Phil 1:22 But if I am to live in the flesh, if this to me is fruit for my work, then I do not know what I will choose.(23) But I am constrained between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for this is far better; (24) But to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. (25) And being confident of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of the faith.
Paul's use of the word fruit [in v. 22] indicates that his work was actually his living. When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he was living in prison; he was not working. This indicates that his living was his work. From such a living work, fruit would come forth. The fruit of this work was Christ lived out, magnified, and ministered to others. The fruit of Paul's work was thus the transfusion of Christ into others. Therefore, the fruit of work in verse 22 is the issue, the result, of Paul's living in prison. Paul's living work was to minister Christ to others and to transfuse the Christ he magnified into them. As far as Paul was concerned, to die was to gain, but to live was to carry on such a living and fruitful work. It was difficult for him to choose between the two. This was the reason he said, "What I shall choose I cannot tell." Verse 23 says, "But I am constrained by the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for it rather is much better." When Paul wrote these words, he was in bonds suffering mistreatment. Under those circumstances, we would expect him to long to be with Christ. Any believer in Paul's situation would have the same desire. We have indicated that to be with Christ is a matter of degree, not of place. No doubt, Paul was with Christ in prison. But although Paul was with Christ to a certain degree, he desired to be with Him in a higher degree. Paul knew that as a result of physical death he would be with Christ to a greater extent than in his earthly life. For this reason, he could desire to depart and to be with Christ, regarding this as much better. In verse 24 Paul continues, "But to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." The words "your sake" mean for the sake of the church. The apostle's consideration was not selfish, but was for the sake of the saints. He was absolutely occupied by the Lord with the church. Paul realized that the churches needed more of the ministry of Christ. For their sake, he would remain in order to minister Christ to them. Paul was a person full of Christ. When he spoke, he spoke Christ. When he lived, he lived with Christ. When he worked, he worked with Christ and ministered Christ to the churches. For the sake of the church, he was willing to remain in the flesh that he might minister Christ to the saints.
Bible verses are taken from the Recovery Version of the Bible and Words of Ministry from Witness Lee, Life-study of Philippians, pp. 59-61. Both are published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, CA. Please visit us at www.emanna.com. Send comments to: [email protected].
To unsubscribe from the mailing list, either: Send an email to: [email protected] (No subject or message needed; a blank email will work) or visit www.emanna.com and fill out the unsubscribe form there.
