Introduction (Philippians 1:19–26)
In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Prince
of Denmark feared both life and death. He viewed existence as painful and
the afterlife as terrifying. In contrast, the Apostle Paul saw both living
and dying as opportunities to glorify Christ. Writing from a Roman prison,
he reflected on the purpose of life and the reality of death, facing a
dilemma—whether to remain in the flesh for fruitful labor or to depart and
be with the Lord in Paradise.
Paul’s Hope
Paul wrote with unshakable confidence: “For I know that this will turn out
for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus
Christ” (Philippians 1:19–20). His assurance was grounded in knowledge, not
uncertainty. He understood that his situation, whether ending in freedom or
death, would ultimately glorify God. The prayers of the Philippian brethren
and the intercession of the Holy Spirit strengthened him daily. Romans 8:26
affirms that the Spirit helps our weaknesses, joining with our prayers to
accomplish God’s will. Paul’s earnest expectation was that he would never be
ashamed but would live and speak boldly so that Christ might be magnified in
his body. His body would serve as the instrument through which Christ’s
glory was displayed before the world.
Paul’s Life
“For to me, to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21a). Paul’s old self had died
with Christ. He declared, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). The cross had transformed him. His new
life was fully directed by Christ’s presence within him, as he wrote in
Galatians 2:20: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Paul’s
entire being, purpose, and identity centered upon Christ. Every decision,
thought, and act of service flowed from that relationship. He saw his body
as a living tool for righteousness, echoing Romans 6:13, which calls
believers to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. Paul
lived to display Christ’s mercy, obedience, and strength.
Paul’s Death
“And to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21b). Death, to Paul, was not the end
but a gain—a transition from the temporary to the eternal. He viewed death
as the separation of body and soul, not extinction. James 2:26 explains that
death is the moment when the spirit departs from the body. For Paul, this
departure meant being with Christ. It was gain because it would bring him to
a state of rest, reward, and fellowship with the Lord he loved. He had
already glimpsed heavenly things in visions (2 Corinthians 12:1–4) and knew
personally how far better that state would be compared to imprisonment and
suffering.
Paul’s Dilemma
Paul wrote, “But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my
labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell, for I am hard-pressed between
the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better”
(Philippians 1:22–23). He was hemmed in by two good choices. If he lived, he
could continue bearing fruit, strengthening churches, and winning souls. If
he departed, he would be with Christ, which was far better. The phrase “to
depart” suggests breaking up camp or lifting anchor to sail home—a beautiful
image of leaving the trials of earth for the peace of Paradise. Yet Paul’s
love for the brethren drew him to remain, as he expressed in verses 25–26:
“I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and
joy of faith.” He was confident that his release would bring joy to the
Philippians and renewed growth in their faith.
Application
Can you, as Paul did, honestly say that Christ is magnified in your body? Is
He visible in your speech, thoughts, and actions? Is your life used as an
instrument of righteousness or self? Can you imagine life apart from Christ?
What truly directs your time, your finances, your heart—material pursuits,
hobbies, or the cause of Christ? Finally, consider this searching question:
would the Lord’s cause on earth be weakened by your passing?
Call to Action
Let each of us examine whether we can say, “For to me, to live is Christ,
and to die is gain.” The only way to face death with confidence is to live
each day for Christ. If you are not a Christian, obey the gospel and have
your sins washed away in baptism. If you are a Christian, live faithfully so
that Christ is magnified in you and death becomes your gain.
Paul’s Dilemma Sermon Outline:
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Introduction:
Hamlet’s fear versus Paul’s faith (Philippians 1:19–26)
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Contrast between worldly
despair and spiritual confidence
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Paul’s imprisonment and
reflection on life and death
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Theme: life and death both
glorify Christ
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I. Paul’s Hope (Philippians
1:19–20)
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His confidence in deliverance
through prayer and the Spirit
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Objective assurance, not
speculation
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Connection between human prayer
and divine action (Romans 8:26)
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His aim: that Christ be
magnified in body and life
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II. Paul’s Life (Philippians
1:21a)
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“For to me, to live is Christ”
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The crucified old man and the
new life in Christ (Galatians 6:14; 2:20)
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Living by faith, using the body
as an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:13)
-
Christ-centered existence;
daily conduct displays His character
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III. Paul’s Death (Philippians
1:21b)
-
Death as separation of body and
soul (James 2:26)
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Gain because it brings
fellowship with Christ
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Assurance rooted in Paul’s
heavenly vision (2 Corinthians 12:1–4)
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Transition, not loss—departure
to eternal rest
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IV. Paul’s Dilemma
(Philippians 1:22–26)
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“Hard-pressed between the
two”—life or death both good
-
Fruitful labor if living;
eternal gain if departing
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“Depart” as breaking camp or
lifting anchor—sailing home to Christ
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Paul’s confidence he would
remain for their spiritual progress and joy
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V. Application
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Is Christ magnified in your
life?
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Are your words, choices, and
service devoted to Him?
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What is the focus of your
existence—Christ or worldly things?
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Would the Lord’s cause be
harmed by your absence?
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Conclusion / Invitation
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For Paul, living meant Christ,
dying meant gain
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Every Christian should live
with that same confidence
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Obey the gospel, live
faithfully, and magnify Christ daily
Key Takeaways
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Life’s purpose is to magnify Christ
(Philippians 1:20–21).
-
The Holy Spirit works with our
prayers (Romans 8:26).
-
Death is gain for the faithful, not
defeat (Philippians 1:21).
-
Faithful living produces fruit and
strengthens the church (Philippians 1:25).
-
A Christian ready to die is one who
truly knows how to live (2 Corinthians 12:1–4).
Scripture Reference List
Philippians 1:19–26 – Paul’s reflections on life, death, and purpose
Romans 8:26 – The Spirit’s intercession in prayer
Galatians 6:14 – Crucifixion to the world
Galatians 2:20 – Christ living within the believer
Romans 6:13 – Members as instruments of righteousness
James 2:26 – The soul departing from the body
2 Corinthians 12:1–4 – Paul’s vision of Paradise
The
church of Christ
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