Lesson 2108

(Lesson 2108)(09-13-17)  Phillipians 1:21-30
    “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

    In the first part of today’s quote, Paul, in essence, expressed that if he should die, he could go and be with Jesus and live forever in heavenly bliss. He knew that would be a far better place than being here on earth where he had to continuously bear persecution at the hands of even those who were supposed to be fellow Christians. But, being the truly devoted apostle he was, Paul opted to stay here on earth and go on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and supporting the churches he had ordained.
    In the latter part of the quote, Paul encouraged the Phillipians to keep the faith and to conduct themselves in the manner befitting a child of God, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ”.~