To Live For Christ

Brenden Ashby
04/03/25 - Sun AM

To Live For Christ
Brenden Ashby

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Philippians 1:21 NKJV. These were not just words that Paul wrote but the life he lived. His life is an example for us of how we can live for Christ. In Philippians 1:12-30 Paul models for us three ways we can live for Christ.

Paul lived for Christ in his perceived setbacks. Many thought being locked up would be a setback for the gospel. But Paul could see how his imprisonment was furthering the gospel.  While Paul wanted to go free, he would live for Christ in prison and continue to serve Him in whatever way he could. No matter our circumstances or the perceived setbacks there is always something God can redeem for the cause of Christ.

Paul lived for Christ in his wants. Paul wanted to be freed from his chains. Paul also wanted to depart and be with Jesus. But in his wants, he made sure Christ was first. He knew that much good was being accomplished by his imprisonment and his continued life would mean continued work for Jesus. Paul had determined no matter what happened in life, no matter if he got his wants or not, Christ would be magnified (Phil. 1:20). We can have our wants but to live for Christ we need to make sure those wants are in alignment with Jesus. Finally, Paul lived for Christ in community. Paul did not live or work in a vacuum and neither do we. Paul worked together with the Philippians while he was imprisoned (Phil. 4:10ff) for the furtherance of the Gospel. Likewise, we work together with other believers in godly living, service, and preaching to advance the cause of Christ. To live for Christ is to do so with others.

To live is Christ. Paul lived these words and left us an example to follow. How well are we following that example?