Uniting Heaven and Earth
Christ in Philippians and Colossians
Lesson 3 - Sunday
Christ Will Be Magnified
Read Philippians 1:19–20
As Paul awaited trial, possibly facing execution, his outlook was remarkably steady and hopeful. He expected that, through the prayers of the believers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, his situation would ultimately turn out for deliverance. Yet Paul’s confidence did not rest primarily in being released from prison. What mattered most to him was something far greater: that Christ would be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death.
Paul’s deepest desire was not self-preservation, vindication, or comfort. His life had been so fully surrendered to Christ that even the outcome of a Roman court case was secondary to the glory of Jesus. If he lived, Christ would be honored through continued ministry; if he died, Christ would be honored through faithful endurance and testimony unto death. Paul measured success not by circumstances, but by whether Christ was clearly seen through him.
This Christ-centered perspective shaped not only Paul’s response to suffering, but also his relationships with the churches he established. In 1 Corinthians 4:14–16, Paul speaks as a spiritual father, gently admonishing believers and urging them to imitate his life as he followed Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 2:10–11, he describes himself as both tender and firm—conducting himself “holily and justly and unblameably,” while also exhorting and comforting believers as a father does his own children. In Galatians 4:19, Paul reveals the depth of his love when he says he labors “in birth again” until Christ is formed in them. And in Philemon 10, he refers to Onesimus as his spiritual son, begotten through the gospel while Paul was in chains.
These passages show that Paul did not treat people as projects or numbers. He invested deeply, loved sacrificially, and took responsibility for the spiritual growth of those he led to Christ. His authority flowed from affection; his instruction was grounded in example. Paul’s life made the gospel visible.
This challenges us to take an honest look at our own lives. How do we respond when we are misunderstood, mistreated, or treated unfairly? How do we speak to people who are difficult, unkind, or dismissive of our faith? In those moments, Christ is either magnified or obscured. Our patience, humility, forgiveness, and integrity preach a sermon long before our words do.
A Christ-magnifying life is not one of perfection, but one of consistent surrender. When others see us respond with grace instead of bitterness, truth instead of retaliation, and love instead of resentment, they see something different—and that difference points to Jesus. The question is not simply whether we profess Christ, but whether our conduct makes Him look great.
Paul’s example calls us higher: to live in such a way that no matter the outcome of our trials, Christ is honored in our bodies, our words, and our relationships.
Prayer
Father, we confess that we often care more about our comfort and reputation than Your glory. Forgive us for the times our reactions have misrepresented Christ. Shape our hearts so that our greatest desire is that Jesus would be magnified in us—whether in ease or hardship. Teach us to love people as Paul did, with patience, sacrifice, and genuine concern for their spiritual growth. May our lives be a clear and faithful witness, especially to those who treat us unkindly. We yield ourselves to You, that Christ may be seen in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More on Lesson 3 Life and Death
This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians
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