{"id":3608,"date":"2015-09-29T00:30:22","date_gmt":"2015-09-29T07:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/?p=3608"},"modified":"2015-09-28T20:36:43","modified_gmt":"2015-09-29T03:36:43","slug":"929-a-life-worth-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/2015\/09\/29\/929-a-life-worth-living\/","title":{"rendered":"9\/29: A Life Worth Living (\u7bb423:29-24:4 \u81531:1-26 \u756a1:1-3:20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u8bfb\u7ecf\uff1a\u7bb423:29-24:4 \u81531:1-26 \u756a1:1-3:20<\/h2>\n

A Life Worth Living<\/h2>\n
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\u2018In the future, scientists may be able to prolong life, but will it be worth living?\u2019 wrote Nigel Hawkes in The Times<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Apparently, one Oxford professor claims it may soon be possible to prolong many people\u2019s lives until the age of 115. But Hawkes rightly asks, \u2018Will it be worth living?\u2019 An increased lifespan is of little value unless it is for a life worth living.<\/p>\n

The apostle Paul did not see the prolonging of life as a major objective: \u2018For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain\u2019 (Philippians 1:21). Indeed, he regarded death as something of even greater worth. Yet for him, Jesus Christ had made his life profoundly worth living.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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1. Live in a relationship with God<\/h2>\n

Proverbs 23:29-24:4<\/a>You were created for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Without that relationship we will always feel empty deep inside. As St Augustine wrote, \u2018[God] you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.\u2019<\/p>\n

People try to fill this emptiness with different things. For some, it is alcohol, and although there is nothing wrong with drinking wine, it does not satisfy the deep inner thirst we have in our hearts.<\/p>\n

It looks so attractive \u2018when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!\u2019 (23:31). However, if we follow this path and overindulge, \u2018in the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper\u2019 (v.32). The writer describes the effects of drunkenness with great vividness: the hangover, splitting headache, queasy stomach, seeing double, slurred speech (vv.34\u201335, MSG). It leads to sorrow, strife, complaints, needless bruises and bloodshot eyes (v.29).<\/p>\n

By contrast, the writer speaks of the blessings of wisdom and knowledge: intelligence, strategic planning and a lot of good counsel (24:3\u20134, MSG). Where can we find such wisdom and knowledge? The apostle Paul spoke of knowing Christ \u2018in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge<\/em>\u2019 (Colossians 2:2\u20133).<\/p>\n

Lord, I come to you today and drink from the source of wisdom and knowledge, so that out of my heart may flow rivers of living water.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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2. Make a difference to the lives of others<\/h2>\n

Philippians 1:1-26<\/a>Do you wish your circumstances were different?<\/p>\n

If you are facing major challenges or difficulties, be encouraged by the fact that God can use you in the midst of your struggles. He can work through you in ways you might not expect.<\/p>\n

When Paul wrote this letter he was under house arrest in Rome, attached to a Roman soldier by a chain that was three feet long. He was imprisoned in very bad conditions, awaiting trial and possible execution. Yet, he believed that his life in Christ meant \u2018fruitful labour\u2019 for him (v.22).<\/p>\n

When Paul says, \u2018I have you in my heart\u2019 (v.7), he is expressing his deep love for the people of Philippi. He has already spoken of their \u2018partnership in the gospel\u2019 (v.5) and now he speaks of sharing God\u2019s grace with them (v.7). There is such a close bond between those who work together for Jesus Christ. There is an even closer bond when one is responsible for the conversion of the others. It says that he longs for all of them \u2018with the affection of Christ Jesus\u2019 (v.8).<\/p>\n

In an age of almost unparalleled opportunity and choice, so many people are unduly anxious about missing their destiny or taking a wrong step. But we can have confidence that because God began the good work in us, he will complete it (v.6). God always finishes what he starts.<\/p>\n

None of us are there yet. We are all works in progress. Paul\u2019s prayer for the Philippians was that they might be even more fruitful:<\/p>\n