To Live is Christ

Good morning, everyone! Whether you're here with us in the room or joining online—listening live or later—I am truly glad you're here. Leaf River Baptist church exist to Know Christ, grow in faith, and to go make Him known.

Hey, if you’ve got kids with you this morning—now’s a great time for them to head to class. We’ve got an amazing team ready to welcome them and help them know Jesus in a way that makes sense to them.

Now everyone else, it’s time to grab your Bible, and get ready to be uncomfortable. We are finishing up Philippians chapter 1 today.

We’ve been talking through Philippians for the last few weeks and we are actually going to finish chapter 1 today. You might notice that we will be moving backwards to a section that we missed last week. We are moving back because we talked about the unity as a church last week…but now we back up a little bit to see where Paul is coming from as he talks about this unity, and the idea of suffering that we discussed last week.

What we are going to see today is that when Christ is your life, you don’t fear death—and your life does not belong to you.

So, let’s step into the house with Paul. Open up to Philippians 1. We are going to start in the last part of 18 and read through 26—Now, I want you to listen carefully here. Listen to the confidence of a man who does not know whether he will live…or die.

So, open up to Philippians 1 starting in vs 20. Well, actualy starting in the second part of verse 19.

Philippians 1:18–26 ESV

Yes, and I will rejoice, 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.

OK—this is not theoretical theology that we just read…This is not comfortable Christianity that we just read…This is a man in chains who is explaining how he things about his life and death.

So, let’s walk through this together. Today we are going to look at where Pauls confidence comes from — Paul has

Confidence Rooted in Prayer and the Holy Spirit (v. 19-20)

Listen, Paul begins not with fear…but with confidence, and the source of that confidence should shake us up.

Philippians 1:18–20 ESV

Yes, and I will rejoice, 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.

Because of Paul’s chains Christ was known, an because of Paul’s critics Christ was preached. But even more than that…Because of Paul’s crisis…his trial and upcoming verdict & sentencing, Christ was magnified. Paul is excited about that.

Listen, Paul is not philosophizing..he is literally facing possible death. Yet he talks about confidence, joy, and expectation.

Look at what Paul anchors his confidence in.

Paul has…

Confidence in Sovereign Purpose

Paul says, “I know…” Paul has a certainty about wht God is doing, and will continue to do. This is not optimism, or glass half full thinking for Paul. This is Paul understanding tht God is sovereign over all, which means everything is rooted in God’s control, and God’s desire.

This confidence that Paul has in the face of crisis is important. You see, when the unsaved person watches the believer go through crisis, they can see Jesus magnified and brought much closer into their lives.

Paul’s confidence in God’s sovereignty is seen by those who do not yet believe and he becomes a gospel presentation to them. Paul knows this purpose and desires to proclaim the gospel both as he preaches, but also has he lives, and suffers.

There is also …

Confidence Through Partnership

Paul is focused and so grateful for the prayers of the church in Philippi. Through their prayers he is able to feel close to them and empowered to keep going through the Holy Spirit. The Christians in Philippi, his friends in Philippi are active participants in his ministry in Rome.

Think about that for a moment…Now think about our missionaries that we highlight every month. Our missionaries know that we are more than a check for them…we are actually lifting them up in prayer and focusing on their ministry. That card that is sent with all of our signatures is amazingly encouraging to them as they are out in the field many times struggling with various hardships.

Paul has a confidence because he knows that he is not alone. The church in Philippi cannot stand before Ceaser for Paul…but they can kneel before a Holy God on Paul’s behalf. The same is true for our missionaries, wherever they all are. That prayer allows Paul to realize the power of the Holy Spirit. That gives…

Confidence Through the Holy Spirit

Paul regognizes where his deliverance will come from. This is not self focused courage, as if he could strengthen himself. This is a boldness that Paul regognizes only could come from the Holy Spirit.

Listen, we all have the same opportunity. You know you can’t be bold at work…you’ve tried, and it’s hard and awkward…However, you can be bold at work through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives the courage to speak to others about the Gospel. The power of the Holy Spirit gives you the words to say as you speak to others…Paul knows where his deliverance is coming from, and it doesn’t even mater what that means for him.

When Paul speaks about deliverance, that does not neccesarily mean that he will escape, or that he will even survive. No, Paul’s confidence is that he will stay faithful in the midst of suffering.

That clarity

The Defining Statement of Christian Identity (v.21)

If there is one single verse in Philippians that sums up Paul’s entire worldview — it’s this one.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

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

Pause—let the silence force contemplation

This is one of the most intentional theological statements in the New Testament. Let’s break it down just a little bit…

To live is Christ

From this statement alone we can see Paul’s worldview…Christ is Paul’s purpose. Everything he does is for Christ.

From this statement we can see that Christ is the only message that matters to Paul. Everything in Paul’s life is pointing to the message of Christ.

From this statement we can see that every ambition Paul has is for Christ. Every hope and desire Paul has is for Christ. Christ is his reward for everything he has done…

Paul doesn’t tell everyone that to live is ministry…however, his ministry opportunities are obviously important. Paul doesn’t say that to live is sucess…Meaning that life is all about success. Paul doesn’t say that to live is comfort…although I am certain he wishes he was more comfortable that there in chains on a cold cell floor.

No, Paul says, “to live is Christ”. In other words, if I live as a result of this trial…Then I will get to continue to serve Christ with my life.

If he carried on living, every aspect of Paul’s life would continue to reveal Christ, which would make his life fruitful and worthwhile.

This is not a moment where Paul is resigned to what will happen…No, this is a moment where Paul can actively choose boldness for the sake of Christ.

Have you ever chosen to rely on that same boldness?

That’s not the whole thing though…Then Paul says

To die is gain

This sounds fatalistic…black pilled, everything in life is horrible and all that is left is death…At least I wont have to deal with this stuff anymore.

No, that’s not what Paul is saying here. Paul is saying that death is gain becuase death cannot take Christ away. Gain because suffering ends, but Christ remains.

To Paul, death is gain becuase it will open the door to eternal presence with the Christ.

Paul is legitimately torn between these two options here. To live means he can continue in ministry to the Philippians as well as others. But to die means he gets to be with the Lord.

This is a man who cannot lose! If he lives—Christ. If he dies — more Christ.

Paul is not acting as some stoic philisopher here. Paul is a shepherd speaking to the people he loves in Philippi. That leads us to the tension of these next verses.

Torn Between Desire and Duty (v.22–24)

OK, I want you to pay attention to what Paul is saying here. This is where we see one of the most personal admissions in all of Pauls letters about how he is feeling.

Philippians 1:22–24 ESV

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.

Can you hear the tension in Pauls writing here? Paul loves the Christians he has witnessed to and who have come to believe in various settings. This letter will be distributed to all of the churches, and Paul knows that. However, he is writing specifically to the Christians in Philippi. In Pauls words you can see two very real things. First…

A real desire for Heaven

Paul is honest about what his desire is…He says his desire is to depart. I can understand that completely! No more struggle with gaurds, and no more cold prison floors, or boats and issues…Only with Christ.

You see, Christianity is more than merely tolerating death…There is anticipation because of the hope of Christ that we have. There is desire because of God’s eternal glory…This means I don’t need to fear my life passing away…I can look with joyful anticipation. That is what Paul is feeling here. It’s not resigning yourself to death…it is longing to be in the presence of Christ.

There is something else that is rather important. When Paul uses the term depart…he is using a political term again. This term depart is to set free a prisoner. God’s people are in bondage ibecause of the limitations of this body and tempations of the fles…but death provides freedom.

I’ll be honest as I was writing this, I imagined what it would be like to be in the presence of Christ and not have any more worries of the Earth. It would be amazing if we’re honest. That’s what it means to be a believer. But Paul felt something else also.

A real commitment to people

What did Paul say here? He said, “to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”

In other words, Paul is saying that he is willing, and frankly excited to delay his time in heaven for the sake of their spiritual growth. This is a love for people that is shaped by Christ…nothing else. There is literally no benefit for him, other than to see God glorified.

In this we can see Paul’s servant heart. A selfish outlook would make Paul prefer glorification with Christ over continued life and ministry. However, Paul’s priority was that Christ be hnored and glorified whether in life or death.

This is where Christian maturity shows itself. Not in how loudly we speak about heaven — but it how willingly we stay for others.

Of course…Paul becomse convinced of something.

Mission Over Preference (v.25–26)

We see Paul wrestle emotionally…but that’s not ll — he is thinking theologically, and that’s important.

Philippians 1:25–26 ESV

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.

Do you see Paul’s goal here? Paul desires to see those who believe to progress further than they are today. In other words, Paul’s heart is to see others

Progress in the faith

This is not the midset where you simply survive…No, this is a goal to see spiritual advancement. To see those who beleive grow in donctrine and the joy of the Lord.

I can tell you from my perspective one of the things that truly gives me the most joy is when someone is able to make a connection in their spiritual growth…when someone moves to that next step. Whether that is in leadership, or in Bible reading. When others grow in their knowledge and practice of the gospel…that gives…

Joy in the faith

A Christians goal is not just holding on and hoping for the best. No, there is no grim endurance…Christians experience joy when we progress in faith. That joy comes because we are found

Boasting in Christ

There is no boasting in Paul. The Philippians are not called to sing the praises and glory of Paul for all of his good philanthropy…No, they are called to boast in Christ just as Paul is doing.

Think about the circumstances that Paul is living in. He is in prison and facing death, yet he is boasting in Christ.

Clearly we cannot boast in our circumstances, but we can boast in Christ, no matter what is going on around us.

want you to think about that for a minute. There’s a lot of people here who are going through various forms of suffering, or bad circumstances. So I want you to hear me right now…You cannot boast in your circumstances that always change…you can boast in Christ who never changes!

So, we have a man who is facing death…We have a church who is praying….We have a Holy Spirit who is supplying everything needed…We have a life that is defined by Christ, whether in life or death…

Paul is longing for Heaven, but even more than his personal comfort of being with Christ…he has made a commitment to Philippi and he knows his mission is bigger than comfort!

So—the question is no longer, “What did Paul believe?”—The question is, “What do you believe?”

Today I am putting up a blank that is for you to fill in…They are on your note sheets also

To live is ___________.

To die is ___________.

What controls you? What controls your generosity? What controls your courage? What controls your joy?

When Christ becomes your life…and some of you know this…When Christ becomes your life, you cannot be threatened by loss.

When Christ becomes your life, you cannot be manipulated by fear.

When Christ becomes your life, you cannot be robbed by death.

What you can do though…is become the kind of person who stays for those who are progressing and the joy as they grow in Christ!

Today I’m closing with this idea that whatever controls you, and for some it could be money, or work, or family, or even serving the church…but whatever controls you that is not Christ—is an idol.

Pause

Some of you here today, if you’re honest, your blank is already filled in…

To live is money

To live is success

Maybe it’s kids, or family, or comfort—but here’s the problem…every one of those things can be taken from you.

Money can collapse, health can fade, family can leave, success can disappear. And when all those things are your life — death is not gain…death is loss.

But here’s the good news…the very gospel that Paul is sitting in prison for:

You and I are sinners before a holy God. We have worshiped created things instead of the creator. We have built our lives around idols. And, the wages of those sins are death—not just physical, but eternal seperation from God. Eternal seperation from God. There has been online discussion about whether Hell is real or not…Folks, if we believe is Scripture…then we read that Hell is real and it involves eternal seperation from God.

But God — in his mercy, sent his Son.

He died the death you deserve — bearing the wrath of God on the cross

Then he rose again — conquering sin, death, hell, and the grave.

So that now…If you turn from your idols — if you repent of your sin — if you trust in Christ alone

Then your blank (to live is..) changes!

To live is Christ — to die is gain!

Listen to those of you that have already made this commitment…I don’t want you to gloss over feeling like you’re good and you don’t need to listen to this part ok..

Some of you would agree and say, “Yes—to live is Christ” But if you’re honest…Christ shares that space with other things doesn’t he?

Comfort…security…approval…these things still control you.

You believe the gospel…but you’re not really living like dying is gain are you.

Let me just breifly be clear about what Paul is calling us as Christians to. Paul is not calling us to die for Christ today—he’s calling you to live for Christ today.

Here’s what that means. it means you stay when things are hard…You serve when things are inconveniet, or you had other plans…You speak with it’s uncomfortable, and you give when it costs you.

If to live is Chrsit is true for you, then your calendar belongs to him…your money belongs to him…your reputation belongs to him, and your future belongs to him.

So today I’m asking you to look at your life and see where have you reclaimed ownership of a life that was bought with blood?

Paul said, “to remain…is more neccesary on your account”— Folks…who is your “on your account”

Who needs your faithfulness…your encouragement…your spiritual leadership?

Don’t ignore the mission that God has placed you right here for.

This morning I want to invite everyone to fill in the blanks in the presence of the Lord.

To live is _______. To die is _______.

Now ask God to make that answer his Son Jesus Christ!

Let’s pray