To Live Christ, To Die Gain

Opening Prayer:

Father, we come before You today, seeking to understand Your Word and be transformed by it. Teach us what it means to live fully for Christ, to find joy in both life and death, and to labor for the good of others. Fill us with the power of Your Spirit to live purposefully in this world as we await our eternal home with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Philippians 1:19–26 NKJV

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 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.

Introduction: Imagine for a moment that your life was a single statement. What would it say? For the Apostle Paul, his life was summed up by one powerful declaration: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” These words encapsulate a life completely sold out to Christ, a life lived with a singular focus—whether in chains, in freedom, in life, or in death, everything revolved around the glory of Jesus.

As we dive into today's passage from Philippians, we see Paul, a man imprisoned and facing the possibility of death, yet overflowing with hope, joy, and purpose. How could someone, in such dire circumstances, maintain such peace and confidence? It was because of his unwavering trust in the deliverance of God—whether that meant physical freedom or ultimate freedom in eternity.

This leads us to the first point of today’s message:

1. Paul’s Confidence in Deliverance

Philippians 1:19–20

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Paul expressed confidence that his situation, whether it led to life or death, would result in his deliverance and Christ being exalted. His deliverance didn’t necessarily mean release from prison but rather that Christ would be glorified through his faithfulness, no matter the outcome. Paul’s confidence was rooted in two things:

the prayers of the Philippians and

the help of the Holy Spirit.

He knew that through the partnership of prayer and the power of the Spirit, he could face any circumstance with hope.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Paul trusted that regardless of the outcome, God would work through it for good, whether that good was his release or his faithful testimony in suffering.

Application:

We, too, can have confidence in God’s deliverance. It may not always look like what we expect or want, but we can trust that as we pray and rely on the Holy Spirit, God will be glorified through our situation. Whether in hardship or blessing, God is working out His purpose for our lives.

And this brings us to one of the most profound statements in all of Scripture...

2. Living for Christ, Dying is Gain

Philippians 1:21

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

One of the most profound statements in all of Scripture, Paul declares, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Paul understood that if he lived, his life would continue to glorify Christ. Every breath he took, every word he spoke, and every action he performed was centered on exalting Jesus. And yet, dying was even better because it meant being in the very presence of Christ.

Jim Elliot, a missionary to Ecuador in the 1950s, embodied the mindset of “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” From a young age, Jim felt called to bring the gospel to those who had never heard it, particularly the indigenous tribes of Ecuador. He and four other missionaries made contact with the Huaorani, a group known for their hostility toward outsiders. Despite the danger, Jim and his friends pressed forward, desiring to show the love of Christ to these people.

On January 8, 1956, after initial peaceful encounters, Jim and his companions were speared to death by the very people they were trying to reach with the gospel. Jim’s sacrifice might have seemed like a tragic loss to some, but his life and death reflected a deep truth: his entire existence was dedicated to Christ, and in dying, he gained eternal life.

Jim once wrote in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” His life was fully Christ’s, and he considered his death a gateway to eternal gain—being in the presence of the Lord. Even in death, Jim’s legacy continued to impact countless people, leading others, including his widow, Elisabeth Elliot, to return to the Huaorani tribe, where many eventually accepted Christ.

Paul would later write Timothy

2 Timothy 4:6–8 NKJV

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul speaks about his impending death to Timothy, yet he is full of hope, describing how he has fought the good fight and is ready to receive the crown of righteousness. Paul’s outlook on death as gain comes from a deep assurance of what awaits believers after this life.

Romans 14:8 NKJV

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Paul’s perspective is that we are fully God’s in both life and death.

Application

Let me ask you something

Do you live with the mindset that every moment of your life is an opportunity to exalt Christ? And do you see death as gain, not something to fear but a doorway to the presence of God?

This is the aim of a sold out follower of Christ.

Our final point for today is

Philippians 1:22–26

“22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”

3. Fruitful Labor

Though Paul was eager to be with Christ, he recognized that staying alive meant fruitful labor for the sake of others. His love for the Philippians and his desire to see them grow in their faith drove him to remain. His life was not lived for himself but for the benefit of others.

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Paul’s life was not about his personal gain, but about Christ living through him for the benefit of others.

John 15:16 NKJV

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Jesus speaks about appointing us to bear fruit, fruit that will last. Paul’s fruitful labor reflects this calling—to make an impact on the world for the glory of God and the good of others.

Application:

Our lives, like Paul’s, should be filled with fruitful labor for the Kingdom. Whether we’re at work, at home, or with friends, we have the opportunity to build others up, to share the gospel, and to help people grow in their faith.

Conclusion:

Paul’s perspective on life and death was shaped by his deep relationship with Christ. Whether he lived or died, he knew his purpose: to glorify God. Like Paul, we can live with confidence, knowing that God will deliver us from trials, whether in this life or the next. And while we remain here on earth, we have fruitful labor to do—helping others grow in their faith and spreading the gospel.

So, ask yourself: Am I living for Christ today? Do I see my life as an opportunity to exalt Him? And do I look forward to the day when I will be with Him, knowing that death is truly gain?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the example of Paul and his passion for Christ. Help us to live with the same confidence, knowing that whether we live or die, we are Yours. Give us the strength to engage in fruitful labor, building others up and sharing the good news of Christ. Let our lives be a testimony of Your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.