Till Death Do Us Gain

Till Death Do Us Gain

Philippians 1:18-26

Introduction: 

Jim Elliot - Auca “OW CUH”  / Waodoni Tribe in Ecudaor. 

He wrote this in his journal on  October 28, 1949. 

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” 

Partners in ministry following the call of the Lord, Jim and Elisabeth traveled into the Ecuadorian jungle. On January 8, 1956, while attempting to make contact with the people of the Auca/Waodani tribe, Jim and four other missionaries were speared to death; slain by those they came to minister to. 

His life’s work and legacy would continue as Elisabeth later moved into the Auca/Waodani village with their young daughter and one of the other slain missionary’s wife to live among those who had killed him.

Jim and those other missionaries knew what was at stake, they risked thier lives for the gospel. Even more so, Elisabeth knowing that she too might suffer the same fate, but their mission was to reach this people, regardless of life or death. This story and countless other examples of martyrs throughout church history demonstrate what it looks like to live and die for Christ. 

Main Idea: Live and Die for Christ. 

Live for Christ

Die for Christ

Context: 

Paul is in prision awaiting trial. He received the gift from the Philippians. He writes to them to tell of his situtation and to thank them for the gift. As he writes the letter, we learned last time that he quickly focused his attention on the gospel and it advancing. Today we will see that he does give a little update about his situation, but will quickly revert the attention away from himself and toward the Philippians. 

As Paul writes this portion of the letter, he is setting up for the climactic point of Philippians, which is 2:1-11. In that section, he provides them with the well-known Christ hymn, but the theme of it is Jesus’ Humility. 

Paul is setting himself up as an example and is trying to help the Philippians see how they can focus more on one another than themselves. 

“Humility is not thinking of yourself as less, it’s thinking of yourself less.” - C.S Lewis

As we read through this passage, you will probably notice some contrasting ideas. Here is what we will see: 

Life & Death

Shame & Honor

Christ & Gain

Remain & Depart

Exposition: 

v. 18b “Yes, and I will rejoice.”

The word rejoice is repeated twice, this helps link the two passages together (Philippians 1:12-18 & 18-26). Remember Paul was rejoicing because the gospel was advancing. 

If we look carefully, we can see a subtle shift in the tense of word rejoice. He said, “In that I rejoice.” Now this is more of present tense, meaning he is currently rejoicing over the fact that the gospel is advancing, but what he is now saying is that he will, future tense, rejoice. 

Why will he be rejoicing in the future? 

v. 19 “for I know…this will turn out for my deliverance.”

Paul knows the outcome of his situation is settled. 

How is he sure of this? 

“through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”

Paul mentions the prayers of the Philippians. He knows that they have been praying for him and his deliverance. 

As they have been praying, he knows that the matter has been settled. Even though his “fate” may lie in the hands of his accusers, the Lord has fixed the outcome. 

Did the prayers of the Philippians alter the plan of God? No! But it demonstrates a wonderful principle that we should all commit ourselves to – praying for other people. 

The beauty in being apart of a church is that we see everyone and we share the burdens of everyone. Covering one another in prayer is vital. Would we commit ourselves to praying for one another? 

Paul also mentions the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 

He is obviously referring to the Holy Spirit, but uses this as a way of nuancing their view of the Holy Spirit. 

So, he is sure of his “deliverance” because of the prayers of the Philippians and the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has comforted him in prison, how else might we explain his unconditional joy? 

v. 20 “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that will full courage no as always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” 

Paul reflects on his situation and shares that his hopes and expectations are of his outcome. Notice he mentions three things: 

Not ashamed

Full of courage

Christ would be honored in life or death

v. 21 “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” 

Paul shares a memorable line that will stick with the Philippians. Remember, they too are facing persecution and could potentially suffer a similar fate as Paul. 

Paul just flat out says the following, 

to live = Christ

to die = gain

Both of these “equations” sound great. Either outcome would be wonderful for Paul. 

We will see more of what he means in the following verses. 

v. 22 “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” 

So, Paul is saying that if he remains alive, he will continue his labor of ministering to others the gospel, strengthening churches, and encouraging believers. 

This “fruitful labor” is full of meaning. 

“Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.” 

Some have taken this to mean that Paul has some say in the outcome. Many assume that Paul could either take the gift that was sent by the Philippians and offer that as a bribe, some think he may be contemplating sucide, though the numerous mentions of his joy and even his thought process in this passage is not consistent with this idea. 

Rather, Paul is saying … - KEOWN. 

v. 23 “I am hard pressed between the two.” 

Paul has found himself between a rock and a hardplace. He feels tugged in two separate directions. 

“My desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better.” 

Now, we know the joys that await us in eternity. It is no wonder that Paul would desire this.

v. 24 “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” 

Paul, seeing glory as a potential outcome for him, is motivated to remain on the earth so that he can minister to the Philippians. Remember, he wants to go and visit them soon. 

Paul forgoes his own desires to minister to others. 

v. 25 “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all.” 

Paul knowing that they are still in need, and so too other churches and individuals, he will continue on in fruitful labor until the Lord calls him home. 

Why is he motivated? “for your progress and joy in the faith.” 

The word translated progress is the same word that we saw in the last section. This helps link the two ideas. The reason for his joy is the advancing gospel and their progressing faith. 

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” Philippians 1:12

v. 26 “So that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” 

Paul concludes this section by saying that his aim in coming to them would be that they would bring glory to Christ – that they would worship Christ all the more. 

Paul was so motivated to care for others that even in his ministry, it was not about him, but about his savior. 

Application: 

This passage was very encouraging to me. I enjoyed studying it and examining Paul’s mindset. What Paul demonstrated is what I hope to live out in my life. 

Paul outlines 7 Markers for what our lives should be marked with:

Prayer for one another

Dependence upon the Holy Spirit

Not being ashamed of the gospel

Being full of courage

Fruitful labor 

Helping others progress in their faith

Bringing glory to Christ

I pray that all of our lives would be marked by these, “Till Death Do Us Gain.”