To Live Is Christ Series

To Live is Christ  

Philippians 1:21-30

Introduction

Our series is called FUEL FOR YOUR FAITH and we are listening to God through Paul’s letter to the Philippians. First lesson was Focus on the Finish Line - Jesus is coming! Second Lesson was Advancing Through the Challenges of Life. This message centers on one of Paul’s well known statements.

Commentator calls vs 21 the ‘heart of the book of Philippians’. (Roper).

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 

AMP  For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity].

NCV To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me.

Here Paul contemplates his life - the uncertainty of days ahead. 

Philippians 1:22b-23 Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; …

Swindoll: “If Paul were to depart, he would be with Christ immediately .… No longer would he endure stonings, beatings, imprisonments, perils, hunger, or restless nights …The nagging ‘thorn in the flesh’ that had dogged him every day would be gone. Instead, he would experience rest and repose in the presence of Christ (2 Cor. 5:8).”

In contemplating life and death, Paul reveals his confidence that Christ has saved him and death holds no fear for him. But Paul also reveals his love for the church and his desire to live the Jesus life as long as he can.  What does it mean … For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain?

To live is Christ means to…

1. Live In Service 

Philippians 1:22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. ...

AMP this will mean useful and productive service

Paul has suffered much for Christ, but he is still looking for opportunities to be productive for the Lord. 

For Paul, his whole existence revolves around Christ. what he does, he does for Christ. He is inspired by Christ; he works for Christ; his sole focus in life is Christ. He is a man with a single, all-consuming passion.  (CSB)

When we talk about ‘fruitful labor’ / Service - that could take the shape of many things we do for God. 

The power of service is its connection with Christ. Service  is measured by the strength of Christ at work in our lives.  What we are doing specifically for Christ? He is at work in those efforts. 

Colossians 1:29 …I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Psalm 84:7 “They will go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”

Christ provides the energy and strength - what will I do with it?

2. Live in Growth

Philippians 1:25 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,

Paul’s ongoing influence would help them to grow in two essential areas:

Joy - Paul’s major theme in Philippians - and the natural result of having Christ at the center of our lives. 

Faith - - the truth of the Gospel that feeds our trust in God.

1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

What efforts are we making specifically to grow in our faith? 

3. Live in Worthiness 

Philippians 1:27a Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

CEV Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ.

Paul is not just concerned about us knowing the right things, He is concerned that the life of Jesus is demonstrated in every area of the believer’s life. Above all else / Only - strong word. “Nothing else must distract or excuse them from this great objective; it must be their all-embracing occupation…” (Motyer via Roper).

Conduct Yourselves as Good Citizens!

Swindoll: ‘Conduct yourselves,’ has the sense of behaving as a proper citizen.'

Philippians 3:20 Our citizenship is in heaven…

Obeying the laws of the land makes one a good citizen - we are citizens of the Kingdom of heaven - and as such our lives reflect kingdom values.

Worthy of the Gospel (is anyone worthy? or are we living as people who are worthy?)

2 Thessalonians 1:11 …We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.

4. Live in Commitment