Believers Exemplify Christ
Philippians 1:12-26
Company logos serve as clear identifiers. When you see the golden arches, you know it’s McDonald’s. When you see the swoosh, Nike comes to mind. These symbols quickly communicate identity and purpose. Similarly, Christians are identified not by a logo but by their actions, attitudes, and how they exemplify Christ. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul, though imprisoned, presents an unshakable perspective: Christ is to be exalted whether by life or by death. His words challenge us to consider how we, as believers, can exemplify Christ in every circumstance.
Christ is exalted in our bodies in life or death, for believers exemplify Christ.
Here is the text of Philippians 1:12-26—
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
In today’s world, many view faith as a personal preference rather than an absolute truth. The nonbeliever might say, "I’m glad you found Jesus and that religion works for you," but then add, "when we die, we simply become worm dirt." This perspective dismisses the eternal significance of Christ’s work and forces a decision. If Christ is proclaimed, then one must choose: Will you follow Him, or will you reject Him?
Paul faced imprisonment, uncertainty, and opposition, yet he did not waver in his commitment to Christ. His example compels us to ask ourselves: Do we live in such a way that exalts Christ?
Paul’s letter to the Philippians lays out four key ways believers exemplify Christ: in crisis, in criticism, in commitment, and in community.
I. Christ in Crisis (Philippians 1:12-14)
Paul writes, "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel."Instead of despairing over his imprisonment, Paul sees it as an opportunity for the gospel to spread. His suffering has emboldened others to preach the gospel with greater courage.
How do we respond to crises? Do we complain, retreat, or despair? Or do we, like Paul, see setbacks as divine setups for God’s glory? When we endure hardships with faith, we exemplify Christ. Our trials become testimonies, proving that our hope rests in something greater than this world.
II. Christ in Criticism (Philippians 1:15-18)
Paul acknowledges that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, seeking to harm him. Yet, he declares, "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice." His focus is not on personal reputation but on the advancement of the gospel.
Criticism and opposition are inevitable for believers. When people misunderstand or malign our faith, do we retaliate, or do we respond with grace? True Christ-exemplifying believers remain steadfast, knowing that God can even use imperfect messengers to accomplish His perfect will. Paul’s attitude teaches us to prioritize the gospel above personal grievances.
III. Christ in Commitment (Philippians 1:19-21)
Paul’s passion for Christ is evident: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." His life is fully devoted to Christ’s mission, and death is merely the doorway to an even greater reality—being with Christ.
This level of commitment challenges us. Is our primary goal in life to exemplify Christ? Or are we consumed with temporary pursuits that distract from eternal significance? Paul’s statement calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities. If we truly live for Christ, our decisions, values, and ambitions will reflect that commitment.
Tradition holds that Paul was eventually martyred under Emperor Nero. Though circumstances were grim, his faith remained unshaken. He committed to exemplifying Christ even unto death.
IV. Christ in Community (Philippians 1:22-26)
Paul wrestles with the tension of wanting to be with Christ but knowing that his continued presence benefits the Philippians. He writes, "To remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account." His love for the church compels him to stay and labor for their growth in faith and joy.
We do not live our Christian lives in isolation. Our faith should be a source of encouragement and spiritual progress in our churches. Are we actively investing in others, helping them grow in their faith? Paul’s example reminds us that exemplifying Christ means building up the body of believers, mentoring, discipling, and encouraging one another.
Some may argue that Paul’s perspective was unique to his calling as an apostle, but his exhortation applies to all believers. Every Christian is called to exemplify Christ in every season of life—whether in hardship, opposition, devotion, or community. The idea that faith is merely a personal matter contradicts the very essence of the gospel, which calls us to be living witnesses of Christ’s transforming power.
For believers, Paul’s message serves as conviction, comfort, and correction:
Keep praying for deliverance and provision in times of hardship (v. 19).
Even in imprisonment, Paul desire the gospels advancement (v. 13).
Life’s purpose is to exalt Christ, whether in life or death (v. 21).
For unbelievers, this passage calls for reflection and repentance:
True faith is not circumstantial but enduring (vv. 12-14).
What prevents you from following Christ? (v. 21).
Because Christ is proclaimed you must respond (v. 18).
Paul’s unwavering commitment to Christ sets the standard for all believers. Whether in crisis, under criticism, through commitment, or in community, we are called to exemplify Christ. Our faith is not meant to be hidden but displayed for the world to see.
As we reflect on our own lives, let us ask: Are we living in such a way that Christ is exalted in us? If we truly believe that to live is Christ and to die is gain, our lives will bear unmistakable evidence of His presence. May we, like Paul, rejoice in every circumstance, knowing that our ultimate purpose is to magnify Christ in all we do.