Key Scriptures: Philippians 1:19-26
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be magnified 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 go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
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Lesson one: Paul’s Philosophy of Life produced his confession.
• A Christ-centered philosophy of life produces the resolve to magnify Christ in life or death.
• To live in Christ is the very essence and fulfillment of life…and to die in Christ is be ushered into the very presence of Christ…
Philippians 1:21, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
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Lesson Two: Paul’s Philosophy of Life produced his confidence.
• A Christ-centered philosophy of life produces a confidence in us—that in Christ, we will not be ashamed but will stand among the redeemed of God on the last day.
Philippians 1: 20, I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be magnified in me, whether by life or by death.
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Lesson Three: Paul’s Philosophy of Life produced his conflict.
• A Christ-centered philosophy of life should produce in us a conflict to wrestle with the desire to continue in the labor of serving in this life or to be in the presence of Christ.
Philippians 1:22-24, If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
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Lesson Four: Paul’s Philosophy of Life produced his conviction.
• A Christ-centered philosophy of life should produce in us a conviction to live a life where Christ is magnified—whether by life or by death
Philippians 1:24-26, Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.