Tag: death

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Philippians 1:25 – What About Him?

Picture: Peter asks Jesus about John (John 21:20-21)

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you…

Summary: As we read the words of the Bible, it is easy to jump to conclusions. Jesus’ disciples did the same thing. Yet, if we step back from the words it becomes easier to see the meaning. 

Paul is convinced that it is necessary for him to remain “in the body.” In the passage for our meditation, he affirms this when he tells the Philippians, “I know that I will remain.” 

Paul is smart. He understands that the timing of his “departure” is not his to choose (Matthew 25:13, Luke 12:13-21). When he says, “I know that I will remain,” he is most likely relaying his conviction that God wants him to remain. 

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Philippians 1:23 – The Power of the Vine

Picture of grapes on a grapevine (Pixabay)

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…

Summary: Understanding the power of the Gospel is the key to understanding what happens after our bodies die. 

Many of you who are reading this have much more experience with death than I do. Some people are better suited to dealing with trauma than others. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in the number of deaths this past year. Many of those who are dying are afraid, but every now and then, you hear of people who, like Paul, “desire to depart and be with Christ.” 

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Philippians 1:21 – The Fish and the Camel

a picture of a goldfish in a fishbowl and a camel in profile staring at each other from opposite sides of the glass. (Grok)

 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Summary: Death and dying are subjects most people don’t like to talk about, yet each of us will have to confront death at some point. In this passage, Paul’s words give us a clue as to what is waiting for us on the other side of the doorway called death. 

When is dying a “good” thing? 

Paul seems to be wrestling with this question as he considers the pros and cons of life in the flesh compared to life in the spirit. 

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Philippians 1:20d – Choosing Life

The father of the Prodigal Son embraces him (Luke 15:11-24) -- Grok

… whether by life or by death.

Summary: This passage brings us to an interesting crossroads between one kind of “life and death” and another. 

It is, perhaps, time to review Paul’s entire thought here: 

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

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