To Live is Christ and to Die is Gain

Christianity Oasis provides this For To Live is Christ and To Die is Gain Bible study bringing forth truth, understanding and peace within.


Daily Bread Devotional Bible Study
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians
Chapter 1


For to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain

Welcome to our Christianity Oasis Daily Bread study program. This is our thought provoking To Live is Christ and to Die is Gain Bible study on the To Live is Christ and to Die is Gain meaning. The absolutely intriguing message will truly bring a smile to the lips and heart and shine the LIGHT of Truth upon your be-YOU-tiful Christian walk path.

For to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain Explained

Daily Bread is happy to have you here as we begin a new study of The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians. The church in Philippi was the first church that Paul founded in Macedonia (Acts 16:9-12). You may remember that shortly before that, Paul met Timothy (also known as Timotheus) who along with several others, accompanied Paul in establishing the churches in that area.

You will find that if you compare the opening lines of this epistle from Paul to the Philippians is very very similar to the first epistle from Paul to the Corinthians with the exception of who it is addressed to. In this letter, Paul addresses to all the saints (believers) in Jesus with the bishops and deacons (overseers and helpers).

Paul wishes them Grace and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ and tells them that he thanks God for them and prays for them with joy, confident that they will be true to the Gospel until the day of Jesus' Return.

For to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain Truth

It's easy to see here that Paul has a soft spot in his heart for the people of Philippi. It appears that the people of this city stood behind Paul through all his afflictions and his imprisonment, and kept the Faith, which was of great comfort to him. With so many churches to keep enthusiastic, it was probably very appreciated by Paul that some were very strong and stable, and this was a little "thank you" for that. Paul writes:

Philippians 1:12-14

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather [turned out instead] unto the furtherance [advancement, benefit] of the Gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace [Caesar's court], and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing [becoming] confident by [because of] my bonds, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear.

For to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain Quote

Let's slow down here for a minute and see what Paul is saying exactly. They put me in prison to keep me from preaching, but in fact, being in prison has been rather prosperous for the Gospel. Their plan backfired! The entire palace of Caesar has heard about my being imprisoned for Christ's sake and in all other places too. And the brethren can see that I still, from my chains, spread the Word, so, many of them are no longer afraid. (Just as the Apostles all ran when they came to arrest Jesus for fear of going to jail, some of the brethren were apprehensive to preach the Gospel because they were afraid of being imprisoned as well.) Paul continues:

Philippians 1:15-20

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife [envy of Paul's fearlessness, success, and pioneering as one of Paul's enthusiasts describes it]; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention [jealousy], not sincerely, supposing to add affliction [trouble] to my bonds [imprisonment]:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set [chosen] for the defence of the Gospel.
18 What [shall we say] then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in Truth, Christ is preached; and I therein [in that] do rejoice, yea, and will [continue to] rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to [be in favor of] my salvation through your prayer, and the supply [filling] of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified [glorified] in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

For to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain Information With For to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain Meaning

Philippians 1:21-30

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not [I don't know].
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two [I'm in a tough spot], having a desire to depart [die], and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. [You have to admire Paul's selflessness.]
25 And having this confidence [knowing this], I know that I shall abide [remain alive] and continue with you all for your furtherance [growth] and joy of faith;
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to [visit] you again.
27 Only let your conversation [manner of living] be as it becometh [comliments] 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;
28 And in nothing terrified [dismayed or moved] by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition [clear sign of damnation], but to you of salvation, and that of God.
29 For unto you it [the privilege] is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake;
30 Having the same conflict [emotion] which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

So, Paul is saying that working together, being in unity, supporting one another, is the way to live. Just as Paul followed the example of Jesus, though Jesus was not in the flesh at the time, he is asking the people to follow in his example, whether he is present with them or not.

For to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain Summary

If you were a Philippian, wouldn't you feel comforted by a letter like this from Paul? Come on back soon, and we'll see what other encouraging words Paul has to share with us, right here at Daily Bread.