Paul’s Work Being His Living

 Bible Verses

Phil 1:22 But if I am to live in the flesh, if this to me is
fruit for my work, then I do not know what I will choose.(23) 
But I am constrained between the two, having the desire to
depart and be with Christ, for this is far better;  (24)  But
to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.  (25)
And being confident of this, I know that I will remain and
continue with you all for your progress and joy of the faith.

Words of Ministry

Paul's use of the word fruit [in v. 22] indicates that his 
work was actually his living. When Paul wrote to the
Philippians, he was living in prison; he was not working.
This indicates that his living was his work. From such a
living work, fruit would come forth. The fruit of this work
was Christ lived out, magnified, and ministered to others.
The fruit of Paul's work was thus the transfusion of Christ
into others. Therefore, the fruit of work in verse 22 is the
issue, the result, of Paul's living in prison. Paul's living
work was to minister Christ to others and to transfuse the
Christ he magnified into them. As far as Paul was concerned,
to die was to gain, but to live was to carry on such a living
and fruitful work. It was difficult for him to choose between
the two. This was the reason he said, "What I shall choose I
cannot tell."

Verse 23 says, "But I am constrained by the two, having the
desire to depart and be with Christ, for it rather is much
better." When Paul wrote these words, he was in bonds
suffering mistreatment. Under those circumstances, we would
expect him to long to be with Christ. Any believer in Paul's
situation would have the same desire. We have indicated that
to be with Christ is a matter of degree, not of place. No
doubt, Paul was with Christ in prison. But although Paul was
with Christ to a certain degree, he desired to be with Him in
a higher degree. Paul knew that as a result of physical death
he would be with Christ to a greater extent than in his
earthly life. For this reason, he could desire to depart and
to be with Christ, regarding this as much better.

In verse 24 Paul continues, "But to remain in the flesh is
more necessary for your sake." The words "your sake" mean for
the sake of the church. The apostle's consideration was not
selfish, but was for the sake of the saints. He was
absolutely occupied by the Lord with the church. Paul
realized that the churches needed more of the ministry of
Christ. For their sake, he would remain in order to minister
Christ to them. Paul was a person full of Christ. When he
spoke, he spoke Christ. When he lived, he lived with Christ.
When he worked, he worked with Christ and ministered Christ
to the churches. For the sake of the church, he was willing
to remain in the flesh that he might minister Christ to the
saints.