Life with the Cross

Introduction

The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark Scene 1

(FTLN 1762) [64] To be or not to be—that is the question:

(FTLN 1763) [65] Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer

(FTLN 1764) [66] The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

(FTLN 1765) [67] Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

(FTLN 1766) [68] And, by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep—

(FTLN 1767) [69] No more—and by a sleep to say we end

(FTLN 1768) [70] The heartache and the thousand natural shocks

(FTLN 1769) [71] That flesh is heir to—’tis a consummation

(FTLN 1770) [72] Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep—

(FTLN 1771) [73] To sleep, perchance to dream. Ay, there’s the rub,

(FTLN 1772) [74] For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

(FTLN 1773) [75] When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

(FTLN 1774) [76] Must give us pause. There’s the respect

(FTLN 1775) [77] That makes calamity of so long life.

Hamlet Act 3 Scene 1

Kind of Depressing

Some people, we are often read this passage in Philippian the same way but not that way.

Philippians 1:19-30

Philippians 1:19–30 LEB

for I know that this will turn out to me for deliverance through your prayer and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will be put to shame in nothing, but with all boldness, even now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether through life or through death. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if it is to live in the flesh, this is fruitful work for me, and which I will prefer I do not know. But I am hard pressed between the two options, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for this is very much better. But to stay on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. And because I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that what you can be proud of may increase in Christ Jesus because of me through my return again to you. Only lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent I hear your circumstances, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not letting yourselves be intimidated in anything by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction to them, but of your salvation, and this from God, because to you has been graciously granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on behalf of him, having the same struggle which you saw in me and now hear about in me.

To Live is Christ

Paul is still remembering the church in Philipi. He is thankful for their prayers and their support and he is remanding them not to just pray for his safety or his release from prison but Christ will be exalted.

In no matter what happens

The NEB translates a portion of verse 20: “the greatness of Christ will shine out clearly in my person, whether through my life or though my death.”

This is an ultimate truth to be marked in read-0 the gospel is communicated through the person. In life and death. This is the highest, clearest point to which our faith can take us. the moment when we can not with the mournful tone of Hamlet but with the joy, self - giving abandon, welcoming every bit of life, and with out fear death.

This is not suicide talk. Suicide is about escaping life, about ending pain, and transferring it to someone else. Suicide is about not being able to deal with problems. If you are struggling with Suicide seek professional help. “I can’t afford it” talk to me maybe we can work something out.

This is about live with Joy and die with joy.

Romans 6:3 LEB

Or do you not know that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

The only death that matters is the one we die when we are “baptized into the death of Christ”.

Worthy of the Gospel

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 31: Galatians / Ephesians / Philippians / Colossians / Philemon Conduct Worthy of the Gospel

“Only let your conduct be,” or as the RSV has it, “let your manner of life be,” is a translation of a single word, politeuomai. By derivation it means “to exercise the rights and duties of a citizen.” Paul was saying, “Live your citizen-life.” You are a Christian; your citizenship is in heaven (see Phil. 3:20). The Philippians could easily identify with Paul’s image. Philippi was a colony of the Roman empire. Every Roman colony was a little of Rome planted in distant settings throughout the world. A Roman citizen, no matter where he was, never forgot that he was a Roman. So the Philippian Christian understood Paul’s word. There are common principles and actions that are to characterize our life as citizens of the kingdom.

Conduct yourself as citizens. You need to exercise you gifts you have been given as a Christian by the HS. You need to exhibit the fruit that you have been given by the HS.

Stand Fast.

How wishy-washy are we in our convictions? How are our convictions shaped? What influence does our environment, our current circle of friends, the social standards of our day have upon our convictions?

“With one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Am I a part of a local church that is driven by a passion for the faith of the gospel which is a compassion for souls—“that none should perish but all come to new life in Christ”? If not, what am I doing to infuse that fire of passion into our citizen-life? When did I last expend significant energy, make any sacrifice, invest time and talent to strive with one mind with my brothers and sisters for the faith of the gospel?

The Privilege of Suffering

The Cross is at the center fo the Christian life. not just Golgotha’s cross, though that is our salvation, but the Cross as a way of life.

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 31: Galatians / Ephesians / Philippians / Colossians / Philemon Believing and Suffering

It is natural, then—inevitable—that those who believe are also given the privilege of suffering. They are conformed to the One in whom they believe, and that is the theme of the next chapter.

Christ exalted in my body with all boldness

Prior to Golgotha, Jesus suffered persecution, rejection, hostility, and misunderstanding. He promised His followers nothing less in their ministry in His name: “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, rsv).

God can use our afflictions to further the gospel and exalt the Lord, so we should live exemplary lives in the face of our own afflictions.

Next Steps

Christ exalted in my body with all boldness

How wishy-washy are we in our convictions? How are our convictions shaped? What influence does our environment, our current circle of friends, the social standards of our day have upon our convictions?