Philippians 1
Paul wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ” (v. 21). But he did more than write that statement; he lived. Jesus Christ is mentioned eighteen times in this chapter and is seen involved in many aspects of Paul’s life.
His friends (1–11). Paul loved the saints in Philippi; he thought about them, prayed for them, and longed to see them. Christ made this fellowship possible.
His circumstances (12–18). He was a prisoner not of Rome but of Jesus Christ, and his chains were “in Christ” (v.
His future (19–26). Paul’s life was in danger; if he lost the trial, he could be killed as an enemy of Rome. But when Christ is your life, death is not your enemy; and you have the assurance of being with Christ when life ends.
His enemies (27–30). When you suffer, you suffer for Christ’s sake; and you need not fear your enemies. The vital thing is that God’s people unite in Christ and oppose the enemy, not one another!
Alive to Christ
“Life is what we are alive to,” wrote Maltbie Babcock. Sports fans may be weary, but if they hear of an athletic event taking place, they come alive and want to attend. Hungry people are alive to the mention of food, and avid shoppers come alive at the announcement of a sale. So Christians are alive to all pertaining to Jesus Christ, for Christ is their very life.