Paul's Pen

Life in Christ

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul addresses his readers as “saints” who are “in Christ Jesus” (Php. 1:1). The great distinction—saints. The glorious explanation—in Christ Jesus. In Paul’s letters, the phrase “in Christ Jesus” is mentioned 48 times, “in Christ” 34 times, and “in the Lord” 50 times. To Paul, being in Christ the essence of the Christianity. As a bird without air, as a fish without water, as tree roots without soil, so is life without Christ. Being in Christ is the reason Paul calls Christians saints. Those who live in Christ are very different from those who live in the world. Like the Apostle Paul, Jesus is their . . .

• life’s purpose (Php. 1:21)
• life’s pattern (Php. 2:5)
• life’s prize (Php. 3:14)
• life’s power (Php. 4:13)

Life in Christ Means...

• honoring Christ always with boldness (Php. 1:20)
• seeking the things of Christ, and not of self (Php. 2:20)
• loosing all things to gain Christ (Php. 3:8)
• resting on His righteousness and not your own (Php. 3:9)
• having a driving passion to know Him (Php. 3:10)
• being content with what you have (Php. 4:11-12)
• wanting other to receive honor and credit that is due them (Php. 4:17).

Life in Christ is marked by...

• continuous joy (Php. 1:4,18,25; Php. 2:2,17,28-29; Php. 3:1; Php. 4:1,4,10)
• work and fruit worthy of the Lord (1:6, 11)
• partnership with others in grace, service, and sacrifice (Php. 1:7,29-30; Php. 2:24-30; Php. 4:14-19)
• growth in love (Php. 1:9-11a)
• an aim to honor and praise God (Php. 1:11b)

To Paul, Christ was his all in all. May our love for Jesus be evident to all who come in contact with us.