Over January our church is doing a short series on Philippians. When I first heard it was on, I thought we would look at a chapter each, but close to the start it turned into looking at 4 key verses, once from each chapter. This involved a little re-jigging as I hoped to reuse a bit I had done before. There is still some re-use from these two youth talks, but I did have to expand more as we drilled down to Phil 1:21. I also leaned on our second reading of Psalm 16 as I thought the tone of that complimented Paul.
Below is more or less of what I said.
People try and avoid death all the time. Our health industry is always under stress, new years resolutions generally have some sort of healthy living aspect to it. No one resolves to always ride a motorbike without a helmet, to smoke one more pack a week and to eat more KFC. We humans, want to live and live longer if possible.
Ricky Megee in January 2006 got lost and standard in the Outback about 500km South West of Katherine in the Northern Territory. He managed to walk through the desert for 71 days, living off leeches, snakes, lizards and frogs. During that time, before some cattle farmers found him, he went from 105kg to 48kg. He was determined to live.
Aron Ralson in April 2003 went hiking and climbing in Utah without telling anyone. As he was descending down a canyon a boulder got dislodged and found its way between his hand and the canyon wall. After 6 days he managed to chop his own hand off with a terribly small knife before continuing the climb down to get some help. He wrote a book called Between a Rock and a Hard Place, that became the movie 127 Hours.
“Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a ... big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends...Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing junk food into your mouth.”Is that life? What is it that we live for? It’s one thing to stay alive, it is another thing to live and to die for something.
William Wallace from Braveheart would have us die for something “They make take out lives, but they will never take our... freedom”. In the state of New Hampshire, their motto is printed on all their licence plates is “Life Free or Die”. Is freedom the answer that we are to live and die for?
Paul answers this deep extensional question, from prison of all places. Not from a place of freedom or luxury. He is one of the happiest man alive and he is potentially facing death.
Paul wrote this in prison, tied to a Roman guard. So lets back up a little and look at the context of this letter to see how we get to Paul’s crazy line about how “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Paul and the Philippians
Paul who was Saul, once hated Christians. He was a devoted Jew who thought Christians were ruining everything with all their talk of the Messiah who had come. So he went about destroying their plans. However, Jesus shows up, knocks Saul off his horse and blinds him for three days. This in effect took away Saul’s blind faith, he now didn’t have a choice - he had to believe in the resurrected Jesus for he had met Him.
So Saul changes names and changes teams. He is now on the Christian side and starts arguing with Jews telling them that the Messiah had in fact come. He had seen Him. Paul takes this message on the road and one city he visits with Silas and Timothy is Philippi.
So if someone said Jesus was Lord or King in Philippi it was dangerous as it was saying that the Roman Caesar wasn’t Lord or King. And that is what Paul and Silas do, and they end up in prison for it. In Acts 16 you can read that story, but it’s interesting to note that the first members of this church in Philippi were a rich religious woman in the fashion industry, a slave girl who was possessed by a demon and a gruff Roman prison guard. It’s possible these three people were still at the church when Paul was writing to them.
And so fast forward 10 or so years and Paul now writes this letter as kinda of a thank you letter. He wasn’t responding to a messed-up situation like in some letters, this isn’t like the letter to Romans written to people he hadn’t met, this was written to his friends in another town who still cared for him.
Paul was in prison awaiting trial which may lead to his freedom, or to his death. Back then the government didn’t think they needed to look after their own prisoners, so you needed outside help to stay alive. The Philippians heard that Paul was in prison, so they sent their man Epaphroditus (probably with a few others) to bring Paul some food and money so that he wouldn’t starve. This wasn’t the first time the Philippians had looked after Paul. In Chapter 4 we read that the Philippians did this to Paul in two other towns. It is pretty clear the Philippians liked Paul. He was like their link missionary.
But what happened this time round was that their gift-giving guy Epaphroditus got sick, like really sick and nearly died. Paul writes this letter to send back to the Philippians to let them know that Epaphroditus is now OK and to say thanks for their provisions. But because this is Paul, he can’t just write a quick thank you note. He is encouraged by the Philippians, so he writes back to encourage them. And of course, the best thing to write about is Jesus.
So, Paul writes to encourage them to press on with Jesus, telling them to live different. This might have been especially hard in a city trying to live like Rome. Instead of being a mini-Rome Paul tells them to be a mini-Jesus. This would have made them stand out a bit, it may have made things hard for them. Especially if you said that Jesus was King.
But living like a Christian is hard in all times and cultures, as all times and cultures have their own way of thinking and doing things - and as Christians, we have been called to live different lives for Christ.
Christianity is an alternate lifestyle. It is counter-cultural. We are not to conform to the patterns of this world, but instead are to be living sacrifices to God. When I was the youth minister here I would always tell the teens that Christianity is punk. It is a quiet rebellion against society. If you want to be a rebel in society, don’t just do what everyone else is doing. In Phillip don’t be a mini-Rome. Don’t be consuming things and people for pleasure, stop being worried about wars and interest rates, and don’t try and find meaning and purpose from within you. If you really want to be a rebel, be a Christian, stay a virgin till your wedding night, stop worrying about the next world disaster, don’t put your hope in the Government to solve all your problems, stay sober and read your Bible every day. Everything else is overdone and overrated.
Paul’s Predicament (1:19-26)
So we get to Paul and you would think that he would be a bit upset about being in prison, maybe slightly miffed or put out. But instead, he has joy. Not because he is trapped in gaol and awaiting a trial that may mean he loses his life, but because the Gospel is being preached inside and outside the prison. This trumps everything, for Paul lives for Christ and to make Him known, so he is happy, so he rejoices.
He is in prison, chained to a smelly Roman guard and yet he is still upbeat. He is not writing some “dear diary, this is the worst day ever” emo entry. He isn’t posting on Facebook how terrible his day is going. Paul rejoices, not because bad things have happened to him, but because in those moments he can still see the Gospel going forward. He has the art of seeing God’s purpose worked out through difficulties.
Paul then, in verses 19-26 turns his attention directly to his situation and addresses the fact that he may die soon. The powers of the world want Paul dead and in some way, he actually is fine with that: Paul thinks he would be better off dead, although for a whole series of different reasons.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of 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 exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:18–21)Paul asked for their prayers and hopes that at this time, like all the times in the past, he would live in a way that would give glory to God. He asked for courage to face the trial and the outcome.
Whether by life or death, he hopes that he will not be ashamed of Christ but instead Jesus will be exalted in his body. In the “body”, I take it to mean in a physical not spiritual sense. He hopes that in a real visible way, he would be able to show how good Jesus is if he is to go on living or if he is to lose his head. That Paul will not show in any way that he is ashamed of Christ, if he was to go on living or if he was sentenced to death.
Paul actually goes on to explain why he thinks Jesus is worth living and dying for.
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 boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (Philippians 1:21–26)Paul is feeling a tension between eternal salvation and temporary freedom. He faces this predicament or decision to choose one way or the other. On one hand, if Paul does die he will go to be with Jesus. On the other hand, if Paul lives after his trial then he will continue to advance Jesus’ kingdom by whatever means he can. Since Paul’s life is so wrapped up in Jesus he is quite happy about whatever will come from his trial. Whether he lives or dies Jesus is sovereign over all.
If Paul does die he gets to see Jesus face to face which in Paul’s words is far better. However, do you see where Paul lands on this predicament? Paul chooses the least favourable option to him for the sake of others. Paul chooses life, not for himself but for others. Instead of throwing in the towel and saying he has had enough, “it’s off to see Jesus now”, Paul thinks that while he is still here, he can be of an assistance to others to increase their joy and increase their faith.
Paul is doing what he says in the next chapter, to do.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3–4)Paul puts others before his own wants and desires. This is why we don’t just kill ourselves once we become Christians. I mean, sure once we are saved when we die we get to be with God forever, but we don’t just off ourselves then and there. We have a mission. Becoming a Christian isn’t just about future eternal fire insurance for ourselves and not about anyone else. We are to press on so that others can come to faith and their joy can be increased. Once you are saved, the model here is that our lives are not our own, Jesus is our new King and we are to go about His business in bringing all things under His reign. We are to be other person-centred, even if it means doing the least favourable option. That is true sacrifice. That is love. That is the example we have in Jesus. That can bring joy, even when things are hard.
What is your Life About?
What is your life about? When push comes to shove if everything has been taken away from you where would you turn to? What are you fundamentally about? Can people tell by your life if you are ashamed of Jesus or not? Are you living for yourself, or for God and others? Do you live different?
King David has many ups and downs in his life. He had people try and assassinate Him, he fought many wars, he had seen death. He got through all of this for his eyes were fixed on God.
Can you speak like David in that Psalm? Because we have much reason to do so.
Our God is a creative artist. He made all the sunsets over the mountains on a partly cloudy day, he made all the beaches and coastal lines, all the elements we have on this earth and our own creative minds to produce wifi, and music and hamburgers.
The life that we have comes from Him, and all the pleasures we have of the senses of smell, touch and taste have been created by Him.
God isn’t absent, and an impersonal artist who isn’t involved in His creation. He is personal and cares for us. He who made the stars in the southern cross millions of light years away also made the taste receptors on your tongue.
Not only did He create all these pleasures, but He also rescued us from ourselves. God came and became one of us. He emptied himself to be a human and humbled Himself to save us. He took on our wrongdoings and submitted to the punishment that we deserved. He suffered death for us on a cross, but then rose again, victorious and now we can have His rightness. We have a new life, a fresh start with Him, and He will take us back home with Him one day. Death is not final for us, there is life after death, and it is with Him.
This changes us. It changes who we are and what we value in life, for God has intervened. How can we not have joy, even in hard circumstances?
God is a completer finisher (Phil 1:6). He will finish the work started in your life, and will continue it past death. The Christian hope is that all who die in Christ will again rise again and be with other saints and Christ celebrating His victory for us.
Does that certain hope for the future fuel your living for today? Paul had great confidence and trust that in both living and dying, Christ was worth it. Even in prison, even facing death.
Christian punk/ska band from the early 2000's, Five Iron Frenzy has in one of their songs:
King David has many ups and downs in his life. He had people try and assassinate Him, he fought many wars, he had seen death. He got through all of this for his eyes were fixed on God.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:2)and
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:7–8)he goes on
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:9–11)Whether he lives or dies, he looks to God and will not be shaken. He knows even in death he will not be abandoned. God makes known the path of life and that fills the author with joy.
Can you speak like David in that Psalm? Because we have much reason to do so.
Our God is a creative artist. He made all the sunsets over the mountains on a partly cloudy day, he made all the beaches and coastal lines, all the elements we have on this earth and our own creative minds to produce wifi, and music and hamburgers.
The life that we have comes from Him, and all the pleasures we have of the senses of smell, touch and taste have been created by Him.
Not only did He create all these pleasures, but He also rescued us from ourselves. God came and became one of us. He emptied himself to be a human and humbled Himself to save us. He took on our wrongdoings and submitted to the punishment that we deserved. He suffered death for us on a cross, but then rose again, victorious and now we can have His rightness. We have a new life, a fresh start with Him, and He will take us back home with Him one day. Death is not final for us, there is life after death, and it is with Him.
This changes us. It changes who we are and what we value in life, for God has intervened. How can we not have joy, even in hard circumstances?
God is a completer finisher (Phil 1:6). He will finish the work started in your life, and will continue it past death. The Christian hope is that all who die in Christ will again rise again and be with other saints and Christ celebrating His victory for us.
Does that certain hope for the future fuel your living for today? Paul had great confidence and trust that in both living and dying, Christ was worth it. Even in prison, even facing death.
Christian punk/ska band from the early 2000's, Five Iron Frenzy has in one of their songs:
All my dreams are slowly dying.Jesus is worth it. He is worth it in the ups and in the downs, in the hardships and in the ease. God is trustworthy and worth following, for He has bound Himself to humans, through His promises and His death. Those in Christ are changed and so can be content in all things, in plenty and with without, because we have Christ. All other titles and accolades are rubbish.
I can count my years in scars.
The only one that's never left me,
Has carried me so very far.
I've heard it said that he wastes nothing,
So beautiful to behold,
The Author of my hope is writing,
The greatest story ever told.
This year?
At the start of this year, how might your hope about Jesus fuel your living for 2024?
At the start of 2009, I read a chapter of J.C. Ryle’s book Holiness and this bit in his chapter on Assurance stood out to me from his chapter on Assurance:
As we start this New Year and think about what we will be doing, what commitments will we take up, and what things can we squeeze into our timetables - how does living for Christ factor into your plans? Do you live in a way that is looking forward to seeing Jesus? Who might you meet up with once a fortnight or once a month this year to read the Bible and to encourage and support them? Can your family adopt someone else at church, someone who is older or someone who is single? What friendships could you form to encourage someone in their faith? How can you share the love of God with those around you?
Does your hope for the future affect how you live today? Could someone tell by how you live that you are joyful, confident in the power of prayer and not ashamed of Christ? That you labour for others to know Jesus.
Philippians has a bunch of coffee mug verses, maybe this year you could adopt “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Paul gladly sees his whole life through the lens and purpose of the Gospel. I hope that this year, you too will see your life through this lens, so you can also say, regardless of circumstances, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
At the start of 2009, I read a chapter of J.C. Ryle’s book Holiness and this bit in his chapter on Assurance stood out to me from his chapter on Assurance:
Many appear to think that, once converted, they have little more to attend to, and that a state of salvation is a kind of easy chair, in which they may just sit still, lie back, and be happy. They seem to fancy that grace is given to them that they may enjoy it, and they forget that it is given, like a talent, to be used, employed, and improved...
I believe it ought to be our continual aim and desire to go forward, and our watchword on every returning birthday, and at the beginning of every year, should be, “More and more” (1 Thess. 4:1): more knowledge,—more faith,—more obedience,—more love… The will of the Lord is our sanctification, and it ought to be our will too. (1 Thess. 4:3.) (Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots (VII. “Assurance”))This phrase “more and more” had an impact on my thinking that year. Throughout 2009 I thought about how I might love and serve God “more and more”. As it turns out, in the middle of that year I started my theological degree. Now that might not be the right course for you. But what actions could you do as you love God “more and more”?
As we start this New Year and think about what we will be doing, what commitments will we take up, and what things can we squeeze into our timetables - how does living for Christ factor into your plans? Do you live in a way that is looking forward to seeing Jesus? Who might you meet up with once a fortnight or once a month this year to read the Bible and to encourage and support them? Can your family adopt someone else at church, someone who is older or someone who is single? What friendships could you form to encourage someone in their faith? How can you share the love of God with those around you?
Does your hope for the future affect how you live today? Could someone tell by how you live that you are joyful, confident in the power of prayer and not ashamed of Christ? That you labour for others to know Jesus.
Paul gladly sees his whole life through the lens and purpose of the Gospel. I hope that this year, you too will see your life through this lens, so you can also say, regardless of circumstances, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
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