisoner.

Paul’s life is about advancing the Kingdom. That is the bottom line, and with joy. So, for Paul, “to live is Christ”, that is, to serve Christ. Yet, “to die” would be “gain.” Huh? What he means here is that by dying he’d be with Christ. Either way Paul wins—he serves Christ and advances the Kingdom, or he dies and is with Christ. This is a great starting point that we all can take in 2020.

Philippians 1.21—27

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What is it that Paul desires to live for? (v21)

+ What would make his death gain? (v21)

+ What should one’s manner of life be worthy of? (v21)

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How can you, today—Wednesday, 9/22/2020—live a life worth of the Gospel of Christ?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can you, today—Wednesday, 9/22/2020—stand firm in one spirit with, in one mind, striving for Christ?