A Matter of Life or Death

The Church at Philippi • Sermon • Submitted 6 years ago

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Theme: Christ is Lord over our Life and Death Purpose: That we find our only comfort in Life and Death in Christ Gospel Connection: Living the entire Gospel Story shapes our life and death Mission Connection: Discipleship = living the gospel in life and death, Faith = trusting Jesus for our life and death, Serving = Suffering for Jesus and Others.

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Philippians 1:18–26 NIV

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Philippians 1:18-26

Introduction: Have you ever asked this question before, “Is it better to live or to die?”

This is the question that Paul is facing.

Asking, “Is it Better to Live or to Die?”

Hazel’s Dilemma

6 year old Hannah - I don’t want to die

At funerals, During flights, some people contemplate taking their life.

Paul Introduces this passage with Joy

What is Paul’s perspective, and How is he able to contemplate it with Joy when we often contemplate it with fear?

Christ is Lord over our Life and Death

Week 1: Gratitude (Joy) comes from the Gospel of Grace.

: Paul uses himself to speak about he has joy in his horrible circumstances in Prison. That is that “God uses our position for his purpose.” - He saw that his being in prison allowed others to share the Gospel outside of prison, and he was sharing the Gospel with guards and it was spreading.

But here he realizes that his position may result in his execution - He is wondering what is best, Live or Die.

He debates it like he has a choice, but ultimately he does not. So he is debating in a manner to decide which would be the most joyful option. For Paul it is a toss up.

To Die is Gain - Because....

To Live is Christ - Because it is living out the Gospel (Next Week) - It is about serving others, and suffering for others. - So that the Philippians may grow even more.

Heidelbergh Question #1:

Q. What is your only comfort (Joy) in life and in death? A. That I am not my own,1 but belong—body and soul, in life and in death2—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.3

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,4 and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.5 He also watches over me in such a way6 that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven;7 in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.8

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life9 and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.10

Jesus Christ is our Saviour and He is the Son of God. To know Him means to know eternal life. I, a useless sinner, have believed in His beloved person and all His words and miracles recorded in the Gospel, and I have committed my life into His hands. Life for me is an opportunity to serve Him, and death is a better opportunity to be with Christ. Therefore, I am not only satisfied to be in prison for the honour of His Holy Name, but am ready to give my life for the sake of Jesus my Lord..."

oly Spirit, assures me of eternal life9 and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.10

For Paul, he finds joy in both, because they are both led by Jesus - He lands on living as the preferred choice so He can continue serving others and Christ would do.

Quote: from Mehdi Dibaj's written statement of defense for "apostasy" from converting from Islam to Christianity in Iran.

How Could such a perspective have an impact on how we find Joy in our world?

What that Means for Us

First of all this is not escapism. - Paul does not find joy in taking his life, he does not find joy in escaping suffering. Rather he finds joy in What the Lord wants to do in his life or death. Whether that is suffer for him, or be freed from suffering.

Second it means that we may not need to fear death and worship comfort as much as we do. Paul’s perspective takes the Gospel Seriously that the big picture is that Christ wins, and if we are doing what Christ is leading us to do in this life, then death and suffering is not as bad as we think.

What that Means for Us is a continuum and Christ is the one constant in life and death.

Assurance: vs. 19 & 20 - Paul is assured of his salvation - Through prayers, and the Holy Spirit. - Pray for one another.

Finally -We are called to apply our lives to the Gospel - Next week’s message.

Conclusion: Next time you ask that question, Life or Death? Ask yourself where is your joy coming from? Is it from your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? If so, I believe you will find true joy whether you are suffering, or things are going well for you. You will find true joy if you are facing death, or life.

Reference the Reformed Confessions: The Reformed Confessions are statements of faith written to clarify the Gospel at times when the Church was in crisis. Heidelberg Catechism: Q&A 1, 42, 57

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