August 13, 2012
IT'S A NO-LOSE PROPOSITION!
Philippians 1
Michel Thompson
Central Truth
As believers, we belong to Christ whether living here on earth advancing His kingdom or in heaven in the Lord's holy presence.
Key Verse | Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
Philippians 1
Greeting
1 Paul and Timothy, servants 1 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers 2 1:1 Or bishops; Greek episkopoi and deacons: 3 1:1 Or servants, or ministers; Greek diakonoi
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, 4 1:7 Or you all have fellowship with me in grace both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
The Advance of the Gospel
12 I want you to know, brothers, 5 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14 that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard 6 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word 7 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
To Live Is Christ
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 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. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy 8 1:27 Greek Only behave as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Footnotes
[1] 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface[2] 1:1 Or bishops; Greek episkopoi
[3] 1:1 Or servants, or ministers; Greek diakonoi
[4] 1:7 Or you all have fellowship with me in grace
[5] 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14
[6] 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium
[7] 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God
[8] 1:27 Greek Only behave as citizens worthy
Dive Deeper | Philippians 1
Paul wrote to the church at Philippi from the confinement of his Roman jail cell. He begins chapter one joyfully thanking the Lord for that body of believers and offering them encouragement.
In verse 21, Paul writes, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Paul is stating he is content either way, living his life on earth exalting Christ through ministry, or dying and profiting by being with the Lord.
As most days begin, those first few minutes out of bed, my thoughts usually turn to what needs to be done that day. The day usually starts by tending to my immediate desires, which at that time of day is typically coffee! Then, the day goes on from there tending to personal, family, and external tasks, which are typically spelled out on my waiting "To Do" list.
More often than not, it seems my list is full of basic tasks, such as doing the laundry, going to the grocery store, calling the bank, etc. If I were living in Christ as Paul was, I think my list would look more like a "Live in Christ" list full of opportunities to know, love, serve, and walk with the Lord.
When I think of the word die, the word gain is not usually the first word to come to mind. Instead, I selfishly think of the loss of personal relationships. But, there is much to gain from death -- being in the Lord's presence 24/7; being reunited with loved ones who have already died; living with no more sin, sorrow, or temptation. We certainly lose everything we don't need, like earthly possessions, power, and prestige. But our dividend from death is much greater than our loss.
Paul knew to Whom he belonged. He was not afraid to die; rather, he was content to serve Christ whether here on earth or in God's presence. I find encouragement, comfort, and hope in Paul's message.
Life in Christ = Death is Gain!
Discussion Questions
1. What is on your "To Do" list today? Does it include serving or worshiping the Lord?
2. What are the earthly idols that keep you from focusing on living for Christ?
3. Do you think of dying as gain? Does Paul's message give you hope or peace when facing death or dealing with the death of a loved one?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
August 13-17 (Philippians 1 - Colossians 1)
Read Philippians 2: 1-11.
• What does it mean to be selfish or to try to impress others?
• Why would those things go against what God would have you do?
• What, instead, does Paul say we should do? (verse 3 & 4)
• What would it look like in your own life to do those things?
• What did Christ do for you?
• How did He show humility?
•
Is it easy for you to be humble, not seek everyone's approval, and to serve others above yourself?
Activity: At a family meeting, ask each person to identify someone to serve. For the person you identify, think about doing something that puts that person before yourself. Try to think of someone who cannot do anything for you in return!