Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 11, 2022: SOAP #4573: Song of Solomon 5-8; Philippians 1
SCRIPTURE: Philippians (NIV) 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
OBSERVATION: In these verses, Paul gives three thoughts about death. First: for the believer, “to die is gain.” It is moving ahead in the Creator’s purpose for creation. It is fulfilling God’s purpose in bringing reclaimed and redeemed people into His eternal presence.
Second: to depart from this life is to be “with Christ!” To live here is to have Christ with me in my circumstances. To die is to join Him in His circumstances!!!
Third: Dying is “better by far.” Staying here, or going there? This is hardly a choice. There is no logical comparison. It is not even close! It is better by far!
APPLICATION: So, what would make us choose to stay here? For Paul, it was continuing to bring God glory by serving His church. It is to be so appreciative of what God has done for us that we are willing to endure whatever suffering may be a part of remaining behind to win more people for Jesus! It is to be loving God so much that we push aside the risk of suffering in order to do what brings glory to our Lord!
But whatever choice I may have, there will come a time when I will lay down this body of flesh to enter heaven. Then I will say with full understanding, “To die is gain!”
PRAYER: Lord, only you know how many days I have left in this life on earth. May every one of them count for you. Just thinking about what you have prepared for me in heaven brings me joy; in response, may my life here on earth bring you great joy. Amen
Pastor Leon
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