To Live Is Christ And To Die Is Gain

PART I

INTRODUCTION

Eulogy

Remarks

Welcome to this “going home celebration, of Brother Somebody.” At this time I offer my sincere condolences and prayers of comfort to all here present, in this assembly. To Somebody’s wife (Her Name), his children (sons and daughters) and grandchildren, immediate family; church family, and host of friends gathered here today; in honor of the life and faith of this beloved servant of God.

Text: Philippians 1:20-21. Read the text reverently.

At times like these, there is always great sorrow and heart ache in the passing of a love one – as with this husband, father and brother. If we fully understand the text before us; we can find comfort and peace during this time of loss. Let me review quickly what Paul wrote regarding the church at Philippi, before our text.

He first reflects on their sincere fellowship with him; their faithfulness to Christ; and their commitment to Paul’s ministry in Christ (Philippians 1:1-8). Then he encourages the Philippians to: “Abound in love more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that they may approve things that are excellent; and that they may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ: Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God,” (Philippians 1:9-11).

Finally, after thanking them and praising God, he makes mention of his own state, as a prisoner in Rome. Notice: “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” (Philippians 1:20-21).

Like Paul, these were also the words of Brother Somebody, whose life also was spent in service and devotion to Christ, and the church. We give thanks and praise to God Almighty, for this servant of God. Someone might ask….

BODY OF LESSON

First, what is meant: “For me to live is Christ?”

When the Apostle Paul wrote this stirring Letter to the church at Philippi, the place, as well as the circumstances of his life weren’t exactly ideal. He was in prison - under house arrest – chained to a Roman soldier, in Rome. He was a prisoner of Christ; and to Rome. Yet, this letter speaks entirely of “his hope of deliverance and triumph in this trial of faith.”

This letter is filled with words like, “love”; “joy”; “comfort”; “peace”; and “trust in the Lord.” I pray that the God of all comfort and peace; will grant your hearts and minds: “A peace that passeth all understanding, through Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 4:7). Speak to the moments of remembrance that surely will come… In the months and days ahead.

Beloved in the Lord, the real ensample of Christian faith is seen in the believer’s demonstrating the, “life and mind of Christ;” on a daily basis, regardless of the difficulties or circumstances faced, at any given moment. For we, “have set our affections on things (that are) above, and not on the things on the earth. For we are dead (with Christ), and our lives are hid with Christ in God,” (Colossians 3:1-3).

Brother Somebody, might have lived the last years of his life as a prisoner in his own body, due to his affliction and sickness – yet, he seemed to have endured it without complaint – as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. He seemed to have continued to manifest love, joy, peace and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, during his affliction and sickness. May I remind you of the Psalmist words?

David wrote: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all,” (Psalms 34:19). This is Gods promise to us all! And TODAY – we have gathered to rejoice and give thanks to God for Somebody’s deliverance from all of his afflictions; in this “going home celebration!” Say Amen, church.

Second, someone might ask, what is to be gain?

A. A better body!

The saints of God are promised a body that will be glorified; immortalized; at the resurrection – that will never suffer death again.

While clothed in this present tabernacle (our body of flesh) we are subject to all the weakness, sorrow and suffering of this life. Along with aging, sickness, pain and finally death; is the certain end that surrounds this house made of clay. But, as a saint we are promised at the resurrection a glorious body, one that will never grow old, it will never experience disease, sickness, pain or death. Hear Paul:

“For our conversation (manner of life) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself,” (Philippians 3:20-21).