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Meditation

Reader,

We left Paul yesterday contemplating which was better: to die and be with Christ or to live and continue to do the work of the Lord here on earth.

He is so ready to be with Jesus.

The year is around A.D. 62, and Paul has been preaching the gospel for more than 25 years. During this time, he’s been arrested, imprisoned, shipwrecked, beaten, persecuted, and more. But he doesn’t give up, and he doesn’t give in.

In fact, he’s going to live about five more years after writing this letter, until he is martyred in A.D. 67.

It's not for his own benefit that he makes this decision. He makes it instead for others.

He’s hoping to once more visit his friends in Philippi, and he knows that if he does manage to do this, they will rejoice and “boast in Christ Jesus” when they see him again.

What an example of love that Paul sets for us—pouring out our lives for others to the glory of God. And of course this pouring out can be done in big ways or small, as the Encouragement verse below reminds us.

Next week, we’ll copy Paul’s final thoughts on his hoped-for reunion with the believers in Philippi before moving on to Chapter 2.

Today’s text is Philippians 1:23-26

Yesterday’s passage is in grey for context and catch up if needed.

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Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Encouragement

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

1 Thessalonians 2:8

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Rebekah

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