Free Bible Commentary
“Philippians 1:22-26”
Categories: Philippians“But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.”
---End of Scripture verses---
The Apostle Paul was kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place (verse 23). He wanted to leave all of his toil, trouble and strife behind, and go home to heaven to live with Jesus forever. But, he also wanted to stay on earth in order to serve and help his brethren in Christ and all of humankind (verse 24). Being the selfless person that he was, he knew that the immediate needs of his brethren and friends were more important than his future hopes and desires (verse 25).
The truth be told, the choice was really not Paul’s to make. To be or not to be (to live or to die) is the not the right of any child of God to decide. Paul knew that going home to heaven was “very much better” for him (verse 23), but he also knew that the Lord still had work for him to do. We should all adopt Paul’s attitude when it comes to balancing the pressures of our life on earth with our desires to be at home with Jesus. While we are in our earthly tabernacles, we have the glorious opportunity to serve the Lord with all our strength. If we do that, when the time comes for our spirits depart for fairer lands beyond, we will share in His glory forever.
Work, serve, wait, believe, hope. Press on toward the goal with patience and with the confidence that Christ has an eternal reward waiting for you (3:14).
Please read Philippians 1:27-30 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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