S – “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

 Philippians 1:21 CSB

O – Commentary:

Paul’s main purpose in living was to glorify Christ. Christ was the essence of his life. Yet Paul knew that if he were martyred, Christ would be glorified through the promotion of the gospel which would result from his testimony in death. And Paul himself would benefit, for death would result in his being with Christ (v. 23). The words to die suggest the act of dying, not the state of death.

 “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Paul expresses a true freedom in life or his death.  We can walk in the same.  Our message is strong when Christ is central in our lives and reflects his character and love.  In our passing, we are present with the Lord.  It eliminates the fear of death and we know that our lives accomplish his purposes.

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you above all today.  We invite your Holy Spirit to help us walk in your love and purposes today.  We want to honor Christ in our lives.  Thank you for taking the fear of death away.  We can walk in confidence that you are with us.