Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. We gather here today, not as strangers but as a family, bound by a love that transcends the ordinary, a love that is divine, a love that comes from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This love, this extraordinary love, is the reason we are here today. It's the reason we wake up every morning, the reason we strive to live a life of goodness, kindness, and faith.

Today, we're going to be looking at a passage from the book of Philippians, specifically Philippians 1:18-26. This passage is a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Apostle Paul. It's a testament to the power of faith, to the power of Christ's love, and to the power of living a life dedicated to fruitful labor for the Lord.

This passage says, "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."

This passage is a beacon of hope, a call to courage, and a testament to the power of faith. It's a reminder that no matter what we're going through, no matter how difficult our circumstances, we can find joy and peace in Christ.

As we prepare to delve into this passage, let's remember the words of the great theologian J.I. Packer, who once said, "The Christian's life in all its aspects - intellectual and ethical, devotional and relational, upsurging in worship and outgoing in witness - is supernatural; only the Spirit can initiate and sustain it. So apart from Him, not only will there be no lively believers and no lively congregations, there will be no believers and no congregations at all."

In this light, let us bow our heads in prayer. Dear Lord, we thank you for this day, for the opportunity to gather together as a family in Christ. We pray that as we study your Word today, you would open our hearts and minds, that we might understand your truth and apply it to our lives. We ask that you would give us the strength to persevere in fruitful labor for you, and the courage to face whatever comes our way. We pray all this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Persevering in Fruitful Labor

In the passage we've just read, Paul speaks of his life as a continuous effort of fruitful labor. He is in prison, yet he rejoices. He is uncertain about his future, yet he is hopeful. He is torn between life and death, yet he is courageous. He is in chains, yet he is free. This is the paradox of Paul's life, and it's a paradox that we, as followers of Christ, are called to live out in our own lives.

Paul's life is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite his circumstances, he continues to labor for the Lord, to preach the gospel, to encourage the believers, and to glorify Christ in all he does. He doesn't allow his circumstances to dictate his attitude or his actions. Instead, he allows his faith in Christ to guide him, to strengthen him, and to sustain him. This is the first aspect of fruitful labor that we need to understand.

Fruitful labor is not about what we do, but about who we are. It's about our identity in Christ. It's about living out our faith in every aspect of our lives, in every situation, in every circumstance. It's about being Christ-like in our thoughts, in our words, and in our actions.

Paul's fruitful labor is also characterized by a spirit of selflessness. He is willing to sacrifice his own desires, his own comfort, and even his own life for the sake of Christ and for the sake of others. He says, "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."

Next, fruitful labor is not about serving ourselves, but about serving others. It's about putting the needs of others before our own. It's about following the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Paul's fruitful labor is also marked by a sense of purpose. He knows that his life has meaning, that his work has value, that his suffering is not in vain. He says, "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."

Moving on, fruitful labor is also about fulfilling God's purpose. We must be living for the kingdom of God and his righteousness. His glory is all that matters!

Finally, Paul's fruitful labor is fueled by a sense of joy. Despite his trials, despite his hardships, despite his uncertainties, he rejoices. He finds joy in his relationship with Christ. He finds joy in his service to others.

Pondering the Reality of Death

As we continue to unpack this passage, we find Paul wrestling with the reality of death ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO