Rejoice in Life, Rejoice in Death

Philippians 1:18-30

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High School small groups start this Friday @ 7AM at the McDonalds near the school.

I will buy breakfast on Friday. But not all of the time. Just this first one.

Introduction

The cost to follow Jesus is everything. V. 18-21

Explanation

V 18. We look back and see that Paul is rejoicing. It is important because he is in prison and might be executed. But he is still rejoicing because Christ is being glorified.

V 19. Paul is referencing the book of Job chapter 13 in this verse. “Even if he kills me, I will hope in him… This will be my salvation.” Job went through some THINGS with his walk with the Lord. He is referring to everything that has happened to him good and bad. The deliverance he is talking about is interpreted in 2 different ways. Release from Prison, or eternal. The way some look at his release from prison, is because of the context of the rest of the book. But the term Paul uses for the word deliverance in the Greek is for eternal salvation. I personally think for the purpose of the context of the passage Paul is talking about his deliverance from prison. FORESHADOW LATER VERSES 25-26

V 20-21. Paul’s hope is that he will always be emboldened to share the gospel and never back down from it.

What a statement, “for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” It’s so powerful. Paul is telling the Philippians that no matter the outcome of his imprisonment, it is worth it. If the Romans let him live, he keeps being able to preach the gospel. If they kill him, then he gets to be with the savior. And even if they torture him, he will be joyful because God can use him through the suffering. An example of this is Acts 16:25-40. Paul and Silas singing hymns. The prison bars break open, the guard freaks out thinking they left. They stop him and he ends up becoming a Christian.

Illustration- Jim Elliot

Jim Elliot was a missionary back in the early 50’s. He went to evangelize an unreached people group called the Aucas (Awh cuh). They ended up killing him.

But there’s more

His wife Elizabeth ended up going back two years later and alot of them becoming Christians and now they are a friendly tribe.

Application- What are you willing to do for the advancement of the gospel?

Missionary

School

Home

We get to see Jesus V. 22-26

Explanation

V. 22- 23A- Paul is having a dilemma in these verses. He knows that his ministry is beneficial to the gospel, but Paul is also looking forward to being with christ. And when he is hard pressed he is showing strong emotion and that he is really concerned and does not know what exactly he wants.

V. 23B- But all that being said he comes to the conclusion he would rather die and go to heaven for obvious reasons. No more suffering, be in the presence of God. Paul’s view on death is not a negative thing. It is more joyful because of who we are going to have a more intimate relationship with once a believer passes away.

V. 24-26- But knows that it is more beneficial for him to be alive and continue his ministry of the gospel. And with him knowing of what is to come, he can continue to be in a joyful spirit through the tough days. And continue to stay and be there for the body of Christ on Earth.

Illustration- Playing baseball and looking forward to the treat after the game.

Mr consistent, always batted above 500

If i did not strike out, I would get an ice cream, or something along those line

After church lunch.

Application- Keep an eternal mindset

When things get tough don’t forget the hope that is given to you through the gospel

Come together in Christ (v. 27-30)

Explanation

V 27- Paul is calling the church to come together as one body.

V 28- When we are standing together we will not be shaken as easily if we are by ourself. But then finishes it with a contrast between believers and nonbelievers. That when we come together as one unit, that nonbelievers will be shown destruction because of the lack of oneness. Whereas Christians our togetherness shows the salvation of Christ in us.

V. 29-30- Paul kind of throws a curveball to end this chapter by saying we have granted suffering. Now most of us think suffering is not a good thing. Stubbing your toe is not good. But Paul is saying that we have the privilege to suffer for Christ because through his death on the cross he enables us to do so. And through that suffering it shows that Christ is with us. And he wraps up by saying that the Philippians are going to suffer just as much as he is in Rome in prison.

Illustration- Sports. Kickball game

Teams come together with a goal in mind, win.

Not always easy

A lot of work

But you can’t play a team sport without a team

Application

In the same way we as christians are to come together for the common goal of strengthening the kingdom of God.

Conclusion

Challenge

What are you willing to sacrifice to better advance the gospel?

Who are you willing to talk to that you don’t necessarily want to?

How can we keep an eternal mindset?

Who are some people that you can come together with to strengthen your faith?

Gospel presentation