Philippians 1:18b-26

Philippians 1:18b-26

To Live For Christ

I.                    Joy in life is only found in living for Christ, so we must entrust our tomorrow to Him and live our today for Him (Vv. 18b-20)

a.       Paul is under arrest, chained to a Roman praetorian guard, and awaiting his trial before Caesar. Other than knowing that if the next day doesn’t find him in court and/or sentenced to death, he’ll still be chained to a guard, Paul’s future couldn’t be any fuzzier or uncertain. So Paul did what I’m sure we’d all do in those circumstances, he writes to comfort and encourage the Philippians by sharing his joy over how his circumstances have propelled the gospel into places it couldn’t have otherwise gone, have emboldened believers in Rome to proclaim Christ like never before, and how even those trying to do him harm to make a name for themselves are pushing the gospel forward. You mean you don’t think our letters would have the same tone and content? Me either. Paul is rejoicing over what he’s seen God do to advance the gospel, and he says that he will keep right on rejoicing because he knows that no matter what circumstances he faces, he trusts that he’ll ultimately be delivered. Paul isn’t speaking of being released from jail, he’s saying he’s certain of his vindication because he’s certain of his salvation in Christ. So no matter what happens to him in the present, he knows that Christ will keep him for eternity, and will sustain him through the faithful prayers of fellow believers and the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through him. Because Paul is so confident that he’ll never be disappointed in his future hope in Christ, he’s positive that whether his present circumstances result in life or death, Christ will be exalted by his life, and he can rejoice in life or death. Our expectations in life are shaped to respond in joy or despair to life’s circumstances. If things are going “good”, we’re happy, and if things are going “bad” we despair. When we’re not certain what’s going to happen next in our lives, we often vacillate wildly between happiness and despair, but never actually experience true joy. Paul is able to rejoice in yesterday, today, and tomorrow no matter what his circumstances might be, because he has entrusted Christ with everything. Paul is absolutely certain Christ will grant him the grace needed to magnify Him each day for His glory and Paul’s greatest good and joy, no matter the circumstances. When we entrust our tomorrow to Christ, turn prayerfully to Him, and trust daily in His spiritual provision, we’ll be able to live boldly, expectantly, purposefully, hopefully, and joyfully every day in Him, no matter the circumstances (Vv. 18b-20; Job 1:20-21; 13:15-16; Ps. 34:3; Isa. 28:16; 49:23; Hab. 3:17-19; John 10:27-29; 14:26; Acts 16:22-25; Rom. 1:16-17; 5:1-5; 8:24-39; 15:30-33; 2 Cor. 1:5, 8-11; 4:17-18; Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:2-4; 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1; 2 Tim. 1:12; Jas. 5:16; 1 John 2:28) 

II.                 Joy in life is only found in living for Christ, so we must make Him the focus of our existence so that we’ll live fruitfully and die gainfully (Vv. 21-26)

a.       Paul accomplishes joy in all circumstances because his only objective and desire in his life and existence is Christ; so for him, “to live is Christ, to die is gain”. He is able to live life joyfully because all things, even what the world sees as horrible circumstances, have tangible value for the one who lives life to love, serve, and draw near to Christ. Contrary to the worlds understanding and view of death as loss, Paul calls it “gain”, which literally means “profit or advantage”. His desire wasn’t to escape this world, his desire was to glorify Christ and exist joyfully in Him, which he was absolutely confident would happen whether he lived or died. His choice was between living fruitfully and joyfully in Christ in this life for the progress and joy of himself and others, or dying gainfully and entering into eternity in complete harmony and understanding with Christ. Paul knew that to depart was better beyond all comparison, but if he remained, it would be to serve Christ and others joyfully and fruitfully. Paul found himself in a “win, win situation”. After considering the evidence, Paul came to the conclusion that God had more work for him to do on earth, so he was confident he would remain for the benefit of others, for the advancement of their faith, their confidence in Christ, and the joy which accompanied it. Paul was able to live joyfully in life no matter his circumstances, and find his greatest purpose and joyful fruit in serving others, because he was convinced his death would ultimately bring him even greater gain. Truly living for Christ means truly dying to everything else. Living for Christ changes our expectations in life and defines the way we react to life’s circumstances, even death, as we live for death’s conqueror. (Vv. 21-26; Ps. 116:15; Luke 9:23-25; 23:40-43; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 9:23; 13:12; 15:54-58; 2 Cor. 5:1-8; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 3:12-16; Col. 1:28-29; 3:1-4; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; 1 John 3:1-3; Rev. 14:13; 21:1-7)