16th February, 2025
Speaker: L/Pst. Benjamin Ajuji
Text: Philippians 1:21-28
Topic: To Live is Christ, and to Die is Gain
What is the essence of life for you as a believer? Living without purpose is as good as being spiritually dead. The apostle Paul, in Philippians 1:21, declared a profound truth: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." This statement reflects a life fully surrendered to God, where every moment is dedicated to serving Him, and even death is seen as a transition to eternal glory.
The early disciples faced immense persecution, yet they refused to deny Jesus. Even in the face of suffering and death, they remained steadfast, embracing martyrdom rather than turning away from their faith. Their unwavering commitment challenges us today—are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it costs us everything?
A true Christian lives for Christ and sees death as gain. This means that while we are on earth, our lives should be fully dedicated to God’s purpose. Every decision, every action, and every pursuit should reflect Christ in us. At the same time, we do not fear death, because it brings us into the presence of God, where our reward awaits.
We must understand why we are here. Ecclesiastes 12:13 reminds us that the whole duty of man is to "fear God and keep His commandments." Every other pursuit—career, wealth, fame—is secondary. If our lives do not align with God’s will, we are merely existing, not truly living.
In conclusion, we all have a choice to make: to live for Christ or to live for ourselves. But we must also remember that God is the rewarder of every choice. Those who live for Christ will receive eternal life, while those who reject Him will face judgment. Let us choose wisely and commit to living in a way that glorifies God, knowing that in both life and death, we belong to Him.
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COCIN LCC Yelwa Tsakani Media and Publicity Unit © 2025
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