Our human nature pushes us to live for other things. We tend to live for things that we are ambitious about, things that we think will bring us satisfaction, things that we think will make us happy, only to face the reality of death that they will all be left behind. There is only one person we can live for, that we will gain more of when we die, which is Christ.

1. To Live is Christ

How is Paul able to say after all of his trials, "To live is Christ"? Paul realized that Christ is the only way and purpose to eternal life, his only hope. The posture of Paul's head is strained upward, fully focused and trusting in God.

2. To die is gain

At first is seems that Paul wants to take his life but rather he knows that it is more arduous to live life and dying is to gain eternal life, freedom from our sinful body and our bodies glorified; Paul knows death is close but he also realizes that  life is a gift from God and that he should live for Christ during it. Life in Christ is fully revealed in death. The barrier between us and God is taken down. Faith is now SIGHT.

3. Consider Christ

When do we actually consider Christ? Consider Christ, that he died for sinners like us. Consider that we do not derserve this but by God's grace he died for his people.

Application

1. Be sober minded

2. Let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel.