A Study of Philippians 1:21-30
In this study we’ll be taking a look at why we as saved Christians are still on this earth and not taken to Heaven after we come to faith.
Heavenly Father, I ask for Your wisdom and for Your understanding as I study Your word. Speak to my heart and soul, so that I may know You better. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen
Verses 21-24
Paul writes of the very question many Christians have. “If I’m saved, why am I still here?” It’s true that God could take us to Him at any moment, whether raptured or bodily death. However, Paul states the important reason why we are still here. Our jobs are to share Christ’s love and Gospel with everyone around us. To live is Christ, meaning to live, is to mimic our Lord and Savior in every way, doing the work He has for us.
Verses 25-26
Paul continued to take on his position as servant to the early church. Like Paul, we who are in Christ are servants to others through Christ. As Jesus set the example in John 13:1-17, by washing the feet of His disciples. Paul mimicking this servant mindset, knew that by his continued ministry to the church in Philippi, he would help them grow in their faith. God’s purpose for him was clear and he obeyed God, through great suffering.
Verses 27-28
Like a well trained military, we who are in Christ must stand firm together in Christ. Ready to defend our faith to anyone who asks and living our lives as the citizens of Heaven that we are. This world is full of evil at every junction, waiting to trap us into sin. But we are not to conform to the ways of this world in any regard, being always prepared to battle the spirits of evil around us. Those in this world who are perishing (unbelievers) should not frighten us. Stand strong in your faith, with love, kindness, mercy and strength. The truth of the Gospel is a reminder to them of their destruction, some will repent and accept it, while many will become agitated, hostile or even violent. Rejoice in your salvation as you fight the good fight by sharing Christ’s love with a lost and deceived world.
Verses 29-30
God grants us the opportunity, by His grace to accept the Gospel and believe in the work Christ did for us, and to suffer for Him. It is an honor and is something to be ever-thankful for. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul states (humbly, in third-person) that he saw Heaven. He saw and heard things he was not allowed to share. Heaven is so unimaginably amazing that God does not want us to know just yet. Otherwise we’d not want to stay in this life. Therefore we do the good works God has for us and suffer for Christ knowing that what we have waiting for us is so amazingly indescribable — that it outshines absolutely everything we love most in this life.
Final Words:
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