To Live Or To Die

Philippians 1:18–30 NKJV

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Prayer

Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of all of our hearts and minds Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer.”

Introduction

Review of last sermon:

EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE BRINGS ABOUT AN OPPORTUNITY TO REJOICE IN JESUS!

CHRISTIAN JOY IS FOUND IN LOVING OTHERS!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD!!

Big Idea: True Christian living is marked by courage, unity, and a commitment to the advancement of the Gospel, even in the face of adversity.

I. YOU MUST BE WILLING TO SERVE CHRIST WHEREVER YOU ARE!

He who does not serve God where he is would not serve God anywhere else. Saying Versus Doing, Volume 47, Sermon #2747 - Matthew 21:28-30

Charles Spurgeon

Philippians 1:18-20

Paul is in a Roman prison

Whole praetorian guard heard the Gospel

We live in freedom.

Do you preach the Gospel:

At home?

If you have no family prayer and your children do not grow up to be Christians, how can you expect that they will? Bringing Sinners To The Savior, Volume 47, Sermon #2731 - Mark 9:17-20

Charles Spurgeon

Ephesians 6:4 “And you, fathers... bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 6:7 “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

At work?

"Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words," is flawed.

Romans 10:14–17 “14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Daily lives?

“Preach what you practice” - Austin Gentry.

God has placed you there!

II. WE MUST STAND IN UNITY FOR THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST!

Philippians 1:21-27

Paul desired UNITY!

Verse 24

Verse 27

Summary of “Pastors & Christians on Unity” (Barna)

1. Unity is widely valued—but poorly defined

Both pastors and Christians agree unity is important, but, there’s no single shared definition

Pastors tend to define unity as:

Harmony (70%)

Reconciliation (52%)

Sacrifice (41%)

Christians are more likely to think of unity as:

Alliance (39%)

Sameness (31%)

👉 This shows a disconnect in how unity is understood between leaders and congregations.

2. Pastors say they preach unity more than people perceive

62% of pastors say they often preach about unity among church members.

But only 48% of Christians say they hear this message often.

👉 There’s a perception gap between what pastors think they emphasize and what churchgoers actually experience.

3. Unity is often associated with agreement—but not consistently

Many respondents link unity with agreement, but there’s no consensus on how much agreement is necessary.

👉 This ambiguity creates tension around what “being unified” actually looks like in practice.

4. Overall takeaway

Churches broadly value unity, but:

They lack a clear, shared definition

There’s a communication gap between pastors and congregations

Different expectations make unity harder to achieve

👉 The research suggests that improving unity requires clearer teaching, shared understanding, and alignment between leaders and members.

BIBLICAL TEACHING: 6 THINGS

1. Human Definition of Unity: unclear vs. BIBLICAL clearly grounded in Christ

Barna finding: People define unity in different, sometimes conflicting ways (harmony, sameness, alliance, etc.).

Biblical view: Unity is not vague—it’s centered on shared identity in Christ.

“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:4–5)

👉 In Scripture, unity is not just getting along or agreeing on everything—it’s being spiritually united because of a common foundation in Jesus.

Key contrast:

Barna: multiple definitions

Bible: one core definition—unity rooted in Christ

2. Unity ≠ Sameness

Barna finding: Some Christians equate unity with sameness.

Biblical view: Unity explicitly includes diversity, not uniformity.

1 Corinthians 12:12 “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.”

👉 The church is meant to have different roles, perspectives, and gifts—while still being united.

Key correction:

Unity is not everyone thinking the same

It’s many different people functioning together under one purpose

3. Unity requires effort and intentionality

Barna finding: There’s a perception gap—pastors think they emphasize unity more than people feel.

Biblical view: Unity isn’t automatic—it must be actively pursued.

Ephesians 4:3 “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

👉 The Bible expects consistent, visible action, not just teaching.

Implication:

If people aren’t experiencing unity, Scripture would point to a practice gap, not just a communication gap.

4. Unity is tied to humility and sacrifice

Barna finding: Pastors associate unity with sacrifice and reconciliation (which aligns somewhat with Scripture).

Biblical view: Unity is deeply rooted in humility and selflessness.

Philippians 2:3 “3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

Ephesians 4:2 “2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,”

👉 Unity requires laying down personal preferences, not just agreeing in theory.

Philippians 1:23–24 “… desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.”

5. Unity does not mean agreement on everything

Barna finding: People struggle with how much agreement is needed for unity.

Biblical view: The Bible allows for disagreement on non-essential issues.

Romans 14:1 “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.”

👉 Unity is based on core truths, not total agreement on every issue.

Clarification:

Essential truths → unity required

Non-essentials → freedom + grace

6. Unity is a witness to the world

Barna focus: Primarily internal church dynamics.

Biblical view: Unity has a missional purpose.

John 17:20–21 “ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

👉 Unity isn’t just for church health—it’s meant to demonstrate God’s truth to others

III. SUFFERING FOR CHRIST IS A GIFT FROM GOD!!

Philippians 1:28-30

Suffering for Christ is a privilege and a means through which believers can identify with Him and witness to others about the transformative power of the Gospel.

JESUS TAUGHT WE WOULD BE PERSECUTED

John 16:33 “... In the world you will have tribulation...””

Matthew 10:22 “22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake...”

John 15:20 “20 Remember the word that I said to you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...”

THE APOSTLES ECHO THAT OF JESUS

2 Timothy 3:12 “... all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

1 Peter 4:12 “12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;”

Philippians 1:29 “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,”

SUFFERING FOR CHRIST HAS A PURPOSE!

Romans 5:3–5 “… tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Romans 8:28 “… we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 “… our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”

James 1:2–4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

OUR EARTHLY SUFFERING DOES NOT COMPARE TO OUR ETERNITY IN HEAVEN!

1 Peter 5:10 “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”

Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Closing and Invitation

Application:

Regardless of circumstances, we as Christians are called to live for Christ, exemplifying His love and purpose, and prioritize the advancement of the Gospel in every aspect of our lives.

We must strive for TRUE Biblical unity focused on Christ and the advancement of the Gospel.

And we must find joy in our struggles for Christ because these sufferings will strengthen us, shape us to be more like Christ, and are far overshadowed by the glory we will find with Christ in eternity!

Notes: