Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored 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 live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Php 1:18–26.
What would happen if we truly believed the words of Paul in Philippians 1:21?
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Paul wrote those words while facing the very real possibility of death. Yet he wasn’t consumed by his circumstances. His focus was Jesus. Whether Paul lived or died, his desire was the same: that Christ would be honored.
1. Honor Jesus no matter the circumstance
Paul says that his “eager expectation and hope” is that Christ will be honored in his body, “whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20).
That’s a powerful way to see our circumstances.
Paul’s goal wasn’t simply that his circumstances would improve. His goal was that Jesus would be glorified through them.
Our circumstances change. Our health, jobs, relationships, plans, successes, disappointments, and struggles change. But our purpose doesn’t have to change.
Jesus is worthy of honor in every circumstance.
2. To live is Christ
Paul doesn’t say, “To live is ministry,” or “To live is church,” or even “To live is being a good Christian.”
He says, “To live is Christ.”
Christ isn’t simply one part of Paul’s life. Christ is the center of it.
That changes the way we see everything. Our work becomes an opportunity to honor Jesus. Our families become opportunities to reflect Jesus. Our suffering can point people to Jesus. Our relationships can help others know Jesus.
And even death has lost its ultimate power because, for the believer, death means being with Christ.
3. So live for Christ
Paul says that if he remains alive, that means “fruitful labor.” His continued life is not simply more time—it is another opportunity to serve Jesus and help others grow in their faith.
That’s a challenge for every disciple of Jesus.
If God gives us another day, another year, another season of life, what will we do with it for Christ?
Who can we encourage?
Who can we serve?
Who can we share the gospel with?
Who can we help take another step toward Jesus?
Paul’s life was aimed in one direction: the glory of Christ and the good of others.
What if that became the aim of our lives too?
Before we ask whether our circumstances are going the way we want, perhaps we should ask a better question:
“How can Jesus be glorified in my life today?”
Because for the disciple of Jesus, to live is Christ.
