Christ Will Be Honored

Philippians 1:20-26

Introduction

We are continuing in our series, Joy In The Journey, and today is the 5th message.

Today’s Title is this: Christ Will Be Honored and we will specifically be in Philippians 1:20-26

Let’s recap where we are in the book of Philippians. Paul begins the letter by calling himself a servant of Jesus—a Doulos—fully surrendered to Christ. He reminds the Philippians of their ongoing partnership in the Gospel in verse 5, which started from day one and continues as they read his letter. Paul is writing from a Roman prison, where he’s been jailed for sharing the Gospel. The Philippians don’t know how he’s doing, so he tells them in verse 12 that his imprisonment has actually helped spread the Gospel. He explains how he’s been able to share with the Roman guards and others, and in verse 14, he says that many believers have become more confident and are now boldly sharing the Gospel without fear. Last week, we saw Paul rejoice that the Gospel is being preached—whether by people with wrong motives or by those who truly love and support him—because either way, Christ is being proclaimed.

The text we will go into today, we are going to see the tension that Paul is wrestling with. He is longing to be face to face with Jesus in Heaven yet may still be called to serve on earth and continue his ministry here. He wants to be faithful and obedient to whatever God calls him to do.

Prayer:

Read The Text:

Philippians 1:20-26

Central Idea:

Just as Paul wrestled between staying to serve and departing to be with Christ, we live with the same tension—faithfully serving now, yet longing for our eternal home.

Walk Through The Text:

Read Verses 20-22

POINT ONE: Paul’s Desire To Honor Christ

Read Verse 20

Many scholars believe this is around the time Paul is waiting to be on trial. He will come before the emperor Nero and find out his fate. He just doesn’t know when that is. (Context is everything when you read scripture)

Paul trusted and had confidence that he would not be at all ashamed- Referring to being ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Knowing he may be killed for his faith, it could have been easy to let that wear on him and do whatever he had to, to get out of prison. But he would not do that

He expects and hopes that he will not be ashamed of Jesus, but with full courage/boldness now and always Christ will be honored in his body, whether by life or death.

If he continues living, it will be for Christ’s glory; if he dies, it will be as a faithful sacrifice. He’s not afraid of death, only committed to trusting God’s perfect plan.

Read Verse 21

He has two directions he sees his life going, both of which glorify Christ.

Paul can honor Christ in 2 ways:

To live is Christ- Continually serving Jesus in this world

To die is gain- Enjoying being in the presence of Jesus in Heaven.

Can you honestly say that in your life, to live is Christ? For many, it could be to live is: to be rich, to be successful, to be known by others, to be happy. We may not come right out and say that publicly but our hearts know what we truly live for.

Read Verse 22

If he lives, his work for Christ goes on—more opportunities to serve and bear spiritual fruit. There was still more work to do in this area and by living, he could do more fruitful work for Christ, especially with the Philippians! But he’s unsure which to desire more, since both life and death hold great value in Christ.

Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell

He is between two choices:

Do I want to keep living and serving Christ here on earth?

OR:

Do I want to depart from this world, the brokenness, the physical chains I am in right now, and be face to face with Jesus for eternity?

Remember: This is around the time Paul is waiting to be on trial.

Many people today are just trying to make it through each day—living in bondage, brokenness, and without the freedom that Christ offers. They’re simply surviving. But when we consider the title of our series, JOY in the Journey, we remember the hope we have in Jesus. We are called to live for Christ—and that’s exactly why we must share this message (The Gospel). Jesus can completely transform the lost people around us. Both their lives and how they see the world.

Read Verses 23-25

POINT TWO: Paul’s Desire To Be With Christ

Read Verse 23

There’s a real struggle in his heart. Leaving this life means stepping into the presence of Christ—and nothing compares to that, not even fruitful ministry. This is what we live for: the promise of being with Jesus forever. Paul had plenty of time to reflect deeply on this as he was chained day in and day out in a roman prison.

Many of us have dealt with a similar tension. Wrestling with what God is calling us to do (Being obedient in Jesus), vs. what we want (Our selfish desires). The difference here is that Paul is still focused on Christ in the midst of this hard pressed tension. Our tension is usually between choosing to serve or be obedient in Christ verses doing what our flesh wants (worldly desires)

Read Verse 24

King James Version says “Nevertheless to ABIDE in the flesh” Paul wants to abide in Christ, no matter the cost.

It is more necessary or better that I continue to live and remain in the flesh so that I can be with you. He is thinking more about the Philippians than he is his own personal desires and wants.

Paul continues to show us how to live a Christ honoring life. It’s about Jesus and about others.

Read Verse 25

Knowing this or being convinced of this- continuing to live for the Philippians, he knows that he will remain/abide and continue to be with them.

He felt so sure that his time on earth was to remain and that he would be reunited with the Philippians to continue serving with them. This undoubtedly would further their progress and joy in the faith.

Read Verse 26

POINT THREE: Paul’s Desire To See Others Glorify Christ

Read Verse 26

When he gets out of prison and is reunited with the Philippians, they will rejoice more and boast more about Jesus because of what Christ is doing in and through Paul throughout this entire time of being in Prison.

The Philippians were blessed to have Paul—a man fully surrendered to Christ and deeply devoted to Him. His life encouraged them, and the hope of his release and return gave them even more reason to press on in faithful service together.

Application: Live your life in a way that honors Jesus Christ.

Illustration: It’s easy to let the days go by and let busyness/distractions keep us from God and before we know it we’re spending less and less time with God. Paul is an incredible example of living the obedient Christian life. Look back at the last week: Are you closer to Christ or further away.

Application:

Look at your life this week—are there things keeping you from truly living for Christ?

Where Do We Go From Here:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However God has spoken to you this morning to respond, do it!