Philippians 1:21-30
1:21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
1:22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know
which I prefer.
1:23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for
that is far better;
1:24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.
1:25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of
you for your progress and joy in faith,
1:26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you
again.
1:27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether
I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm
in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel,
1:28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of
their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God's doing.
1:29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ,
but of suffering for him as well--
1:30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I
still have.
It seems like Paul is saying that there is something greater than dying and going to heaven.
I will probably use this and emphasize the importance of living a life of giving your life.
"If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me."
When you are a living sacrifice, you are better off alive than dead.
GC in IL
Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary. Yes, we would rather go be with Jesus, it would be easier. But, on earth in our ministries we are important to God here on earth, he needs us as long as He taries! This is good passage for the preacher. When you get depressed and wonder what good am I really doing? Am I really planting seeds? My flock really could care less. uplifting passage for ministers. Pastor mary in OH
GC in IL,
Part of what you wrote sounded sort of poetic. I think it might be my sermon title for Sunday..."Living a Life of Giving Your Life."
I was planning on talking about how we all have a stake in each others faith. So much so that it is more important that we live out our lives, even in the midst of persecution, for the sake of building each other up in faith.
RevIsrael
The first part of this passage seems to be Paul reflecting on his own life and seemingly impending death. I am met with the challenge to look at the same in me (and hopefully my congregation to do the same). Could I honestly say that my life or death is Christ's gain? ...That my life is wholly founded in Christ and, therefore, focus on me becomes focus on Christ?
With that question examined, I will make v 21-22 the foundation of my sermon... living a life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
RevTazz
I found this helpful on this passage:
"Paul could not fully understand why things turned out for him the way they did. He was convinced that whatever happened, it would be okay, but the reasons for his lot eluded him. One thing he did know- that he was where he was because of some greater purpose of God. It was transformative to consider that where we are (our location or situation) in life is not by happenstance or accident, but because God has some greater purpose for us. One approach to this text might be to encourage the congregation to examine the purpose God may have for them and their particular place at this particular time." ---Emphasis Magazine
Who doesn't need to hear that?
What we have here is Paul's on-going struggle with being "here" (i.e., being human with its limitations)and the promises of the Lord to "be with him." Paul writes about it in other letters - the want to/don't want to scenario. This passage reminds me of our own struggle with being disciples in the face of our humanity (warts and all). I will try to help my congregation identify with Paul as they go about being disciples in the midst of the mixed-up, crazy world in which they live.
