April 25 2026

Saturday April 25

Fruitful Living While We Are Here

Philippians 1:22-26

Today we are continuing in Philippians 1, and we are moving on to the next section of verses, verses 22–26. I would like to read them first as we continue to talk about when Paul has just said in verse 21, “For me to die is gain.” He then goes on to say, “But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”

Today we are talking about fruitful living while we are here. Let us look at verse 22 again. He says, “But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose, I cannot tell.” So Paul begins by acknowledging something very simple, but very, very powerful. As long as he is active, his life has a purpose. He says, “If I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit—fruit for my labor.” In other words, if God allows me to continue living here on earth, then my life will continue to produce fruit for the Lord.

When Paul used the word “flesh,” of course, he was not talking about his sinful flesh. He was simply referring to his physical life. As long as he is in this body, there is work to be done. What kind of work is that? It is fruitful labor. This reminds us of Colossians 1:5–6, where Paul also wrote to the church of Colossae: “Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and know the grace of God in truth.”

In Ephesians 2:10, remember that great verse: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,” bringing forth the fruit of “good works”. So, Paul understood that his life was not about just existing—it was about producing fruit for Christ. Let me say this clearly: if God leaves us here, it is because there is still fruit to be borne. This fruit may include the fruit of the Spirit, as you know in Galatians 5:22–23. It could be righteous actions in Philippians 1:11 (“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God”). Or it might be the fruit of winning others to Christ as Paul wrote about in Romans 1:13.

Paul saw his life as an opportunity, not a burden. I will never forget a dear friend of mine. Her name was Estelle Dollar. She was 100-plus years old, and she had to go into a nursing home—if I remember right—for an infection in her foot. I went in to visit her one day after she had been there for only a few days, and she said, “Pastor Mike, guess what?” She said, “I have already shared the gospel with 50 people—50 people since I have been in here.” Goodness—over a hundred years old, and she still had a passion to be fruitful and share the gospel. How powerful is that? She saw her time in the nursing home as an opportunity to share Christ with others.

But then the Apostle Paul goes on to say something very interesting: “Yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.” Now Paul is not trying to control his future. He is not making demands. He is completely submitted to the will of God. He is saying, “I do not know what God is going to do with me, but I am content with whatever it is.”

Oh, my friend, what a lesson for us today. So often we want to control outcomes. We want to know the future. But Paul teaches us that we really need to rest in this truth: As long as I am here, my life has a purpose, and God is in control.

So let me ask you today: Are you seeing your life as fruitful? Are you investing your time, your energy, and your opportunities for Christ, like Estelle Dollar? Because one day, according to 1 Corinthians 3:12–15, our works will be tested. May God help us today to live fruitful lives for the glory of God while we are here.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

P.S. I am having difficulties with posting the monthly Bible reading calendars on my website. Please email me for the month of May's calendar and indicate which plan you need. My email is: pastormike@pmiministries.org