Philippians 1:19-26

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored 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 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.

 

This world is marked by suffering.  Paul was aware of this reality as he writes this letter from prison.  He is certainly ready and anxious to be with the Lord.  However, he also understands the benefits of living for the glory of Christ in a world that desperately needs to hear the Gospel.  The balance between living with God and living for God is on display in this passage.

 

THE PRIORITY OF HONORING GOD: Deliverance would seem to be the top priority for anyone who is prison.  This is not the case for Paul.  While he is confident that he will be delivered, he is more concerned about the impact of his life.  The top priority of any believer must be the glory of God.  We never know when the Lord might call us into His presence.  The point is that whether we live or die, are in prison or have liberty, out priority must be to honor the Lord in every circumstance of life.  It is not wrong to pray for deliverance from difficult circumstances.  However, our priority should always be to pray that our lives will be marked by significance.  

 

THE PEACE OF DYING IN CHRIST:  Death is not an easy or a light thing as it can be painful and is not something we have personal experience with.  When we live our lives for the glory of God, we can be assured that there is nothing to fear in death.  For every believer, death will provide great joy as we enter the presence of God and are embraced by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  This is why Paul saw death as “gain” since it would mark the end of suffering on earth and the beginning of eternal life with the Lord.  It is a comfort to know these truths as we watch loved ones approach death and as we prepare for our own.

 

THE PURPOSE OF LIVING FOR OTHERS: As blessed as going to heaven will be, God has given us a mission to accomplish on earth.  That mission must be the priority that guides our time and the purpose of our lives.  Death may have been “gain” for Paul, but the well-being of the body of Christ was more important than personal comfort.  If we truly want to live a life that is pleasing to God, we must purpose in our hearts to love and serve others.  Our love for God should motivate love for others and make us willing to delay our reunion with Christ in heaven.

 

APPLICATION: Make the glory of God in both life and death be our top priority.  Take comfort in the death of believers and face our own deaths with joyful confidence.  Make the mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations and serving other be the purpose that drives us.

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