For me to Live

Last week…

What if Christ followers did...

What if Christ followers lived as though pain wasn’t proof of God’s absence, but the place where His power and tenderness dwell most visibly?

What if we bore suffering with honesty and hope— not false smiles, but faithful presence?

What if our lives said to those far from Christ: "We suffer too, but we don’t suffer alone. And we don’t suffer without purpose."

That would be a witness worth watching. That would be the gospel, embodied.

Philippians 1:21–30 NASB 2020

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and this too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Philippians 1:21 NASB 2020

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

I. Christ is the Meaning of Life and Death (vv. 21–26)

Key Verse: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (v.21)

✦ Teaching Notes:

Grammar Insight: The verse contains no verb in Greek — literally “To live, Christ; to die, gain.” It reflects Paul's complete identification with Messiah.

“To live is Christ": Life is defined by obedience, service, and faithfulness to Jesus. Not success or ease.

“To die is gain": Paul does not have a death wish; he has a clear resurrection hope. The Greek word "κέρδος" (gain) implies profit or advantage — he views death not as loss but as reunion and reward.

Desire vs. Duty (vv. 23–24): Paul desires release (ἀναλῦσαι, "to depart") — same word used in 2 Timothy 4:6. But remaining is more needful for the Philippians’ benefit.

“Fruitful labor" (v.22): Paul’s view of ongoing life is mission-centered. Labor that bears fruit in others.

✦ Application:

Am I ready to die because I’ve lived fully for Christ?

Do I view my continued life as fruitful labor for others’ benefit?

Philippians 1:27 NASB 2020

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

II. Live Worthy of the Gospel (v.27)

Key Verse: “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…”

✦ Teaching Notes:

“Manner of life" (πολιτεύεσθε): This is a political word—live as citizens. Given Philippi’s Roman colonial status, this is a challenge to transfer their loyalty from Rome to the Kingdom of God.

Worthy (ἀξίως): This implies balance or equivalence — their conduct must match the message they preach.

Stand firm (στήκετε) and strive (συναθλέω): Military and athletic metaphors. Stand as soldiers; strive as a team. Unity and struggle are expected.

“One spirit... one mind": Paul emphasizes communal identity in Messiah — there is no lone-wolf Christianity.

✦ Application:

Are we conducting ourselves as citizens of the kingdom, not of this world?

How are we showing gospel-worthiness in community, not just in personal piety?

✦ Hebrew Bible Echo:

Isaiah 52:7 — Those who bear good news are called beautiful because they proclaim peace and salvation.

Micah 6:8 — Justice, mercy, and humble walking are markers of lives aligned with God's message.

Philippians 1:29 NASB 2020

For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf,

III. Do Not Be Intimidated by Opposition (vv.28–30)

Key Verse: “For it has been granted to you… to suffer for his sake.” (v.29)

✦ Teaching Notes:

“Granted" (ἐχαρίσθη): From χάρις — grace. Suffering is not just permitted; it’s graciously given. Suffering for Christ is a divine gift.

“Not frightened" (v.28): A word used for startled animals. The call is to fearless unity in public opposition.

“Sign of destruction/salvation": Their boldness under pressure is evidence — to their opponents — of God's active presence.

Same conflict (ἀγών): Refers to athletic struggle or gladiatorial contest. Philippians had seen Paul suffer in Acts 16 (imprisoned, beaten) and heard of his continued chains.

✦ Application:

The world may interpret our suffering as weakness, but it is actually our glory (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17).

Are we teaching believers to expect suffering or avoid it?

✦ Hebrew Bible Echo:

Psalm 44:22 — “For your sake we are killed all day long.”

Daniel 3 & 6 — Bold witness under threat of death, trusting in God's deliverance or vindication.

Kingdom Citizenship Brings Suffering Loyalty

✦ Teaching Notes:

Paul’s appeal to citizenship (v.27) sets the frame: Philippi was a Roman colony proud of its status. But Paul redirects this pride toward a higher allegiance.

In God's kingdom, life and death, unity and suffering, all serve the gospel.

The call is not just to believe in Christ but to suffer for him (v.29).

Call to Action

Reflect: Do I view life as fruitful labor or selfish ambition?

Respond: What does “living worthy of the gospel” require from me this week?

Rejoice: Have courage! Your suffering is not meaningless—it is a gift that connects you to Messiah and to his people.

For me to Live