STATEMENT OF FAITH;

“so that now as always, CHRIST BE MAGNIFIED in my body whether by like or death.”- {Philippians 1:20-21}. “Magnified” {made, big, great, exalted}.

“The Greek word that Paul uses in Philippians 1:20 is the word “megaluno,” which means “to make large,” or “to magnify.” It is the verb form of the word “mega” — big, large, great. We know this word in the expression megabucks (big bucks) and in such words as megaphone (enlarged sound) and megalopolis (a huge city). I suppose we could coin an English verb to express the desire to make something big by saying, “let’s megatize it.” That would be the idea of “megaluno” — to make something big, to magnify it or make it large.

When Paul says “…but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death” (KJV – Phil. 1:20), he is expressing the desire that everything about him, even his death, would be a magnifying glass for people to see more clearly the glories of Christ.

Actually, there are two ideas expressed by “megaluno” in this passage.

First, there is the idea of enlarging the picture of Christ through what people see in Paul’s life and death. Not just by wearing an enlarged picture of Jesus on his T-shirt, but by exposing the indwelling Christ through all that he says and does.

Second, there is also the idea of exalting that enlarged picture of Christ. Again, not simply by putting pictures of Jesus on prominent billboards, but by being candid and transparent about his devotion to the Savior with the people around him wherever he goes. To “exalt” is to praise and make known that which is loved and honored.

In their translations of “megaluno” in Philippians 1:20, the King James translators chose the word “magnified”, while the New American Standard and New International Version translators chose the word “exalted”. Actually it takes both words to express the full idea of “megaluno”.

Paul wanted to enlarge and magnify the name of Jesus, but he also wanted to expose and exalt that name. Make it big, and put it where everyone can see it — that’s the idea.

So how is it with you? Can you say with Paul “…as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified/exalted in my body”? In everything you do and in everything you say, make Christ big and put Him where everyone can see Him. “- Dr Dan Haydan

PAUL’S PERSONAL STATEMENT OF FAITH.

His motivation and outlook on living was clear. – Christ magnified! {Phil 1:20}

His motivation and outlook on death was clear. – Christ magnified! {Phil 1:20}

  •  Therefore he could say “for me to live is Christ, to die is GAIN” {Phil 1:21}

  • How would you sum up your personal “Statement of faith” for living and death?

  • Have you ever thought of having a clearly defined objective for your self?

THINK ON YOUR PURPOSE FOR LIVING AND DYING. Maybe re-evaluate where needed…. in the end the simple yet profound all encompassing “statement of faith ” can be summed up in these two words – CHRIST MAGNIFIED!  Would these two words sum up your intent?

I know how easy it is to go through life and be as it were at times “rudderless.” But God brigs us back to Himself and His Word shines clarity amidst the fog of confusion, difficulties and indeed the good things to remind us “we have been bought with a price we are not your own , therefore glorify God in your BODIES.” 1 Cor 6:19-21.

If someone were to ask you what you are living for, what your goals, desires, ambitions are. How would you answer?

Would it line up with Paul the prisoner’s?

EVALUATING – Your “statement of faith” is revealed in what you pursue, long for, aim at!

My health declines, but my vision is clearer in focus,”Christ be magnified-whether by life or death,”

God help us all to REMEMBER- “You are not our own but have been bought with a price, therefore glorify Him with your body”- 1 Cor 6:20.

Write out Philippians 1:20- on a 3 by 5 card and put in a prominent place where you can see it, perhaps on a bathroom mirror, by your bed side or carry with you

Memorize Philippians 1:20 and meditate on  Paul’s personal statement of faith and adopt as your own- “CHRIST MAGNIFIED IN ME!”

“Life reduced to fellowship with Jesus Christ makes the complicated simple.”

God bless you- Keep Him before you for  soon you will see Him face to face

“CHRIST MAGNIFIED- in my body, in life or in death!”

CHRIST MAGNIFIED- not only a “motto” but the intent of living and dying