Jim was a bright kid who seemed to have everything in front of him—life, health, education, career, opportunity. He could have lived a comfortable life in America. But instead, he felt called by God to take the gospel to a remote and dangerous tribe in Ecuador. This is the story of Jim Elliot.
This was no ordinary mission field. The tribe was known for violence—outsiders who entered their territory often didn’t come back. Yet Jim and four other missionaries believed Christ was worth it. In January 1956, after an initially peaceful connection, something went terribly wrong. Jim and his companions were killed on a riverbank.
Humanly speaking, it looked like a tragic waste. But Jim himself would disagree. In his journal, he wrote:
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Jim understood something most people avoid: you cannot keep your life—but you can give it for something eternal. For him, that “something” was not merely a cause or idea, but a person—Jesus Christ.
That is exactly the heartbeat of what the apostle Paul writes in Epistle to the Philippians:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul is saying: my life has one purpose—Christ. My death has one outcome—gain.
1. Praise
At the start of the chapter, Paul overflows with gratitude for the Christians in Philippi. He thanks God for them because he sees real evidence of genuine faith. For many church leaders, one of the greatest concerns is whether people have truly grasped the gospel. But with the Philippians, Paul is full of confidence and joy.
Why? Because they are not only believers—they are partners. Their faith is active. They support Paul financially, pray for him, send help, and share in suffering for the gospel. They are not spectators; they are fully invested.
This kind of partnership raises an important question for us: are we equally engaged in the mission of making Christ known?
2. Progress
Paul doesn’t just give thanks—he also prays. His prayer is that their love would grow more and more, grounded in knowledge and deep understanding. This isn’t sentimental love, but a discerning love that knows how to live well for God.
He prays that they would:
• Grow in spiritual insight
• Make wise and godly decisions
• Live pure and blameless lives
• Be filled with the fruit of righteousness
All of this prepares them for the day of Christ and ultimately brings glory to God.
If you’re wondering how to pray for others, this is a powerful template: pray for growing love, deeper knowledge, and visible spiritual fruit.
3. Problem
There is, however, a potential issue. Paul is writing from prison. From a human perspective, that raises questions: if Paul is truly God’s servant, why is he in chains?
But Paul flips that concern on its head. His imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel. The guards hear the message. Other believers grow bolder. What seemed like a setback becomes a catalyst.
Even when others preach Christ with mixed motives, Paul rejoices—because Christ is still being proclaimed.
This is a crucial reminder: God often uses difficult circumstances to accomplish good purposes. What looks like limitation may actually be opportunity.
4. Teaching Point
Everything builds to Paul’s central declaration:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
To die is to Gain Christ
This sounds completely countercultural. We tend to see death as loss. But for the Christian, Paul says it is gain.
Why? Because death brings us into the immediate presence of Christ. It is, as Paul says, “better by far.” It is a departure from temporary life into a permanent home. It is the end of uncertainty and the beginning of perfect safety with Jesus.
This doesn’t remove grief, but it transforms it. Christians still mourn—but with hope.
To live is to Serve Christ
While death brings gain, life still has purpose. Paul chooses to remain because it means fruitful labour. His focus is not on himself, but on others—their progress, their joy, their growth in faith.
To live as a Christian means:
• Serving Christ
• Seeking the good of others
• Helping others grow spiritually
• Bringing glory to Jesus
Paul’s final word on life is clear: whether in life or death, everything is about Christ.
So here is the challenge: if you were to sum up your life in one sentence, what would it be? Paul’s was simple and profound—to live is Christ.
That is not just his calling. It is ours too.
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