To Live Is Christ

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus With Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, December 06, 2015
Chapters: The Book of Philippians
Message Title: To Live Is Christ

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Philippians is the eleventh book of the New Testament, the fiftieth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle is Paul and it was written and transcribed by Epaphroditus from a prison in Rome, to the church of Philippi, in approximately 64AD. The purpose of the letter was to bring unity, to the church, to encourage them to keep going for the Gospel of Christ, and to express gratitude for their Christian liberty. What we are to learn from the book is that unity with Jesus brings us joy in all that we do. “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” - Philippians 2:2.

“Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!” No matter what we are going through, good or bad, it is to our benefit to rejoice in the Lord. The Church at Philippi in Macedonia was planted by the Apostle Paul about 53AD, The Philippians loved Paul and showed their affection by sending him supplies when he was planting other churches. When they heard he was in prison in Rome, they sent one of their pastors, Epaphroditus to check on him, who then sent him back with this letter. He starts the letter by encouraging them to realize that everything they go through, good or bad is used to for the sake of the Gospel.

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” - Philippians 1:12,20,21,27-30.

“Christ shall be magnified in my body,” Jesus wants to shine in us whether we are here on earth or up in heaven with Him. Many do not realize this (and things are much worse than ever), but Christians worshiping God are often like Jewish believers, their worship of Him comes and goes by what state they are in. If things are going well God gets pushed to the side, and they live their lives they way they want, then when things get rough they seek help from Him. There was a time in American history called the Great Awakening, people were on fire for preaching the Gospel of Christ and thousands got saved in a ten year period, many losing their lives for the cause of Christ. Through Paul, we are reminded that every affliction we go through is for the cause of Christ.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” - Philippians 2:5-12.

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,” Like it or not, every single person conceived and born will stand, no, kneel before Christ. I say conceived because millions of babies did not make it to birth or died at birth, but are blessed already because they never knew sin and went straight to heaven. Most of us often wonder what we would do finally coming face to face with Jesus, and saved or not, we will all fall to our knees either giving thanks to Him or pleading for our souls. Those who know Christ as their Saviour will proceed to heaven as they await His Kingdom and new earth. Those who don't know Him as their Saviour will be cast into hell to await a second death along with the devil and his followers.

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:10-15.

Sometimes God puts us in some strange circumstances in order to bring others to Christ. It is through the Holy Spirit that Christ begins the good work in us, and it is Christ Who will ultimately complete that work in us by transforming us into His own likeness. Paul stresses the importance of remembering that to be gone from this world means we will be with Christ. “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:7-12.

“if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended” Apprehend, To take or seize. When we receive Christ as our Saviour we take Him into our soul, He belongs to us and we belong to Him. That means Christ is always with us, even through severe affliction, and it is allowed to not only keep us looking to Him, but bringing others to Him as well. Believe it or not, the world seeks hope also, and if they see our hope in Christ when we are suffering it will bring some to Him. We are all in this together with Christ, Paul encourages the Philippians and all of us to encourage each other, always rejoicing in the Lord, and He will help us through every affliction.

“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” - Philippians 4:3,4-9.

No matter what life you choose you are going to be afflicted, you can't change yesterday, but you can change today. The past is there for a reason, to help us learn and grow from it, but we must move forward and let all of the things that pull us back into the past go. Christ lives inside of you, the more you grow, the stronger you become, and are able to not only find joy through the affliction, but and end to it as well. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - 1 Peter 5:10. Praise God!

Today's Prayer: God, As much as I want to live my life for You, there are times when I am so overwhelmed with things that I just want to walk away from everything. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. God, Give me the peace, joy, and happiness that I once enjoyed. Give me wisdom and guidance, help me see the light of Christ that shines through Your Son in me. Give me the strength to look to Him in all that I do, and let me not forget to put You at the center of all that I do. I love You, Lord and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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