Philippians 1:21

Verse of the Day Devotion: Philippians 1:21  

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

Paul in this verse is declaring his devotion to Christ.  He starts with “To live is Christ”.  His sole aim in life was to glorify God through Christ.  This was his reason for living.  His aim was not honor for himself, nor was it learning, riches, or pleasure.  It was only to glorify the Lord Jesus.  His purpose in life was to know Christ as completely as possible: to know His character and plans so that he would be able to live it himself and teach others this same thing.

This would allow him to imitate Christ as much as it was possible for him.  It is important to understand that people look at us to see if we are living the same life we are proclaiming to them.  It was through this that he was able to reach many and help them give their lives to Christ.  His goal was to truly be like Christ.  As the theologian Albert Barnes proclaims in his commentary on the book of Philippians, “a purpose to which he devoted himself with as much singleness and ardor as ever did a miser to the pursuit of gold, or a devotee of pleasure to amusement, or an aspirant for fame to ambition.” As much as anyone else sought fortune and fame, he sought a solid relationship with Christ whereby he became like his teacher.

And secondly, to die is gain.  This idea is frequently used by the Greek and Latin classic writers.  With them, the sentiment had its origin in the belief that they would be freed from all their suffering and sadness and would find themselves in a happy world beyond the grave.  However, what they believed with conjecture and uncertainty, Paul along with all Christians believe with assurance.  John in the Book or Revelation puts it this way for us.  “Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!'” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.” Revelation 14:12-13.  When we die, we do not remain in the grave.  On the contrary, we are freed from this body and can now rest from all our labors.  We will no longer be working and becoming physically weary in our goal of doing good and promoting Christ by evangelizing all we come into contact with. 

Do we live in this same manner?  Do we believe to live is Christ and to die is gain?  What a beautiful way to see our life here, where we live in the presence of God through Christ, where His Spirit resides in us and we are in constant fellowship with Almighty God here on earth, knowing that when we die, it is actually a gain for us.  We will be freed from sin.  Here, we are subject to its sorrow, but in heaven there is no sin at all.  And we will be set free from the power of temptation.  We will be delivered from our enemies as well as our sufferings.  Indeed, this will be truly a gain for us all.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

1 Timothy 6:6

Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Timothy 6:6 

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” – 1 Timothy 6:6    

Paul, who wrote this letter to Timothy, laid out what truly satisfies an individual.  And it is not what much of the world believes.  Many people who live their lives pursuing their desires, and even when they acquire them, suddenly realize that it is not enough, they will always want more.  People will observe what another has and begin to desire it to the point of purchasing it.  Once they get it, they become less satisfied after seeing  someone with something better and they purchase it, afterwards seeing someone with something even better, and on it goes.  This happens especially when they desire to be seen by others, and sometimes by themselves, as greater than they think they are.  However, for the most part, things do not truly satisfy.  For if a good car satisfies, a better car more so.  There will always be something that we believe will completely satisfy us.  But many find this satisfaction only lasts for a season. The pursuit of things will always lead to more dissatisfaction. 

Paul uses the same idea regarding different doctrines, arguing, and closed minds.  The desire to always be right.  “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.” 1 Timothy 6:3-5.  Many will believe questionable doctrine purely because someone who is famous taught them, or simply because they want it to be true, not being a Berean and checking the truth or falsity of it.  And they will argue about it every chance they get.  Paul portrays them as conceited and lacking understanding, people filled with anger and strife. They believe that godliness is a means of gain. 

However, what they are believing is only partially true.  Their form of godliness does not bring gain or satisfaction because they are not content with their situation.  They want to be considered right in what they believe, however, part of godliness is studying His word searching for what the truth actually is,  and believing what God actually said and taught.  It is not to argue in favor of any doctrine, especially false doctrine, in order to be seen as intelligent.  Doing the right thing for the sake of God and the truth leads to contentment.  If we are doing it for financial gain, fame, or any other reason than doing the work of God, then there is a level of discontentment that causes us to do His work.  However, if you are content with what you have (what God has provided), with knowing the truth (rather than believing what you want), and with your position (rather than desiring fame and recognition), then you are content with the life God has given you and will find you gain more than you could ever imagine.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.