2021-08-01 – Philippians 1:21-30 – To Live Is Christ
2021-08-01 – Philippians 1:21-30 – To Live Is Christ
Good morning everyone. It is so nice to be able to spend some time with you all in fellowship with the Lord. Thank you and God bless you for being with us today.
Have you ever watched the movie called The Three Musketeers? I have enjoyed watching several different versions of the story on film through the years, and just last week the 2011 rendition. They are all depictions of a French historical adventure novel written in 1844 by French author Alexandre Dumas. It is in the swashbuckler genre, which has heroic and chivalrous swordsmen who fight for justice in France. I found it very entertaining to say the least.
You might surmise that the word musketeer is a real title for a type of soldier equipped with a musket. Musketeers were an important part of the early armies, particularly in Europe as they normally comprised the majority of their infantry. In the story, there are actually four musketeers, the original three (Athos, Porthos, Aramis) who had been together for a long time, and then D’Artagnan who is like a Musketeer apprentice.
What’s interesting about the Three Musketeers is that although they are each different men, they share only one title identity. That kind of also reminds me of another party of three, the Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Three individual parts of one holy God. Another cool reflection is that the Musketeers used swords, and according to Ephesians 6, we too should be welding the Sword of the Holy Spirit, which is the Word of God. So let us do that together right now.
Please turn now to Philippians 1:21, page 1040 in your pew Bibles, which we call God’s Inspired, Infallible and Living Word. Prayer..
Last week we read the previous verses in this chapter where Paul, although he was in that Roman prison, was still rejoicing in the fact that he had seen many people come to Christ, even some of the imperial guards and some in Cesar’s household. Paul also conveyed appreciation to the church in Philippi for their continued love and support through the years. As we will see today in scripture verses, Paul very well understood that his days on this earth were numbered.
He didn’t know at this point if he would ever be set free or end up being martyred for his faith, for which we know now, is exactly what happened. At verse 21, Paul wrote:
21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.
If you ask most anyone today, what are their greatest fears, many people would say, death and public speaking. The idea of dying causes much trepidation for non-believers and Christian’s alike. But on the contrary, what Paul conveys here in these first short verses is a very powerful example for all of us to consider. Again, he wrote, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”. In that I would suggest, that it is one thing to proclaim such a bold declaration, but another thing to actually live a life that reflects that bold statement. But that is exactly what Paul, and most all the other apostles did. “To live is Christ and to die is gain”.
Paul knew in his heart that what Jesus said on that Calvary cross to the thief that was hanging beside hm, also applied to him as a Christ follower as well. Recall that Jesus said to that thief, “today you will be with me in Paradise”. So, on that dark day, when that thief died on the cross, he then immediately joined Jesus in heaven. Not the next day, not the next week, year, decade, millennium or century, but on that day he joined Jesus in heaven. That same promise also applied to Paul, and now applies to everyone that puts their trust in Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul elaborates on that topical fact in several different passages in our New Testament. [SLIDE] For instance, in 2 Corinthians 5 he also wrote:
1 For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. 2 Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 since, when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. 6 So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.
So again, when Paul says here, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”, he literally means it. And as long as Paul continues to live, he will endeavor to share the Good News Gospel with as many people as possible. That is his charge, and that is our charge as well. So how do we do that? How do we “live for Christ” and like Paul, share the Gospel Good News effectively?
Well scripture gives us some guidance on that matter. First, I will tell you that according to Matthew 6:5, it doesn’t mean we have to stand on the street corner and shout “Repent Sinners” to all the passersby. However instead, it does mean that we should love on our neighbors, and reflect the love of Jesus through our kindness and charitable actions. Wash some feet maybe, and be kind to one another. Be friendly and present, so that when people see that you care like Jesus, they might care to listen to the Good News you have to share with them.
Also we should know our testimony. How did you come to Christ; what was it that caused you to consider; how has it changed your life for the good. Those factual stories are yours and nobody can refute them. Like when the poor blind man said, “all I know is that I once I was blind but now I see”. So know your ow personal salvation story, and then as scripture tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, we should “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”.
And then finally, according to Matthew 5:37, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’”. Be a consistent truth teller in both in word and in deed. And when you get that creditable reputation over time, people will trust what you have to say, and maybe you will have the opportunity to tell them about Jesus. Like Paul, that is how you “live for Christ” brothers and sisters.
That same “live for Christ”, concept changed my life for the good. I remember so clearly the day when I finally recognized that I needed to die to myself, and I knew that Jesus was the answer. That decision saved my eternal life, and I am sure it would change your life for the better as well. The question is, are you ready and willing to do it? Are you willing to put aside your agenda, and choose instead to be an instrument for Jesus Christ? That’s the question. And if you have already made that “Born Again” decision already, then I must ask, do you appreciate enough the fact that you have been saved, that you are now willing to put yourself out there for the sake of the Gospel? That is the Great Commission brothers and sisters. That is what Paul lived and died for, and we should all consider doing as well. Paul continues now at verse 27, where he wrote: [SLIDE]
27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
Paul encourages all believers to be united as they are “standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel”. How sad it is though, to see instead churches fighting against one another, wasting their time and efforts that should be used instead for uniting with one another against the enemy and his schemes. Make no mistake, we are in a battle brothers and sisters. A battle of good against evil, a battle between the powers of darkness and that of God’s will and purpose. The reason Paul is in prison as he writes this letter is proof of that. And we too will struggle at times against that same evil spirit in this world. But take heart, because you are not alone. For Jesus said “I am with you”, His Holy Spirit is also in our hearts, and He has gifted us this church family to come alongside us in this cause of Christ. We are so blessed.
Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for the cause of Christ. I am not suggesting that struggling and suffering is enjoyable, because of course they are not. Yet when we suffer, if we faithfully represent Christ in that suffering, then that lived-out testimony and example can have a profound and positive effect on us, our family, our friends, and even our enemies. That is what Paul was witnessing in that prison cell. That is an undeniable truth and yet at the same time a profound mystery. Like Paul, as Christians, we should try to look at our sufferings as a privilege, because God can use those sufferings to bring legitimacy to our faith-declaration. For it is in the times of adversity, that we prove out what we profess is actually true.
In the Army, as brothers in uniform, we would occasionally boast that we would be willing to take a bullet for our friends. Well it is one thing to say that and another thing to actually do that. Sadly, I have known of instances where a soldier actually threw their bodies on a live grenade to save their friends. That reminds me of what Jesus said as recorded in John 15:12-13. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”. Then again Paul further expounds on that sacrificial spirit in speaking about Jesus in Romans 5:7-8. He said “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. So you see, both Jesus and Paul’s words stand true. Like Jesus, Paul suffered in that prison cell, not only for his friends, but also for us. So that we may see in that suffering.. Christ’s character. And then Paul closes here saying that we should consider doing likewise. TO LIVE IS CHRIST!
Like Paul, and as a Christ-follower, you are now considered now to be both a Servant-saint and a Soldier. And might I suggest that it is high-time for you and I to get serious about our Great Commission order. And in that charge, it is time for us to put on God’s battle armor. [ARMOR SLIDE]
Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”.
So you see, God has provided for you in this battle His armor, His spirit, His purpose and His joy. It is time for us to get serious about our Christian duty. It is time for us to put that virtual line in the sand, and proclaim Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And like Paul, we can also rejoice in that blessed opportunity.
In closing I will leave you with one final thought. In that book and movie Three Musketeers, the youngest apprentice musketeer D’Artagnan joined with the original three to carry out justice for the crown. Might I be so bold to suggest that as Christians, each of us are now like that young D’Artagnan. We are joining the original three, being the Trinity, as Soldier-saints for the cause of righteousness and for the crown of Christ. And in that, we shall endeavor together to be “All for one, and one for all”. [Pause]
I hope you have enjoyed this new series thus far from the book of Philippians. It is certainly a refreshing change from what Paul experienced and wrote about in the Corinthian letters we last completed. However, all of these letters of instruction and encouragement should lend to us what it truly means to be a Christ follower.
Would you please stand now and let us close with prayer followed by the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:27
27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
1 Corinthians 11:23-32 Paul Wrote:
23 The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
[Music].