The Apostle Paul’s declaration, “To me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21), distills Christianity into a single, blazing truth: Christ is everything. Written from a Roman prison, these words reveal a life wholly redefined by Jesus. Here’s the essence of Paul’s message:
1. Christ is the Source
- Author of Life: Paul’s true life began on the Damascus Road, where he surrendered to Christ. His old self—pride, religion, even morality—was buried. “Old things passed away; all became new” (2 Cor. 5:17).
- Sustainer of Life: Like a branch grafted into a vine (John 15:5), Paul’s strength came not from self-effort but Christ’s life flowing through him.
2. Christ is the Standard
- Law of Life: For Paul, rules gave way to relationship. Christ’s presence within became his guiding principle: “What would Jesus do?” replaced legalism.
- Product of Life: A life rooted in Christ naturally bears His fruit: love, humility, forgiveness. Paul’s transformed character—from persecutor to compassionate prisoner (Acts 26:29)—proved this.
3. Christ is the Goal
- Aim of Life: Every interaction, every hardship, became an opportunity to glorify Christ. Even chained to Roman guards, Paul saw souls to win.
- Crown of Life: Death held no terror because it meant deeper union with Christ: “To die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Eternal joy awaited in His presence.
The Challenge for Us
Paul’s words demand self-examination:
- What defines your life?
- “To me to live is ______.” Fill the blank honestly: Career? Comfort? Approval?
- Only Christ transforms “gain” on earth into eternal glory.
- How to begin?
- Surrender fully: “Lord, what will You have me do?” (Acts 9:6).
- Let His life replace your striving.
Final Word:
“Christ! I am Christ! and let the name suffice you,
Ay, for me, too, He greatly hath sufficed;
Christ is the end, for Christ was the beginning,
Christ the beginning, for the end is Christ.”
Live so that death becomes not loss, but the doorway to His fullness.
