To “magnify” is to declare great. Before we were born-again, we love to magnify ourselves, telling others about our accomplishments, etc. Such magnification is simply boasting. When Paul was imprisoned, some used this opportunity to preach the Gospel with the motive of magnifying themselves, and making Paul envious of them. However, Paul was not jealous of them. What was most important to him was that Christ be magnified.

1)  Who can magnify? (Phil 1:19)

The word “this” in Philippians 1:19a refers to the spreading of the Gospel far and wide. This spreading “shall turn to my salvation” refers to the spiritual salvation Paul received after knowing Christ as his Saviour. Paul was then to go and preach Christ so that more could also come to know Christ. Instead of being envious, Paul was happy that the Gospel was preached and many could be saved.

Only those who have received the Gospel and believed in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour can magnify Christ. True believers will desire to magnify Christ with the right motives. If we are truly saved, we will struggle with the sinful desire of magnifying self. We must consciously put down the pride of life in us, and magnify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2)  How to magnify? (Phil 1:20a)

The way to magnify Christ is to protect the name of Jesus in our lives. We must not let sin diminish Christ’s name, or bring shame to Him. Every aspect of our lives must instead magnify Christ: our spoken and written words (including the messages we text on social network), the places we go to, our dressing, our conduct, etc. Do not play hide-and-seek with sin. Sin will always find us out. Deal with sin when it is still in its infancy. Do not bring shame to the name of Christ. When we sin, we must quickly confess and repent.

3)  When to magnify? (Phil 1:20b)

Christ is to be magnified “whether it be by life, or by death” (Phil 1:20). We are to magnify Christ once we are born-again to the time we die. Beware of sin especially in our old age, when sin can render our whole life of godly testimony useless. We must have a high biblical standard of life, engage in introspection, be very critical of self, and be teachable. We must be bold and fight against sin till we die. When others remember us as believers, may it be Christ that they see.