TO BE, OR NOT TO BE

Philippians 1:19-30

INTRODUCTION

One of William Shakespeare’s better-known plays is Hamlet. The play’s best-known line is the beginning of “Hamlet’s soliloquy”: “To be, or not to be, - that is the question.”

Hamlet is contemplating suicide.

He was trying to decide between life and death:

to live (“to be”)

or to die (“not to be”)

In Philippians 1:22-24 Paul is struggling with whether it is better to live or die

Philippians 1:22–24 ASV

22 But if to live in the flesh,—if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not. 23 But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: 24 yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake.

The phrase “a strait betwixt two” carries the idea of being in a narrow place between two walls, unable to turn to either side - and able only to go straight on

Today we might say he was “between a rock and a hard place”

The two walls which formed the dilemma were living and dying

Hamlet and Paul contemplated similar questions, but what a contrast existed between them!

Hamlet was considering death by his own hand, but Paul was leaving the outcome in God’s hand.

Hamlet did not like either outcome - he was oppressed by life, but afraid of death; for Paul either alternative was good.

The book of Philippians...

Reveals that the Christian’s finest hour is in times of difficulty

Is a book of of right mindedness

Chapter 1 - A mind of Faith and/or a mind of thankfulness

Chapter 2 - The mind of Christ

Chapter 3 - The mind of right values

Chapter 4 - The mind of many virtues

Is considered to be a book of joy - “joy” mentioned 7 times, and “rejoice” mentioned 9 times

In Philippians 1:19-30 we will learn of the correct mindset, the proper joy, concerning life and death. First…

DISCUSSION

PAUL SEES GOD’S PROVISION

Philippians 1:19 ASV

19 For I know that this shall turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Notice the phrase, “For I know this shall turn out to my salvation”

Paul saw events climaxing in a happy ending

The word “for” ties verse 19 with...

Philippians 1:18 ASV

18 What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

“Christ is proclaimed” (v. 18)

This is our priority – this is what is really important in the whole scheme of things

Everything else pails in comparison

Philippians 3:8–10 ASV

Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death;

My friends we cannot proclaim that which we do know

To faithfully proclaim Christ we must be conformed to Christ

“I know this shall turn out to my salvation” (v. 19) - a confident knowledge

How much confidence do we have in God?

Romans 8:28 ASV

28 And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

We must have confidence in God’s provisions

Because of his confidence…

Paul saw his deliverance

Paul knew he would be saved from his peril

What peril?

Philippians 1:12–18 ASV

12 Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; 13 so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest; 14 and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel; 17 but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. 18 What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Paul knew that if he would remain faithful, he would ultimately be with the Lord

Two things contributed to this deliverance:

The prayers of the saints … “through your supplication” (v. 19)

Friends, we ought to be praying for one another

Do we not realize the power of prayer?

James 5:16 ASV

16 Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.

The support of the Holy Spirit … “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (v. 19) - this support comes today through the written word

2 Peter 1:3 ASV

3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ASV

16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

Paul could see God’s Provision, but notice...

PAUL’S DILEMMA

Philippians 1:20 ASV

20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.

Paul was determined to exalt Christ, regardless of the outcome of his trial before Nero - whether he was released (and thus lived) or whether the court sentenced him to be executed.

The words “whether by life, or by death” prompted what has been called “Paul soliloquy” about life and death

Philippians 1:21–24 ASV

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if to live in the flesh,—if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not. 23 But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: 24 yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake.

Notice Paul’s list of advantages for life and then death

Advantages For Life

“For to me to live is Christ” (v.21)

Christ is the reason for living

The phrase “to me” is translated from one Greek word and is at the beginning of the sentence to give emphasis

Paul is saying, “Regardless of what life is to others, “to me,” it is Christ

Jesus was:

the beginning of Paul’s life,

the challenge of his life,

the motivation of his life,

the strength of his life,

and the goal of his life

Matthew 6:33 ASV

But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 ASV

This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.

What about us?

Complete this sentence: “For me to live is _______.

Many would insert money, possessions, fame, power, sports…

What is the most vital things in the world to you? Is it Christ - or, is it something else?

Mark 12:30 ASV

and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.

Jeremiah 29:13 ASV

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

As Paul considered the possibility that he might survive his coming trial, he concluded that that would be alright - because he would still be close to Christ

Notice another advantage to life...

“This shall bring fruit from my work” (v. 22)

Life gives time for worthwhile work

In life there is the opportunity to evangelize and teach

John 9:4 ASV

4 We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Life gives us time to do good …

Galatians 6:10 ASV

10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

As will discussed in a moment, Paul was suffering greatly in his work, but still believed bearing fruit for the Lord was worth living for

Still, another advantage to life is that is...

“Needful for your sake” (v. 24)

Life gives additional opportunities to help others

Philippians 1:24 ASV

24 yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake.

Paul knew that being with Christ would be the best for him, but he knew living and helping others was more necessary

Often, it seems, People think life is all about them…

What I want…

What’s best me…

But Paul had deep concern for others

Philippians 2:1–4 ASV

If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

Advantages For Death

On the other hand, Paul might not be acquitted and could lose his life - but Paul was not worried for he says “to die is gain” - He would find relief in death

Paul had to be a tired man

Paul suffered much…

2 Corinthians 11:23–28 ASV

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep; 26 in journeyings often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.

If the blessings of Revelation 14:13 applied to anyone, it would apply to Paul

Revelation 14:13 ASV

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.

But notice again...

Philippians 1:21 ASV

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

“To die is gain” — only if — “to live is Christ”

The promise of Revelation 14:13 is only for those “who die in the Lord”

Another advantage to death is that Paul could...

“Depart and be with Christ” (v. 23)

Paul’s great desire was to be with Christ

Notice that Paul just did not say this was better, he said it “very far better” (ASV)

Notice the word “depart” - Paul viewed his going to be with Jesus as a departure.

For the Christian, this life is a journey, and the destination is to be with Christ - and death is an essential part of reaching this destination

So Paul said...

Philippians 1:21–24 ASV

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if to live in the flesh,—if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not. 23 But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: 24 yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake.

We have noticed that Paul saw God’s provisions, and we have looked into Paul’s dilemma - now let’s consider.

PAUL’S DECISION

Notice Paul’s abrupt change from his previous uncertainty...

Philippians 1:25–26 ASV

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith; 26 that your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.

Paul had a keen sense of responsibility - He was unselfish

He could say “no to self” in order to say “yes to others”

Paul was convinced that he would survive this ordeal, and that he would remain side by side with them

He knew that this would contribute to their “progress and joy in the faith” (v. 25)

Progressing in the faith is necessary to having joy in the faith

The end result would be that their “glorying” (v. 26) and their “confidence” (v. 25) would “abound in Christ Jesus” (v. 26) through Paul’s “presence” (v. 26) with them again

From this we learn that; Our decisions should not be made just on the basis of what is best for us, but also in regard to what is best for others

Matthew 7:12 ASV

12 All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.

1 Corinthians 10:24 ASV

Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor’s good.

1 Corinthians 10:32–33 ASV

Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God: even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

So notice...

PAUL’S DEDUCTION

Paul wants them to know how what he as just written in the previous verses should impact their lives.

He wants them to make personal and practical application

Theology is never just theory, thus...

It should motivate them to live a faithful Christian life

Philippians 1:27 ASV

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;

Paul wants to be assured that whether he is able to come to be with them, or is absent because of death, that they will live their lives compatible with the Gospel

It should motivate them to live a courageous Christian life

Philippians 1:28–30 ASV

28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God; 29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf: 30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

They were undergoing persecution like Paul

Paul was not afraid, so he does not want them to be afraid

CONCLUSION

“To be, or not to be?” Life or death?

You may not ask Hamlet’s question, and you may not ponder the alternatives as Paul did.

Frankly, most of us do not like to think about death.

In fact, some go to great lengths to avoid the subject

Nevertheless, death is a reality.

Hebrews 9:27 ASV

27 And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment;

The question is not whether we will die, but whether we will be ready when we die

Remember: no person is ready to die until he is ready to live - ready to live for Christ (“For me to live is Christ”)