Philippians: A Life in ChristSample

While writing to the Philippians, Paul is bound to a Roman guard and uncertain about his life. He’s lost his freedom, and with it, his reputation, his friends. In place of sandals, he’s in chains. People are trying to stir up trouble, and he can’t do anything about it. He also fears if he will live or die.

The author C.S. Lewis said, “All human beings pass away. Don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose. If love is to be a blessing, not a misery, it must be for the only Beloved who will never pass away.”

We all fear losing something, a paycheque, a position, a person. Maybe you lost something or someone very dear to you during the pandemic. Paul is encouraging the Philippians and us to ask the question… What does our happiness depend on?

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Philippians 1:21-24

Paul is saying something very true and very profound here. He can see the fingerprints of God everywhere. He’s not in chains by accident. He knows he’s in God’s hands and God is working out his purpose even though Paul can’t see it at the moment. Paul could spare whatever is dear to most people for the sake of Christ - he could even lose his life and still have Christ.

What about you? What are you living for?