For to Me to Live Is Christ, and to Die Is Gain
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.
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.
Text
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).
Sermon Outline
- I. The Secret to a Sound Body
- A. A sound heart is essential for physical health
- B. The Holy Spirit's prayer for us is to prosper in body and soul (3 John 2)
- II. Paul's Indifference to Life or Death
- A. He would prefer to depart and be with Christ (Philippians 1:23)
- B. But remaining in the flesh would also be a joyful service
- III. The Object of Living
- A. To be a blessing to others
- B. To abide in the flesh for their benefit and joy (Philippians 1:24)
- IV. The Victorious Faith
- A. Necessary to claim perfect strength and health
- B. Enables us to finish our course with joy (Acts 20:24)
Key Quotes
“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).” — A.B. Simpson
“I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith (Philippians 1:25).” — A.B. Simpson
“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).” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should strive to have a sound heart that is pleasing to God, and trust in His prayer for our prosperity and health.
- We should cultivate a victorious faith that enables us to finish our course with joy and be a blessing to others.
- We should not take our life for granted, but rather see it as a ministry that we have received from the Lord Jesus.