Living With Meaning
Text: Phil. 1:19-26
Introduction
1. Illustration: John Wesley provides the most convicting analysis on what it means to be a true servant: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can."
2. I think that God has placed within each one of us the desire to be significant. Someone asked me one time what was my biggest fear. My answer was "being insignificant." When I leave this world I want to know that my life wasn't wasted. That I had touched as many people's lives in a positive way as possible.
3. In my mind that is what Paul is saying in our text this morning; that a life of meaning is one that...
a. Honors Christ
b. Serves Christ
c. Makes A Difference Through Christ
4. Let's stand together as we read Phil. 1:19-26
Proposition: A life filled with meaning is one that is completely sold out to Jesus and the Gospel.
Transition: A life filled with meaning is one that...
I. Honors Christ (19-20).
A. Bring Honor To Christ
1. Even though Paul is in Roman captivity he has this overwhelming sense that God is not done with him yet, and he fully expects to be released.
2. Look at what he says in verse 19, "For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance."
a. Paul’s confidence came from two sources: human and divine.
b. Paul knew that the Philippians’ constant prayers had sustained him.
c. As Paul consistently prayed for the churches, so he petitioned their prayers on his behalf.
d. In addition, Paul depended upon the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, who makes Christ’s presence real in true believers.
e. The prayers of the church and the support of the Holy Spirit sustained Paul through a difficult trial and, in the end, no matter what the outcome, Paul would ultimately be “delivered.” (Barton, Life Application New Testament Commentary, 847).
3. The reason Paul had this assurance was he believed God still had work for his to do. We can see this when he says, "For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die."
a. The Greek word translated eager expectation pictures a person straining his neck to see what is ahead.
b. In Romans 8:19, Paul used the same word as he described looking forward to the revelation of God’s children, as God had planned from the beginning of creation.
c. Hope and expectation are linked together. Paul looked forward to the final fulfillment.
d. He was not concerned about the verdict of his trial, but for the testimony he would leave.
e. Paul hoped he would never do anything that would cause him shame.
f. He was not worried about his own humiliation, but he prayed for courage to be bold for Christ and to always honor Christ.
g. When standing trial, Paul wanted to speak God’s truth courageously and not be timid or ashamed.
h. The words, whether I live or I die, reveal that Paul was uncertain about the outcome of his trial. He faced the possibility of execution (Barton 847).
i. However, if it was living or dying, Paul was determined to honor Christ no matter what the circumstances.
B. Glory To God
1. Illustration: Johann Sebastian Bach was born into the musical family of Bach’s in 1685. By the age of ten, both of his parents were dead. Early in his friction-filled life, young Johann determined he would write music … music for the glory of God … and this he did. Most of Bach’s works are explicitly Biblical. Albert Schweitzer referred to him as The fifth evangelist, thus comparing him to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. At age 17 Bach became the organist at the church; soon thereafter he was given charge of the entire music ministry. During his ministry in Weimar, Germany he wrote a new cantata every month … EVERY MONTH! And during one three-year period he wrote, conducted, orchestrated, and performed (with his choir and orchestra) a new cantata every week! No one had any idea what a mark Bach would leave. His legacy lives on some 300 years later. You can hear his music at will. At the beginning of every authentic manuscript one will find the letters "J.J." This stands for Jesu Java (Jesus help me). At the end of each original manuscript you will find the letters "S.D.G." This stands for Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God). Bach is a reminder that one who gives his life to Jesus and serves Him does not count it a loss.
2. Are you living to honor Christ?
a. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
b. Our lives should be concentrated on one thing; giving glory to God.
c. We should give glory to God in our work.
d. We should give glory to God at school.
e. We should give glory to God in our ministry.
f. We should give glory to God when we are out and about.
g. Whether it is eating or drinking, or whatever we are doing, it should be to give glory to God.
Transition: A life of meaning is also one that...
II. Serves Christ (21-24).
A. Living For Christ
1. These next few verses are not only the heart of this text, but also the heart of Paul's life and ministry.
2. He says, "For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better."
a. To those who don’t believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for this world’s values—money, popularity, power, pleasure, and prestige.
b. For Paul, however, living was for Christ—Paul’s life focus was to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal perspective.
c. For to me indicates Paul’s firm resolve and unshaken faith. The essence of life was Christ and having a vital spiritual union with him.
d. Everything Paul desired or attempted was inspired by his devotion for Christ.
e. With that attitude, dying would not be a tragedy but, instead, a realization of Paul’s hope and expectation.
f. To live would continue Paul’s ministry of spreading the gospel; to die would be even better because Paul’s martyrdom would glorify Christ and bring him face to face with the Savior.
g. Paul’s faithful and fearless witness even unto death would enhance the reputation of the gospel.
h. Christ would be magnified as much in Paul’s death as he had been in Paul’s life (Barton, 847).
3. Next Paul shows a single minded devotion as well as a bit of a struggle within himself. He says, "But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.
a. Two choices were equally compelling: (1) the desire to die and be with Christ himself and (2) the desire to stay alive and so continue his fellowship with and service to the believers.
b. While Paul lived in intimate communion with Christ during his (Paul’s) service on earth, being with Christ in heaven would be even closer and more intimate than any human could imagine.
c. These words reveal Paul’s understanding of death—believers being immediately present with the Lord.
d. Paul had no question that death would be far better because in death he would reach his ultimate goal (to be with Christ) and finally have eternal fellowship in God’s presence.
e. Paul was prepared and ready to die at any moment for his faith, and he actually looked forward to death because of the certainty of being with the Lord forever.
f. But he knew that his personal desires had to be subordinated to God’s will. Paul felt that his ministry on earth was not yet complete and that he needed to live to help the churches grow and solidify.
g. Paul placed his fellow believers’ needs above his own desires (Barton, 848).
4. Paul then concludes this thought by saying, "I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live."
a. Two choices were equally compelling: (1) the desire to die and be with Christ himself and (2) the desire to stay alive and so continue his fellowship with and service to the believers.
b. While Paul lived in intimate communion with Christ during his (Paul’s) service on earth, being with Christ in heaven would be even closer and more intimate than any human could imagine.
c. These words reveal Paul’s understanding of death—believers being immediately present with the Lord.
d. Paul had no question that death would be far better because in death he would reach his ultimate goal (to be with Christ) and finally have eternal fellowship in God’s presence.
e. Paul was prepared and ready to die at any moment for his faith, and he actually looked forward to death because of the certainty of being with the Lord forever.
f. But he knew that his personal desires had to be subordinated to God’s will.
g. Paul felt that his ministry on earth was not yet complete and that he needed to live to help the churches grow and solidify.
h. Paul placed his fellow believers’ needs above his own desires (Barton, 848).
B. I am Your Servant
1. Illustration: As Rick Warren points out, "There are 750 Halls of Fame in America and 450 Who’s Who Publications, but you won’t find many real servants in those places. Notoriety means nothing to real servants because they know the difference between prominence and significance." You are never more like God than when you serve (Rick Warren. Purpose Driven Life, 263).
2. Are you serving the Lord with all your heart?
a. 1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT)
And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
b. Are you serving him with your time?
c. Are you serving him with your relationships?
d. Are you serving him with your talents?
e. Are you serving him with your body?
f. Are you serving him with your finances?
g. If you are holding back in any of those areas then the answer to the question is "No!"
Transition: Additionally, a life of meaning is one that...
III. Makes A Difference Through Christ (25-26).
A. What He Is Doing Through Me
1. How can Paul remain so positive considering the circumstances he was in? One word: purpose. His purpose was centered around not himself but others.
2. He says, "Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith."
a. In this verse, Paul expressed confidence that this imprisonment, at least, would not end in his death.
b. Paul would remain alive, return to Philippi (Philemon 22), and work among them so they would grow and experience the joy of their faith.
c. Perhaps Paul wrote these words thinking that if he was released, their joy would know no bounds and their faith would certainly be strengthened (Barton, 848).
d. Notice the words, "so I can help all of you..." Paul's life was about reaching out and helping others grow in their faith.
3. But Paul never claims the glory for himself. Notice what he says, "And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me."
a. Listen to what Paul says here, "take pride in Christ Jesus because of what He is doing through me."
b. Paul’s return would reassure the Philippians as they saw God answering their prayers for Paul’s safety (1:19).
c. They could have even more reason to boast about what Christ had done for Paul.
d. Paul’s safe return would cause the congregation that loved him so much to boast in Christ Jesus because of answered prayer (Barton, 848).
e. But it was all because of what Christ had done!
B. Allow Yourself To Be Used
1. Illustration: Dr. Samuel Brengle (Salvation Army) said, "The axe cannot boast of the trees it has cut down. IT could do nothing but for the woodsman. He made it, he sharpened it, he used it. The moment he throws it aside, it becomes only old iron. O that I may never lose sight of this."
2. Are you allowing yourself to be used by God?
a. Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
b. Are you stepping out in ministry, or are you sitting on the sidelines?
c. Are you allowing God to use the talents he has already given you?
d. Are you walking in faith and saying, "God I have no idea how to do this, but if you will give me the ability I will do it!"
e. Many of the great men and women of faith were ill-equipped for the ministry God called them to, but they walked by faith and not by sight.
f. They trusted in God's provision rather than their own abilities.
g. Who knew four years ago that we could put on such a great kids crusade like Kids Kommotion?
h. Who knew a year ago that we would be just a short time from moving into a beautifully renovated church building in which to worship and do ministry?
i. If we open ourselves up to God's power, step out in faith, and trust His provision miracles will happen!
Transition: Let's allow God to make a difference through us!
Conclusion
1. When I leave this world I want to know that my life wasn't wasted. That I had touched as many people's lives in a positive way as possible.
2. In my mind that is what Paul is saying in our text this morning; that a life of meaning is one that...
a. Honors Christ
b. Serves Christ
c. Makes A Difference Through Christ
3. What are you doing to honor Christ?
4. What are you doing to serve Christ?
5. What are you doing to make a difference through Christ?
