“But if to live in the flesh,--if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what. shall choose. know not”

“This shall bring fruit from my work”: “This will mean fruitful labor for me” (NASV). Paul is saying that living also contains. great "gain". Living on and being released from prison will only result in more souls being saved and. further expansion of his preaching activities. “The gospel preached, in souls saved, in ‘saints' strengthened” (Erdman p. 66). Is this the attitude that we have toward living to view each new day an opportunity to really bear more fruit for God? Ask yourself this serious question, “If. continue to live, will that mean more fruit for God in my own life?” “Then what. shall choose. know not”: “So early death and continued life alike had their attractions, and if the choice between the two were left to him, he would find difficultly in making up his mind” (Bruce p. 50). What. refreshing attitude, especially in light of the attitude expressed by the right to die movement. Life was not easy for Paul, but, presented with the choice of dying or living, Paul could not make the final choice. You see the Christian can glorify God in life or death, and for the Christian "life" always has meaning and purpose! "Life" for the Christian means continual opportunity, regardless of the circumstances.

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Old Testament