Weekend Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: Not Afraid - Fear of Death
READ: Philippians 1:12-26
THINK: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)
What does this mean, "for me to live is Christ" ? The Apostle Paul wrote those words. He took this proclamation very seriously. He was beaten, imprisoned, persecuted, mocked, as he lived for Christ. Even as he wrote these words he was in a prison awaiting trial and a possible death sentence. Circumstances did not rob Paul of his faith or his joy. For him Christ was and would be his inspiration, strength, and reward.
The overall theme of Paul's relationship to His Lord is one of joy. Joy in thinking of others. Joy in the midst of persecution. Joy in looking forward to the future and eternity with Jesus in Heaven. Joy in living every day to the fullest for Christ. Do you and I exude joy as we live for Christ? Does being a follower of Jesus seem like something others will want to become as they look at our lives? If not, why not?
Pastor Ben stated that what we believe about death and eternity will determine how we live. If we truly believe there is an alternative to heaven we will have a sense of urgency that those we care about will not end up there.
I have a great passion to share with others the hope that lies within me. There are times I have cried because a friend refuses to believe in Jesus and Heaven. The pain of knowing they will not be present in Heaven takes away some of my joy of knowing I will be there. This person and others are on a list I keep as a reminder to pray that they may one day be convinced.
Paul says, "to die is gain." He most assuredly bore scars, pain and suffering from the stonings and beatings he had received over the years of proclaiming his faith in Jesus as the Savior, the Son of God. Yet the context is not a selfish wish of Paul's to be free of his earthly body. Paul believes that he will be martyred and by his death many will come to know Jesus.
His faithfulness to the very end was an example and encouragement to never lose hope or give up during the struggles that life brings. Perhaps an interpretation of Paul’s thoughts is: Life will mean letting the greatness of Christ shine out clearly in my person; death will do it even better." (Kenneth Grayston)
DO: Determine what you believe about life after death. Jesus refers to heaven often when speaking to an audience. If you want to know His thoughts, go to a concordance and look up the word "heaven". Caution: the more you know, the more you will be held responsible for what you know.
PRAY: Dear Heavenly Father, give me the courage to live for you and look forward to death. Take my doubts and turn them into beliefs. May I be able to say with conviction, "for me to live is Christ, to die is gain." AMEN
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.