A Matter of Life and Death

Philippians 1:21–26 NASB95

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 sake. 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 proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

What should our perspective be on life and death?

1. BEING WITH JESUS IS BETTER THAN LIVING HERE AND NOW.

Philippians 1:21 NASB95

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

2 Corinthians 5:8 NASB95

we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

Philippians 1:23

Philippians 1:23 NASB95

But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

2. AS LONG AS WE LIVE WE LABOR.

Philippians 1:22 NASB95

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.

Philippians 3:12 NASB95

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

A Few Things to Remember As We Labor:

A. WE PLACE NEEDS OF OTHERS ABOVE OUR OWN DESIRES

Philippians 1:24 NASB95

yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.

Philippians 2:4 NASB95

do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

B. WE SEEK TO HELP THE PROGRESS OF FAITH IN OTHERS.

Philippians 1:25 NASB95

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,

Acts 14:21–22 NASB95

After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

C. WE LABOR IN A WAY THAT OTHERS BOAST IN JESUS.

Philippians 1:26 NASB95

so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

Philippians 1:26 NASB95

so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.