Deeper Reflection
PAUL’S MEMORABLE STATEMENT REFLECTED HIS MINDSET as a slave²⁹ of Jesus Christ: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (v.21). What a Christ-centred perspective on life! Paul’s life was all about Christ. To live was to work hard to advance the cause of Christ (“fruitful labour”, v.22). Although Paul’s desire was to depart and be with the Lord (v.23), he was prepared to live on and continue to serve the church for their spiritual growth (vv.24-25). Paul was determined to live for Christ. In practical terms, serving the Lord means using our spiritual gifts and giving our time, energy and money, to serve His Church by bringing in, building up and sending out God’s people. Brothers and sisters, we are to faithfully serve the Lord as long as we have the health, strength and ability to do so. In the journey of discipleship, nothing surpasses the value of knowing Christ; there is to be no looking back nor holding back (Phil 3:7-8, 13-14). We are to do all things for the sake of Christ.Each member of the Church, that is, the body of Christ, has a part to play, a vital contribution to make, in building up the body in faith, knowledge, wisdom, maturity, unity, harmony and love (Eph 4:11-16). Therefore, in the local church, no member is without a role or function. No one should be disconnected and disengaged from the life of the church. Are you connected to a small group community?³⁰ Are you engaged in serving in a ministry?³¹ If you are not, it is time to step up.

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²⁹ Translated from the Greek word doulos (see Phil 1:1), which can also be translated as “servant”. ³⁰ To get connected to a community, visit https://www.cefc.org.sg/get-connected/ ³¹ To get involved in a ministry, visit https://www.cefc.org.sg/multiply/#getting-involved