The Lord Jesus teaches us to serve as He served, and we see the reward of laboring together to help others see Christ; it is trial conquering joy.

First, do we see Paul's motives? Vs23-24, “But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." His ambition is to glorify Christ and help people. Therefore, he's willing to live. When living is Christ, then dying is gain, but he's willing to forego gain to help others.

If we have this humble self sacrificing life, then we have the FULLNESS OF CHRIST! The gospel has touched us in power. It's not word only, with head nodding; it's doing the word, and it’s true Christianity: Godliness by the gospel is what it's all about.

So many live for self, even after receiving Christ, and we waste our years unsatisfyingly. Joel 1:4, “What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten.” The true grace of God yields fruit, and it is sweet. Enter in.

Secondly, we have to come to people to minister. Philippians 1:25-26, “Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.” Benefit can be done through email, phone, and Facebook. The greatest benefit, however, is personal touch. It's always different. You get a truer sense of the person and communicate better. Even Jesus touched the leper, who had not been touched, perhaps, in years [Luke 5:13]. Hugs, smiles, and empathetic emotions all come with personal ministry. Ministering from afar is good, but being near is better, like a husband with his wife, or a child with a mother.

Let us reach out and touch people, plant new churches, and seize open doors. We struggle to get the gospel off the couch, into the prisons, military barracks, and public square. We hide behind inconvenience, saying, "There's a lion in the streets. I'll go back to bed." Proverbs 22:13, The slacker says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” Do something, dear saints. Find a way to reach people beyond memes, chats, and posting.

Thirdly, strive together for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27, “Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel,”

Uphold the true gospel of God's grace. Live to see it promoted. Expand the kingdom.

I can't say this enough: To be satisfied, we must live for Christ. Selfish ambition won't do it. God blesses us to show Christ to others, and this fulfills us. It can't come from another direction: grace comes to glorify Jesus and God the Father through Him [Eph 3:20-21]. Have one life ambition, and you are blessed. Have one thing you're doing, and do it with everyone who’s willing to join you!

Finally, we have the same conflict as the Apostle Paul: We suffer! Philippians 1:29-30, “For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.”

Some teach that we’re excluded from sufferings, as if health and wealth is our portion, while Paul was an apostle. It’s not true. To our honor, we suffer for Christ too! This is part of the gift that He’s given us.

The gospel has bitter herbs, trials in the flesh, and warfare; it is the sufferings of Christ and the glories that follow: after we serve Him, then we enter heaven [John 12:25-26]. Don’t let anyone fool you with these LIGHT AFFLICTIONS! They are worth it, and Christ is worth suffering for.