“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
- “For to me …”(Phil. 2:21a):
- Apostle Paul’s earnest expectation was that “I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death” (v. 20).
- “… to live is Christ …”(v. 21b):
- (Galatians 2:20) “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
- “… and to die is gain”(Phil. 1:21c):
- (vv. 22-24) “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.”
- (2 Timothy 4:7-8) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
- (Matthew 25:21a) “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! …”