Living for Christ

I have chosen to read through some of Wayne’s sermons from the 1980s for my daily devotional time. He numbered and organized his sermons into notebooks and there are many. Each is labeled with when and where he preached it.  Wayne enjoyed the preaching part of the ministry more than anything else.  

The sermons I read last week were a three-part series. He titled it “Three Characteristics of the Real Christian” using as his text Philippians 1:20-26.

1. To live is Christ.
2. To die is gain.
3. To abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two; I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:21-24).

The Apostle Paul was in prison because of the gospel when he wrote those words.  I doubt I could have the same perspective on life as he did in such a circumstance. I might have a complaint or two! If the apostle did, he didn’t record it. Instead he wholly focused on the Christ he served. He boldly lived his life as though Christ and the gospel were more important than anything or anyone else. He lived confidently knowing the reward that awaited him after death. And he knew what God wanted him to do while on earth.  He had trips to make and letters to write to encourage the churches.

As I read the Scripture and Wayne’s sermon notes, I think I would re-title the sermon, “Three Characteristics of a Mature Christian.” I certainly don’t put myself on the same level as the Apostle Paul as far as spiritual maturity, but I have chosen to follow Christ, and therefore am a Christian. A real Christian. (Knowing how Wayne preached in later years I think he would agree, if he were still here.)

Living for Christ is to live unselfishly and I’m not always successful, but with God’s help I’m becoming less selfish. I’m becoming more confident in my witness and work of the Kingdom.  Like the apostle all Christians have a place of service in the Kingdom of God. So as our lives continue, we must continue to be beneficial to others as we allow God to work through us.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).