A Life Worth Living and a Death Worth Dying

Recap of the Series

Paul begins his letter by sharing his deep affection for the church at Philippi and his thankfulness for their partnership in the gospel, which will be completed when Jesus Christ returns.

Paul shifted his letter from the church at Philippi to his current situation. He wants the church to know that his imprisonment in Rome is not bad but good. His confined situation allowed him to spread the gospel to not only the imperial Roman guards who were guarding Paul but also all the other people with whom he had the opportunity to share the gospel because of his time behind bars.

Finally, Paul addressed the envy and jealousy with which some were preaching Christ. Some were secretly glad that Paul was out of the picture so that they could steal the spotlight for themselves. Paul concludes that he is not concerned about such rivalry or envy; his most significant concern is that they proclaim Christ. Proclaiming Christ is what brings Paul the greatest joy in this life.

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Today, Paul unveils the true heartbeat of his life. Paul uses the little phrase “for me,” giving the understanding that he cannot speak for everyone else. He follows up with the verb “is” to describe his heartbeat.

Unfortunately, the English translation fails to reach this verse's heart. We usually supply it with “is”; other verbs could describe this idea of purpose, meaning, center, foundation, or power. Living means Christ. Living depends on Christ. Living honors Christ. The cadence comes out in Greek, which scholars have described as the drumbeat repetition, which sounds like Paul’s heartbeats heard in the rhythm of words.

Philippians 1:19–26 ESV

19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

INTRODUCTION

In your short life, what will you live for? What will you die for?

You don’t want to live merely for sex, money, power, beauty, or entertainment. These gifts from God are to be appropriately stewarded, but they are not our goals in life. They often become idols. Instead, you want to dedicate your life to something that will matter far more in billions of years: Christ.

If you say that living is Christ, then in all sincerity, you can say that dying is gain. However, if you say living is money, you will conclude that dying is being broken. If you claim that living is sexual pleasure, you will conclude that dying is having no more pleasure. What about power? Then, you would have to say that dying is being powerless. What about beauty? You must conclude that dying is losing beauty and decaying in the ground.

Most people today are wasting their lives pursuing the empty treasures this world offers instead of the eternal, lasting treasures that a Christ-centered vision of life can provide.

The apostle Paul has been telling the Philippians about his present situation. Imagine your pastoral leadership going on a mission trip but not returning. If they sent you an email after about a month, you would probably want to open it!

The Philippians were concerned for Paul. But he doesn’t say to them, “Hey, you guys, please contact the Roman officials and all your political leaders, and please work the system to get me out of prison.” Instead, Paul spends verses 12–26 comforting the Philippians. He tells them not to worry about him because his suffering has led to the advance of the gospel; he tells them not to be concerned with the envious evangelists since they proclaim Christ (vv. 16–18).

And now he says they shouldn’t be worried about him since Christ will be exalted in his life and death.

They have no need to be worried, no need to be ashamed. He’s comforting his friends before launching into his exhortations and encouragements, which begin in verse 27 and extend through the rest of the book.

1. The Christians Ambition in Life and Death is to Honor Christ

*We show that we Honor Christ by Rejoicing in Him Consistently

Paul concludes the last section with “I rejoice,” he now begins the next section with the future tense “I will rejoice.

I think that we must consider where does the source of our joy come from? What are your plans for the future? For paul his future plans rested in the consistent joy he found in knowing Christ.

What are your plans for the future?

Perhaps you have great plans for the future: maybe you have no idea. So, whether you will go to the nations, plant churches, or plant corn. Make this your plan for the future: “I will rejoice in Christ all the days of my life.” Where your joy is shows what you truly value the most. What brings you the greatest joy in this life.

What causes us to live a joyless life as Christians?

The Danger of a Joyless Christian Life

Life-and-Death Canaries

How does this work? Here’s an illustration.

Coal miners know that dangerous gases can gather silently and secretly in the tunnels. Carbon monoxide will asphyxiate them. Methane explodes.

A methane explosion took the lives of 12 men in the 2006 Sago mine disaster in West Virginia. In 1906, almost 1,100 miners were killed in Courrières, France in one massive chain of explosions.

But in the early days of coal mining, they found an effective, low-tech solution: They brought canaries into the mines. A canary’s metabolism is very sensitive to air quality. As long as the bright yellow birds chirp and sing, miners know the air is safe. If gas levels rise, the canaries stop singing, wobble on their perch, and eventually fall to the floor of the cage.

Christian joy is like that singing, yellow bird. One of the first effects of sin or doctrinal error is that we lose our joy in Christ. When your heart stops singing, that is a warning to watch your life and doctrine closely.

“It’s hard for Satan to tempt a believer filled with joy in God with the empty pleasures of this world.”

Jesus Himself connected our daily Spiritual life with Joy!

John 15:10–11 ESV

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

If your soul is satisfied in Christ, you will rejoice in Christ. Take your eyes off Christ, and you’ll lose your joy. Christian joy is a barometer of your spiritual life.

Note: Do not confuse the unique joy that we have in Christ with an upbeat feeling.

Genuine Christian joy is not the power of positive thinking. Joy is not a bubbly, optimistic personality. Joy is not being happy because life is going my way. Joy is not walking through life with a naïve, glass-half-full attitude.

Jesus says it is my joy . . . in you. And Paul says, Rejoice in the Lord.

 Joy is the emotion of salvation. It is the joy of seeing, knowing, loving, and trusting Jesus Christ. We cannot generate this true joy ourselves — it is the product of the Holy Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22).

Joy cannot be extinguished by our circumstances.

*We show that we Honor Christ by Relying on Him Completely.

Paul saw two powerful forces at work to ensure the transformation of this evil, sinful body into the glorified, sanctified body of Christ. The two forces are 1) Prayer of the Saints, and 2) the Help of the Holy Spirit.

Some Commentators point out that Paul exactly quotes Job 13:16 from the Greek translation of the Old Testament. And he may have been reflecting on the life of Job, who also suffered even though he committed no crime. Here’s what he quotes:

Even if He kills me, I will hope in Him.… Yes, this will result in my deliverance. (Job 13:15a, 16a; emphasis added)

My Deliverance

What did Paul mean by deliverance? Was he referring to a physical release from his prison cell, or was it more about being liberated from this world, with all its pain and suffering, into the final ultimate salvation?

Considering the next section and what we know about Paul, we must assume that the delivery he mentions involves leaving the confines of this earthly existence for his eternal salvation. In verses 25-26, he is convinced his death is not yet imminent. It seems he has resigned himself to the fact that he will eventually die in his imprisonment by the Roman government.

Deliverance for Paul was the final destination of all who believe and call on the name of the Lord to be saved. The ultimate end of this life is the assurance of being safely delivered into the masters hands.

The issue is Job’s standing before God and his vindication.… Presumably, then, “this” [Phil 1:19] refers to all the things that have happened to Paul, both good and bad, and he is reflecting on his own experience in light of that of Job.

God will work these things out for Paul’s ultimate good, and if things go badly, humanly speaking, God can provide a bountiful supply of the Spirit’s aid so that Paul can endure and remain a good witness to the end.

We do not Walk the Christian Life in Isolation

Paul knows that he is not alone in prison; he will not stand on trial alone; and if he is sentenced to die, he will not suffer and die alone. He counts on the prayers of his friends and the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ to fill the darkness of his prison with light and to turn his trial into deliverance.

Do you feel the heavy presence of the Spirit of God when you know that the church is praying for you.

*We show that we Honor Christ by Representing Him Courageously

Paul see’s his call as not only to honor Christ in his body but also to be a good representative of Christ. We read in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that we are reconciled be God to be his ambassadors to the world.

How do you show the greatest honor to Christ?

This is how you honor Jesus above all things: you care more about His glory than your glory, and you live this way with courage.

Will you seek to honor something or someone other than Jesus? Will you live as a coward or with courage? In Philippians 1:12–30 the theme of courage appears in several ways (vv. 14, 20, 28). Such boldness comes from the Spirit of Christ, as illustrated by the early church in the book of Acts (e.g., Acts 4:29–31). As we think about representing Jesus courageously, look again at verse 21: “For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.” Consider:

(1) the public nature of this statement,

(2) the grace of this statement,

(3) the unstoppable mentality of this statement.

First: You show what’s more important to you by how you live your life day in and day out.

The ambition that Paul eximplified he did not want to be ashamed of faultering in such a lofty goal. This is not something that is kept silent. It is something that as meant to be visible for all to see. In verse 22 he speaks of “fruitful work.” Don’t say that you’re living for Christ if there’s no labor for Christ. If you’re going to represent Him, go public!

Paul makes the bold statement in Romans 1:16 “for I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for Slavation to everyone who believes…”

Second: We need His grace in order to represent Him in this world. Will we always live perfectly for Christ in this life? The answer is no, that’s why we need His grace.

Third: When we live a grace, spirit empowered life like Paul it enables us to share Paul’s unstoppable mentality. You can live courageously for Christ because if they kill you, then you will be with Christ!

The phrase “to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” has emboldened and given courage to countless Christians in difficult and many times life threatening situations to to stand firm in their faith.

We must make it clear that Paul is not advocating martyrdom, even though his words are bound to encourage persecuted Christians. Paul know full and well that there is greater and more fruitful benefit for him staying on this earth awhile longer. Perhaps as we get older our prayer should be for the Lord to delay our death that more might come to faith in Christ because of our wittness.

This outlook truly made Paul unstoppable, and I suppose it was aggravating to his opponents! You can imagine his conversations with the guards:

Guards: “Hey, Paul, we don’t like you and your Messiah. We’re going to kill you.”

Paul: “That’d be great! Dying is gain! Bring it on!”

Guards: “On second thought, we’re going to allow you to live.”

Paul: “Fantastic! Living means fruitful, joyous labor!”

Guards: “Well, we’re going to let you live, but we’re going to make you suffer.”

Paul: “Hey, guys, I consider the sufferings of this present world not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed. It would fill me with joy to suffer for the Name!”

Do you see the power of this perspective? Kill me? I’ll be with Christ. Let me live? I’ll live for Christ. Make me suffer? I’ll experience joy and get rewarded by Christ.

2. The Christian Desire in Life and Death is Being with Christ

For Paul letting the Philippian church hear the process he is going through shows how he is opening his heart up to the people. The reality is that it is all a win-win situation for Paul. To keep on living means fruitful labor, and to die means fully possessing the greatest treasure the world could possibly every know and that is Jesus Christ. Paul found a love greater than life itself, and this vision of being with Christ inspired him to endure.

*The Hope of Being with Christ Enables us to Trust Him with the End

The Dilemma (1:22-23a)

Have you ever found yourself in a dilemma where you are not sure what to pray or ask God for? A dilemma where both outcomes will have good results. Paul uses a rhetorical question that demonstrates the value of both. This is why he is “torn” or “pressured.”

The controlling power of being compelled by strong feelings, the controlling power that leads us to a win-win situation. It’s like asking for a filet or a rib-eye.

The underlying part of Paul’s dilemma is that it is really not up to him to decide the day of his death. No one knows for sure when they are going to die. This is why we should make the best use of our time as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:15-16

Ephesians 5:15–16 ESV

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Pursue your God Given Assignments

Paul’s dilemma included continuing to fulfill the God-given assignments that God has placed you here to fulfill. If this was your last day on planet earth and you were to step into eternity how would your report card look at this point in relation to your God given assignments.

Paul’s Desire (1:23b)

Paul is very clear about his preference or desire. Why did Paul prefer dying? It meant being with Christ, and that was better than life. Paul doesn’t mention desire for reward, but for Christ Himself, who is the ultimate reward. Dying means more of Christ - more complete, close, and intimate relationship with the king of Glory. There was a song that was written years ago titled “I want to See Jesus.”

I want to See Jesus (Billy Dale Sexton)

If I never walk upon those streets of purest gold,

If I never sit beside that crystal sea,

If I never see that mansion prepared to be my final home,

I want to see Jesus cause He died for me.

CHORUS

To look into those eyes of mercy that watched o'er me when even I strayed,

I want to feel those nail-scarred hands that gently brushed my tears away.

To thank Him for each drop of blood that flowed from Calvary,

I want to see Jesus cause He died for me.

When I go out of town without my wife, Diana, I will feel as if something is missing. Wherever, I am at is not my home. And I am always ready to come to be with her. That’s the way you should feel when you are in love. Paul could not wait to see Jesus. I often hear people mention heaven without mentioning Christ. That is not what Paul envisions. When he thought about death, he thought about being in the presence of Christ.

The reason some people never desire heaven is because they have built a pretty comfortable life right here. 2 Corinthians 5:8

2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV

8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

The Greek word here for Depart is a nautical term in Greek literature, used to describe a ship setting loose it’s mooring. Death is not an enemy for the Christian. Death is like a boat; it takes you where you want to go.

The person who is dying sees the light slowly fading away in this world and then wake up to see something more glorious than anything this world could possibly offer us. Paul knew that death was better, but not just a little better, far above and beyond better.

There is a relationship far better, a love that is like no other. And know Christ personally, then you can look at death and say that it is better than life because it means being with Christ. Do you long for this, does your heart ache for this Christian.

*The Hope of Being with Christ Enables us to Endure to the End

Paul’s Decision

Even though Paul knew that Christ’s eternal presence was better than life, he resolved to live out his day’s honoring Christ for the sake of the church. Even though death is better he knew in his heart that him staying on earth awhile longer would be far better for the church.

Christian, there are necessary and unfinished assignments for you to complete, and part of that includes laboring for the progress and joy of the Philippians Church.

Seeking the Comfortable over the Difficult

I get frustrated in ministry as I watch Christians fade away into the background of church life. They show up on Sunday and do their church thing, but that is the sum total of their commitment to laboring alongside the believers.

Look what Jesus has to say about enduring faithfully to the end: Matthew 24:12-13

Matthew 24:12–13 ESV

12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

How do we know if we are Enduring to the End?

Ask the Following Questions:

1). How are you Serving others?

vs. 24

Question to Ask: If you left the church today would anyone really miss you? Please understand Paul is not saying that the whole world will fall apart if he leaves the church.

However, using the body illustration if you took my arm off, I’m going to miss it! If you took off my ear, I will miss it! Paul could confidently say that they church needs him and the church needs everyone in the body doing their part. The question really is, “are you serving?” Paul say’s I’m going to stay to serve the church, can you confidently say this.

2) How are you Serving for the Progress and Joy of others?

vs. 25

Real progress in the faithful service of others will result in genuine joy in the faith. Progress in the faith will always result in joy in the faith. This is why Paul wants to stay on planet earth: so people can grow in their faith and grow in their joy. Paul says something similar in 2 Corinthians 1:24

2 Corinthians 1:24 ESV

24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.

What an amazing thought, that we are striving so that others can rejoice in all that is theirs in Christ. Do you think about living daily for the benefit of others’ for the increased joy of others.

3) How are you Serving so that others may Boast in Christ?

vs. 26

What’s life about? It’s about fruitful work. What does it mean to have fruitful work? It means doing our part. It means helping people grow in their faith. It means helping people have more joy in Christ and their relationship with Him. It means ministering so that others glorify Jesus more and more.

That is why Paul wanted to stay around a little longer. He was willing to postpone his homecoming for the joy of serving others.

How can you have this life?

How can your life truly have meaning like this - honoring Christ by rejoicing in Christ, relying on Christ, and representing Christ? And how can you have a death like this - dying with the great joy of knowing you will forever be with Christ? How did Paul get this passion? He actually unveils it to us in Philippians 3.

Paul declares that he views everything as loss compared with the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. Because of Jesus he has suffered the loss of all things and now considers them as filth, nothing, compared to the great gain he has found in Christ Jesus. Paul’s end goal now and always is to know the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering.

CLOSING

This is the good news. If you do not have meaning in life, and if you do not have this outlook on death, grace is available to you in the person of Jesus Christ, who came to us as Philippians chapter 2 declares and humbled himself to die the death that we deserved, paying the penalty for sinners like us.

Then he rose on our behalf, and he is now seated at the right hand of glory in heaven ruling and reigning over all things.

Turn away from your own efforts and trust in Him alone; He will forgive you, He will give you His righteousness, and change our current passion and your eternal destiny.

Everyone wants to live, and everyone will eventually die.

But there is only one way to have a life worth living and a death worth dying: to look to the one who conquered sin and death, the one Paul desired to see above all things. If you see Him as He is, you, too, will say, “To Live is Christ, and To Die is Gain.” 

WHAT WILL YOU LIVE FOR? WHAT WILL YOU DIE FOR?