“Christ Our Life” Perhaps there is no better verse in the New Testament which summarizes the Christian life as well as Phil. 1:21. This scripture surely teaches about the “Savior-Centered” life. The Savior-centered life is one which has faith in Christ as the redeemer of our souls (John 3:16; 20:30-31). It is a life which recognizes that Jesus is the guide of the Christian’s every step (John 10:4). Jesus is the protector and provider of our lives (Matthew 6:24-34). Jesus is the example for our behavior (I Peter 2:21-23). Jesus is the judge of our spirits (2 Corinthians 5:10). Such obedient faith in Christ as God’s Son is imperative if men are to be blessed by God. John states, “. . .for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). Since the consequences of eternity are involved regarding a correct view of Jesus, then we should study seriously the implications of Paul’s marvelous message, “For me to live is Christ. . .” The Hebrew writer teaches that Jesus is the goal of my life. Hebrews 12:2 states, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This is one of the great summary passages concerning the Christian life and it enlarges our understanding of what Paul has said in Philippians 1:21). In the Christian life we have a goal. God’s people are not merely strolling through life but God’s people have a specific destination. Our goal is nothing less than the likeness of Christ in this life and ultimately heaven itself. At the end of each day, may every child of God ask himself the question, “Am I any closer to this goal today than I was yesterday?” Jesus is the goal of our journey throughout life, and if we fail to become more and more like Him, we have failed in life. The Hebrew writer gives us great encouragement in accomplishing this task of being like Christ. He has given us a “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). That is to say, that the great men and women of faith which we read about in Chapter 11 serve as great examples of faith and steadfastness for us today. They were great people as they endured hardships for ‘righteousness’ sake. Abel, though dead, still speaks regarding the necessity of acceptable worship to God (Hebrews 11:4), Enoch, a man who so lived that “he pleased God” (Heb. 11:5-6), and Noah, a preacher of righteousness who so worked that he saved his household (Heb. 11:7). But the greatest motivation of all is found in Christ (Heb. 12:2). The goal set before Him was a criminal’s death (vs. 2). The cross was an offensive thing yet he accepted it, and now reigns as King of His kingdom, at His Father’s right hand. The greatest example for us to follow, in being more like Christ, is Christ Himself. Jesus endured all things for the salvation of sinful man. We must do all that is within our power to follow after Christ Who is the goal of man’s life. Let us all live the “Savior-Centered” life (Philippians 1:21). Can folks see Galatians 2:2 in your life?
Posted on: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 12:49:41 +0000
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