There is power in the name of Jesus. He is glorified in the salvation of sinners and exalted when his people live for him by faith. This becomes most visible in the life of Christian when:
- We depend on him for strength.
- We imitate his humility and reverence for the will of God.
- We view all life through the lens of his Word.
- He is our primary hope above all things.
- We holdfast to his peace like an anchor to our soul in world full of chaos.
In other words, Paul reminds us that Christ is our life. If we are to live prosperously, he is our source. This truth magnifies his name, thus Paul, “For me to live is Christ.” He also adds, “…to die is gain.” Here, he is referring to his physical death, by which to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). It is to experience the full inheritance of our eternal promises in the new creation. In heaven we shall have greater knowledge and understand of Jesus for we shall see him as he is (Rev 22:3-5, cf., Mt 17:1-7). To be lost to the world and be with the Lord is ultimate gain for the Christian.
However, Paul words also has application for our earthly living. In order to experience the fullness of joy of this side of heaven, we must die to a self-centered life, to embrace a Christ-centered one. That is the only way we can walk in agreement with God, thus Jesus taught (Mt 16:24), “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” To lose our ourself and human will to Jesus, is gain now and forevermore. It is a love for God that compels us in this direction. Paul add (Gal 2:20), “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
You and I cannot hold on to both…..that is our ways and God’s. One has to die in order for the other to live. We must forsake ourselves, our self-led wills, and earthly ambitions which is beggarly in comparison to riches of having Jesus (Phi 3:8). For he is our life, and to die to self is great gain. Amen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com