Joy in Jesus Part III

Death in our culture is viewed as the ultimate loss, and to a point, rightly so. It is definitely a loss if you have unforgiven sin. It is what most people fear the most and run away from. But death is inevitable.

Hebrews 9:27 ESV

27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Hebrews 10:26–27 ESV

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

Death outside of Christ leads to eternal despair but for the Christian, as the Apostle Paul indicates in this passage, is seen as gain.

(Verses giving perspective on death in Christ)

2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV

8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

The Christian faith is so foreign to

Possession of Christ is the possession of Hope (a noun v. 20).

The hope, assurance, and courage we have in Christ transcends, or goes beyond, any and all of life's circumstances.

Hope in Life and Death (V. 1:19-26)

One of the theme’s of the book of Philippians is joy and has been our focus. And at first glance it seems ironic to us because of Paul’s circumstances. Paul is imprisoned in Rome. The Apostle Paul endured trial after trial and persecution after persecution. But nothing his adversaries could throw at him would steal his joy.

The joy that Paul has is rooted in Christ. It is because of the hope he has and the hope that Paul has is based on what he knows to be true.

The hope that Paul has is based on what he knows to be true.

Hebrews 11:1 ESV

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

In verse 19 Paul says he knows that this will turn out for his deliverance. He knows, again this is the basis of his hope.

Definition

Hope n. — a reasonable and confident expectation of a future event.

Biblical hope is not a wish, it is a confident expectation.

Eager Anticipation n. - an intensely desired expectation with a high confidence of fulfillment

Easton’s Bible Dictionary Hope

HOPE—one of the three main elements of Christian character (1 Cor. 13:13). It is joined to faith and love, and is opposed to seeing or possessing (Rom. 8:24; 1 John 3:2). “Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity (1 Pet. 3:15; Heb. 10:23). In it the whole glory of the Christian vocation is centred (Eph. 1:18; 4:4).” Unbelievers are without this hope (Eph. 2:12; 1 Thess. 4:13). Christ is the actual object of the believer’s hope, because it is in his second coming that the hope of glory will be fulfilled (1 Tim. 1:1; Col. 1:27; Titus 2:13). It is spoken of as “lively”, i.e., a living, hope, a hope not frail and perishable, but having a perennial life (1 Pet. 1:3). In Rom. 5:2 the “hope” spoken of is probably objective, i.e., “the hope set before us,” namely, eternal life (comp. 12:12). In 1 John 3:3 the expression “hope in him” ought rather to be, as in the Revised Version, “hope on him,” i.e., a hope based on God.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary Hope

Biblical hope is not a wish, it is a confident expectation. A wish is merely a want or desire but isn’t’ founded upon confidence or assurance. We may say “Oh I hope that my team wins the Super Bowl” but that wouldn’t be an example of Biblical Hope.

Paul rejoices knowing he will be delivered. He eagerly expects and hopes, or is confident in, God's promises both now and in the future. Whether he lives or dies matters little as it relates to his joy and hope. He see's Christ as Supreme and gain.

"Deliverance" is from the basic Greek term for salvation. But it can also be rendered "well- being" or "escape," which presents four possible interpretations:1) it refers to Paul's ultimate salvation; 2) it alludes to his deliverance from threatened execution; 3) he would finally be vindicated by the emperor's ruling; or 4) Paul is talking about his eventual release from prison. Whatever Paul's precise meaning, he was certain he would be freed from his temporary distress

- John MacArthur Study Bible ESV

In verse 25 Paul does say “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all...”

To me I believe Paul believed he would either be our of prison soon or at least not be executed for time but he does go back and forth a bit ie. “Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Paul also states in v 19 that his deliverance would come through the prayers of the Philippians and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

If you recall Paul was miraculously delivered out of prison before, or rather a jail, the Philippian jail (). There’s no doubt both he and the Philippians knew this.

In verse 20 Paul says “it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed”. Eager expectation and hope are used here almost synonymously. Again biblical hope is an assured, anticipated, desire based on God’s promises.

And his assurance is that he won’t be ashamed, humiliated or embarrassed because Christ will be honored in Paul’s body, whether in life or death.

My translation says ‘Honored’ but others render the word differently. The NASB uses exalted and the KJV uses magnified.

g3170. μεγαλύνω megalynō; from 3173; to make (or declare) great, i. e. increase or (figuratively) extol:— enlarge, magnify, shew great.

AV (8)- magnify 5, enlarge 2, show great 1;

to make great, magnify metaph. to make conspicuous to deem or declare great to esteem highly, to extol, laud, celebrate to get glory and praise

What Paul is saying is that whether he lives or dies Christ will be seen as glorious. This was Paul’s aim in life, to make Jesus greatness known.

Question: Does the way we live our life influence how others see Christ?

Question: What does it mean to magnify Christ?

SF “How is Christ ‘honored’ in our lives? .. Whenever it becomes clear that we count Christ greater than ourselves, He is honored. Paul was here simply following the example of John the baptist who said of Jesus, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’ (John 3:30)

Death as Gain (V. 1:21)

Here in verse 21 we have a profound statement by Paul “to live is Christ and to die is gain”

I think we can pretty much all agree on what Paul means by saying that ‘to die is gain’(depart and be with Christ, V. 23b) but what do you think he means by ‘to live is Christ’?

I believe the living or remaining (V. 24) is associated with Christ’s earthly ministry as one of sacrificial service for the benefit of others.

Philippians 1:24–25 ESV

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,

Philippians 1:24 ESV

24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

Paul exhorts them to have this same mind in chapter 2 and to consider others more significant than themselves.

But going back to Paul’s states of ‘to die is gain’. This is opposite of how the world thinks. The world seeks to profit (or gain) the world and lose their sole.

Mark 8:36 ESV

36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

;36

The Christian motives for living, and dying, are vastly different from the worlds. The world seeks personal gain at the expense of others, not for the benefit of others, and counts dying as loss.

Paul see’s living as profitable to God and His kingdom and a benefit to others and that they may ‘have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus.’

And whether in living or dying that Christ would be magnified, honored, and glorified.

Paul’s hope is ultimately Christ, not merely heaven. Heaven is great because Christ dwells there.

Question: Is Christ the ultimate object of our Hope?

Titus 2:13 ESV

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

We mentioned earlier that Hope is an essential element of Christian life. Is our hope to just not go to hell? Certainly we wouldn’t desire that but would we descripe our hope by what we don’t want? Do we long for and desire Christ’s return? Paul and the Apostles did.

Sometimes we are content with daily life and we should be to a degree. We are to be content with what we have and content as far as God’s provision goes but we should long for Christ’s return.

Romans 8:19–23 ESV

19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Versus 22-26

Paul is conflicted or “hard pressed” between remaining on the earth or departing to be with Christ. He isn’t conflicted because of a fear of death but because he realizes that the fruit of his labor is the benefit of others.

Now was Paul shaken by the thought of execution? I’m sure he was. It’s against this backdrop that his faith and hope are tested and grow. Our hope increases and is more evident in times of suffering and severe trials.

Christians don’t see, and certainly God doesn’t see, our lives on this earth waiting for Christ’s return as useless. We are to live faithful and fruitful lives. Our lives and ministry are seen as a profit to God.

Matthew 25:14–30 ESV

14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

matthew 25:14-30

Also we see many references to bearing fruit. Anything that has profit or value in and to God’s kingdom is seen as fruit.

Paul wants there to be much fruit in his ministry both to please God and to benefit others.

Luke

So God has purpose in our time spent here, many purposes. We aren’t just biding (or wasting) our time.

A Life Fitting of the Gospel (V. 1:27-30)

Up until this point in the letter Paul’s focus has been mainly on himself, both his current situation in prison, and the hope and joy that he has in Christ. He wants his situation to be an encouragement to the church at Philippi.

He has expressed his gratitude to them and for them in prayer.

Now he draws his attention to the concerns he has for them.

In verse 27 Paul tells them to have their “manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Question: What does Paul mean by “worthy” of the gospel of Christ?

Question: Does this mean one must be worthy of salvation?

The definition of the word used here is:

g0516. ἀξίως axiōs; adverb from 514; appropriately:— as becometh, after a godly sort, worthily (- thy).

AV (6)- worthy 3, as becometh 2, after a godly sort +g2316 1;

suitably, worthily, in a manner worthy of

Paul is telling them to live a life that is consistent with or becoming of godliness. Live godly lives.

JM “Believers are to have integrity, i. e., to live consistent with what they believe, teach, and preach.”

-John MacArthur ESV Study Bible

This word translated as worthy is used 6 times in the New Testament, 5 of them in the writings of Paul and in each case it is used and applied the same.

Romans 16:2 ESV

2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

Ephesians 4:1 ESV

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

Colossians 1:10 ESV

10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

1 Thessalonians 2:12 ESV

12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

SF “ This principle is one of the keys to the message of the Bible: when the grace of God in the gospel touches our lives it produces graciousness. Christ begins to transform us into his likeness.

So we could also paraphrase by saying “live in such a way as to

he comes to see them or doesn’t that he may hear of this.

During my growing years my father used to always tell me “Remember who you are”. He wasn’t implying that I would forget my name or anything but act and behave consistent with how I was raised and taught.

And the Bible tells us to examine ourselves:

2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Paul desires for them to live this way whether he is present or not. The Philippians just like all of us may have been inclined to slip in their walk with the Lord in the absence of godly leadership.

He tells them that whether he comes to see them or doesn’t that he may hear of this.

Paul connects this manner of living with a unity amongst themselves. He wants to hear they are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind and striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. And to do so without fear (V. 28).

The opponents mentioned here would be those that oppose us, oppose our message, and would cause us to suffer.

JM “When believers willingly suffer without being "frightened," it is a sign that God's enemies will be destroyed and eternally lost (see notes on ).”

2 Thessalonians 1:4–8 ESV

4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. 5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Suffering: an unwelcome gift?

This chapter end with Paul mentioning to them perhaps unwelcome gift that God has granted them, suffering.

We have mentioned this the last 2 weeks that ultimately the suffering that Christians endure is from the good hand of God. God brings it to test us, strengthen us, as well as to encourage others as they see our joy and faith preserved.

The suffering that each of us endures may not be anywhere close to the scale of Paul’s but if we live in a manner worthy of the Gospel we too will suffer in this world.

Conclude:

SF “… the object of our faith, Jesus Christ, is God’s gift to us. In addition we are brought to faith only through the ministry of the Spirit in our lives, It is, in this sense, granted to us. ‘But,’ Paul now adds, ‘don’t you see that in a similar way your suffering is a gift?’ Of course you suffer. But your suffering is part of God’s providence in your life. He is working out His purpose through it. For in his plan, suffering leads to glory and helps create it (). Suffering is the friction which polishes our graces. Without it we would be all the poorer as reflectors of the image of His Son.”

“Suffering is the friction which polishes our graces. Without it we would be all the poorer as reflectors of the image of His Son.”