Living for Christ in Everyday Moments and Decisions
Living for Christ in Everyday Moments and Decisions
The concept of living for Christ in everyday moments and decisions is rooted in the biblical understanding that a believer's life is no longer their own, but belongs to Christ. The Apostle Paul expresses this sentiment in Philippians 1:21, stating, "For to me to live is Christ" [1]. This statement underscores the idea that every aspect of a Christian's life is intertwined with their relationship with Christ.
To live for Christ involves conducting oneself in a manner worthy of the gospel, as Paul exhorts the Philippians to "lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" [2]. This entails a life characterized by faith, obedience, and a deepening relationship with Christ. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, Christian conduct is marked by believing in Christ, loving Christ, following Christ's example, and obeying Christ [5]. This conduct is not limited to religious or church-related activities but encompasses every facet of life.
The call to live for Christ is closely tied to the concept of union with Christ. As described in Torrey's Topical Textbook, this union involves Christ being in believers and believers being in Christ, maintained through faith, abiding in Him, and obeying Him [6]. This union is not merely a theological concept but a lived experience that influences daily decisions and actions.
One of the key aspects of living for Christ is the practice of self-denial. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, self-denial is a test of devotedness to Christ and is necessary for following Christ and participating in the spiritual warfare of saints [8]. This involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, controlling one's appetites, and mortifying sinful desires. The example of Christ, who denied Himself for the sake of humanity's salvation, serves as the model for this practice (Philippians 2:6-8).
Living for Christ also involves diligence in seeking God, obeying Him, and striving for perfection. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights the importance of diligence in cultivating Christian graces, keeping one's soul and heart, and laboring in love [7]. This diligence is exemplified in the life of Christ, who is described as an example of diligence in seeking God's will (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49).
The understanding that believers are destined for troubles and sufferings for the faith is another aspect of living for Christ. As noted in 1 Thessalonians 3:3, suffering for the faith is often part of a Christian's life [9]. This suffering is not limited to extreme circumstances but can be experienced in the everyday challenges and hardships faced by believers. Paul's own life is a testament to this, as he endured numerous hardships and persecutions for the sake of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10) [3].
The motivation to live for Christ is deeply rooted in the conviction that Christ is the source of eternal life and salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook emphasizes that eternal life is given by God through Christ and is obtained by those who believe in Him [4]. This understanding motivates believers to live their lives in a way that honors Christ, even in the face of adversity.
Sources
- Philippians “Philippians 1:21 (Geneva1599) — For Christ is to me both in life, and in death aduantage.”
- Philippians “Philippians 1:27 (LEB) — Only lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent I hear ⌞your circumstances⌟, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 12:10 — Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Life, Eternal — Christ is -- 1Jo 1:2; 5:20. Revealed by Christ -- Joh 6:68; 2Ti 1:10. To know God and Christ is -- Joh 17:3. Given By God. -- Ps 133:3; Ro 6:23. By Christ. -- Joh 6:27; 10:28. In Christ. -- 1Jo 5:11. Through Christ. -- Ro 5:21; 6:23. To all given to Christ. -- Joh 17:2. To those who believe in God. -- Joh 5:24. To those who believe in Christ. -- Joh 3:15,16; 6:40,47. To those who hate life for Christ. -- Joh 12:25. In answer to prayer. -- Ps 21:4. Revealed in the Scriptures -- Joh 5:39. Results from Drinking the water of life. -- Joh 4:14. Eating the ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conduct, Christian — Believing God -- Mr 11:22; Joh 14:11,12. Fearing God -- Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Loving God -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Following God -- Eph 5:1; 1Pe 1:15,16. Obeying God -- Lu 1:6; 1Jo 5:3. Rejoicing in God -- Ps 33:1; Hab 3:18. Believing in Christ -- Joh 6:29; 1Jo 3:23. Loving Christ -- Joh 21:15; 1Pe 1:7,8. Following the example of Christ -- Joh 13:15; 1Pe 2:21-24. Obeying Christ -- Joh 14:21; 15:14. Living To Christ. -- Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15. To righteousness. -- Mic 6:8; Ro 6:18; 1Pe 2:24. Soberly, righteously, and godly. -- Tit 2:12. Walking Honestly. -- 1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Union With Christ — As Head of the Church -- Eph 1:22,23; 4:15,16; Col 1:18. Christ prayed that all saints might have -- Joh 17:21,23. Described as Christ being in us. -- Eph 3:17; Col 1:27. Our being in Christ. -- 2Co 12:2; 1Jo 5:20. Includes union with the Father -- Joh 17:21; 1Jo 2:24. Is of God -- 1Co 1:30. Maintained by Faith. -- Ga 2:20; Eph 3:17. Abiding in him. -- Joh 15:4,7. His word abiding in us. -- Joh 15:7; 1Jo 2:24; 2Jo 1:9. Feeding on him. -- Joh 6:56. Obeying him. -- 1Jo 3:24. The Holy Spirit witnesses -- 1Jo 3:24. The gift of the Holy Spirit is an ev”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 3:3: 3:3 we are destined for such troubles: Suffering for the faith is often part of a Christian’s life (1:6; 2:14; Phil 1:29; 1 Pet 1:6; 2:21; 3:17; 4:19).”