Phillipians 1
v. 21: For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
v. 22: Now, if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose.
v. 23: I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ -- which is far better --
v. 24: But to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.
v. 25: Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your advancement and joy in the faith,
v. 26: so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
It's all about Christ Jesus. For Paul, to live on this earth was to live for Jesus and to advance others in the faith. That was his sole purpose for living. Dying, on the other hand, would be "far better" because he would actually be with the One he lived for...Jesus.
I am struck by this man. Paul, when his name was Saul, hated the followers of Christ. He persecuted them, tortured them and murdered them. He opposed Christ with the same passion he later followed Christ. He encountered Jesus. He experienced His power, His presence...Him. That one encounter changed him forever.Jesus was Who he lived for and Who he longed to die for.
Often I hear this passage taught as the dying referred to as dying to the flesh or to self. While I believe that to be an option as well, I think Paul is talking about actual physical death. Paul knew that when he died, he would go to be with the One he loved...Jesus. I'd be willing to bet that had Paul lived in this day and age of medical technology and advancement, he would have a DNR (do not resuscitate) order on his medical chart, regardless of the situation. He saw nothing bad about dying. He wanted to go. This is not to say he was suicidal, hopeless or depressed; he just knew the world was not his home and he was just visiting. But, he knew he needed to be here not so he could gain status, money, things or "find himself"; but so he could minister to the followers of Christ in his care. He knew he needed to be there to support them in their walk with Christ. That was his call and he knew he had work to do.
Followers of Jesus Christ should see death as joy. Those of us who lose someone who is a follower of Christ, while of course grieving, should also celebrate for them. They are home!! While we are here, God has work for us to do that is not all about us...but all about our Savior and Lord, Jesus!!
Ephesians 4
v. 30: And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit, Who sealed you for the day of redemption.
We are sealed by God's Holy Spirit. When I think of that, I think of my Bachelor's degree that was sealed by Florida Christian University; or my marriage certificate that was sealed by the State of Indiana. Those seals make those documents legal, legitimate, and authentic. Without the seal, they are just a piece of paper. Not legally binding, not legitimate and not authentic.
But then, when I think further about "seal", I think of being closed tight, unable to open, sealed shut. Beth Moore referred to this kind of seal when she suggested that a Christian, sealed by the Holy Spirit cannot be possessed by a demon. Oppressed? Yes. Possessed? No.
So, which is it??
I did a little research on seals in Ancient Rome, and I learned about a signet ring worn by men of authority and royalty. This ring had a design on it that was exclusive to that man. It was used to make an impression, or seal on not only documents but possessions as well. It was a seal to show authenticity or ownership.
Bible History Online says:
"The signet makes a deep impression in clay forming an official seal. The imprinted seal carries the full authority of the office it represents and no one dare question it. (emphasis mine) His design is well known, his symbol without any doubt authentic, his mark indelibly declares the full authority of royal ownership. There is the pain of death to those who validate it." (emphasis mine) *
Considering the fact that Paul wrote this in the time of Ancient Rome, it seems obvious this must have been the type of seal he was referring to a seal of royal ownership.
Bible History online continues:
"In scripture we find, somehow we are sealed. A metaphor which would ring powerfully to those under Roman rule. Yet God's sealing is never coercive. Never forced. A free will decision is made. An imprint is then formed within us. Our souls bear His mark, His letters, His image and all powers are duly informed, we belong to God." *
The seal of the Holy Spirit is on all of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of our life; to those of us who have confessed and repented of our sins and have dropped to our knees in worship to Jesus as the Lord of our life. The Holy Spirit has impressed the seal of God's letter, God's image on our souls.
All powers are duly informed...
We Belong To God!!
