========================================================================
  FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN
  by A.B. Simpson
========================================================================

Summary: The secret to a sound body and a life of joy is a sound heart
and a victorious faith that enables us to finish our course with joy.

Topics: "Joy in Service", "Living For Christ"

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound truth that true life is found in
Christ, and that death is merely a gain, as he reflects on Paul's
perspective in Philippians. Paul expresses a remarkable indifference to
life and death, desiring to be with Christ yet recognizing the
importance of his continued service to others. Simpson highlights that a
sound heart leads to a sound body, and that our ultimate purpose should
be to bless others through our lives. He encourages believers to
prioritize their spiritual health and to seek joy in fulfilling their
God-given ministry. The sermon calls for a heart that values service
over self-preservation, echoing Paul's commitment to his mission.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The secret of a sound body is a sound heart, and the prayer of the Holy
Spirit for us is that we may prosper and be in health, even as [our]
soul prospereth (3 John 2). We find Paul in his Letter to the
Philippians expressing a sublime and holy indifference to the question
of life or death. Indeed, he is in a real strait, whether preferring to
depart, and to be with Christ (1:23), or to remain in the flesh. He
would prefer the former, but the latter would likewise be a joyful
service. His only object in wanting to live was to be a blessing: To
abide in the flesh is more needful for you (1:24).

Having reached this state of heart, he rises quickly to the victorious
faith necessary to claim perfect strength and health.

Because it is more beneficial to them that he remain in the flesh, he
adds, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your
furtherance and joy of faith (1:25). Lord, help me today to count not my
life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and
the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:24).

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/for-to-me-to-live-is-christ-and-to-die-is-gain/
========================================================================