A Christian's Dilemma

Introduction

Review

What are the 3 Rules to reading the Bible?

What is the context of Philippians?

Who wrote it? Who received it? Where was it written from? Why was it written? What were the recipients going through?

Phil. 1:1-11: Introduction; Phil. 1:12-3:21: Body; Phil. 4:1-23: Conclusion

Gospel adversity advances the gospel. Phil. 1:12-14

Proclaim Jesus. Phil. 1:15-18a

The cornerstone of our joy is our salvation and Christ’s glory. Phil. 1:18b-20

Illustration

Personal Dilemma between two good options

Read

Philippians 1:21–26 ESV

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Main Idea

The Christian’s dilemma is living is Christ and dying is gain.

#1 (Phil. 1:21): The Dilemma Stated

Read

Philippians 1:21 ESV

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

Explanation

The word “for” connects what he’s about to say to what he just said. Paul just said that he know Christ will be honored in his life and death.

“to me” expresses that this is what he think about himself.

“to live” refers to actually being physically alive. “to die” refers to actually physically dying.

What does it mean that “to live is Christ”?

What does it mean that “to die is gain”?

Transition

Now that Paul has stated his dilemma clearly and concisely, let’s look at his thought process behind it.

#2 (Phil 1:22-24): The Dilemma Considered

Read

Philippians 1:22–24 ESV

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

Consideration #1: Live (Fruitful Labor) Phil. 1:22a “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.”

What is fruitful labor?

Consideration #2: Two Good Options (Hard Pressed) Phil. 1:22b-23a “Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two.”

What does it mean to be hard pressed?

Consideration #3: Die (Be with Christ, Far Better) Phil. 1:23b “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”

Why is it far better to depart?

Consideration #4: Live (More Necessary for Church) Phil. 1:24 “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”

Illustration

Going back and forth between two options

Transition

Now that Paul has considered his dilemma, let’s look at how it was settled.

#3 (Phil. 1:25-26): The Dilemma Settled

Read

Philippians 1:25–26 ESV

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Explanation

Conviction: Live (Church Needs Paul’s Labor) Phil. 1:22a,24 “Convinced of this” “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”

Live: (Remain and Continue with the Church) “I know that I will remain and continue with you all,”

What does it mean to continue with them?

Reasons for Living: (Progress and Joy in the Faith; To Glory in Christ) “so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.”

What does it mean to progress in the faith?

What does it mean to have joy in the faith?

What does it mean to glory in Christ?

Conclusion

Main Idea

The Christian’s dilemma is living is Christ and dying is gain.

The dilemma that Paul was having is one that I think still exists today in the church.

The church loves to talk about the Jesus’ second coming when most of the world hasn’t heard of his first.

We should desire the return of Christ and eagerly await it, but we must focus on the life that God has given us. James 4:14

English Standard Version Chapter 4

What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

God has fruitful labor for us to do now. We as brothers and sisters need one another to walk alongside each other to progress in faith and joy.

This dilemma is a good one. But it is only a dilemma for Christians. For the unbeliever, to live is about themselves and to die is loss.

This is not so for the Christians because we have been purchased and brought into the family of God.

We now must live within the balance of this dilemma as Paul did.