THE BELIEVER
[In Philippians]
I. THE BELIEVERS PURPOSE
Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
To me, living means opportunities for Christ [LB].
For to me life is Christ and death is profit. [BBE]
If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more. [CEV]
Living to me means simply "Christ", and if I die I should merely gain more of him. [JBP]
Christ is the sole object for which I live. [John Gill]
To die is to cash in both principal and interest and so to have more of Christ than when living’ [Robertson’s Word Pictures]
While I live I am Christ’s property and servant, and Christ is my portion; if I die—if I be called to witness the truth at the expense of my life, this will be gain; I shall be saved from the remaining troubles and difficulties in life, and be put immediately in possession of my heavenly inheritance. [Adam Clark]
II. THE BELIEVERS PATTERN
Philippians 2:5 For let this mind be in you which also was in Christ Jesus. [AV]
Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ. [LB]
The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: [GNB]
Let the same condescending spirit and humble deportment appear in you as in him. [John Gill]
{"Keep on thinking this in you which was also in Christ Jesus". What is that? Humility. Paul presents Jesus as the supreme example of humility. He urges humility on the Philippians as the only way to secure unity. Robertson’s Word Pictures}
III. THE BELIEVERS PROSPECT
Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
{The city whereof we are freemen is heaven, and we behave ourselves here below, as citizens of that city above John Gill}
IV. THE BELIEVERS PEACE
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. [LB]
And then the peace of God, which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard your hearts and minds in union with Christ Jesus. [Weymouth]
