Paul's Philosophy of Ministry

Personally speaking, it would be more advantageous for Paul to just get life over with, for to be absent from the body means to be present in unestimably sweet fellowship in the presence of Christ.

But Paul has Christ's heart: "not My will be done, but Yours, O Father."

"Let each look not only to his own interest, but also of others" (Phil. 2:3).

"Consider others more important than yourselves" (Phil. 2:4).

Thus Paul concludes that it is necessary for him to remain in the flesh. The good of the Philippians is more important to him than his own.

Remaining in the flesh will involve more work, more heart-ache, but infinitely more joy and fruit for the glory of Christ. For Paul, this is a no-brainer!

What will he do if he sees them? He will labor for them. More specifically, he will labor for:

1. Their progress in the faith
2. Their joy in the faith
3. Their boasting in Christ.

May all of us, especially us as ministers of Christ, take this message to heart, for the glory of our triune God. Amen.