Philippians VIII – “Life and Death in Christ” (Phil 1:19-21)

Introduction – Having informed the Philippians of his present circumstances and the joy he has in the advancement of the gospel regardless of its implications upon his life or reputation, he now turns to his future expectations.  While in the most difficult of situations, Paul is utterly confident of his own vindication and Christ’s exaltation.  He is ‘singing’ again in prison so to speak, and we must hear his ‘song’ and be admonished and encouraged by this faithful brother.

The Text – “… yes, and will rejoice.  For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also 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.”

Reasons For Joy – Paul continues his argument, not only that he does rejoice, but that he will rejoice.  His future joy rests in two certainties.

Reason #1:  I Will Be Delivered (v19) – Is Paul speaking of his physical deliverance or his ultimate salvation?  He is convinced that he will be released (v25), but he is more likely speaking principally of his confidence of full vindication before the courts of God.

“…that this will turn out for my deliverance” – Paul is quoting directly from the Greek Septuagint (Job 13:16), and he seems to have the whole context of Job’s argument in mind.  Job argues that his friends are falsely accusing him (Job 12:4-6), but he turns from them and pleads the courts of God (13:1-3) where he is confident of his final vindication (13:15-18).  In his prayer, Job struggles with despondency (13:20 – 14:22) but Paul does not.  Possibly, this is because Job was vindicated and Paul knows that.

Through Your Prayers – Paul is confident because of the prayers of the saints.  In the midst of adversities, God dares us to call upon Him (Jer 33:3).  Do we yet understand the power of prayer (Luke 11:9-13)?  No wonder we are so weak, so impoverished, so anxious, so easily tossed to and fro – “you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:3).

The Supply of the Spirit – This is confidence not only in the supply of the Holy Spirit, but in His personal support.  When a friend comes and supports you in your needs, you are not only thankful for his supplies, but for the friend himself.  The Holy Spirit is our Helper, our Advocate, our Comforter and Counselor.  And this is key to the next verse, for Christ will be glorified by the work of the Spirit of Christ in Paul’s life as he stands trial (Luke 12:11f, Gal 2:20).

Reason #2:  Christ Will Be Magnified (v20) – Here is Paul’s second reason for certainty of future joy.

“…my earnest expectation and hope” – Hope here, is not our thought of ‘wishful thinking’.  Coupled with expectation, this is the idea of craning one’s neck around to see what you know is just around the corner.  It is not only that Paul has his theology of the future right – but that he can’t wait for it to come.

Not Ashamed – Adam and Eve were ashamed in their nakedness only after they were in sin.  But Paul is convinced of his righteousness before God and of God’s planned vindication (Psalm 34:3-6, 35:24-28).  Paul will declare the gospel, and Christ will be magnified “with all boldness”, openly and before all.  He will do so in his body, openly and before all, not simply in the quietness of his own heart.  And he will do so “as always”.  The big test of your faith will only reveal the way you have lived in all of the little tests.  Is Christ magnified in your home, in your work, in your private life?  Paul’s life is a praise of Jesus Christ – and so verse 21.

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (v21) – This is not a death-wish by one who is ready to throw in the towel.  Paul is full of life and ready to return to his work as soon as he is released.  But he is also constrained by the love of Christ and that love causes him to long for being with Christ as well.

To Live Is Christ – Christ is the source of our life (Heb 1:2, John 1:3).  Christ is the preserver of our life (Col 1:17, Acts 17:28).  Christ is the Redeemer of life, purchasing eternal life for us and sending His Spirit to quicken us to new life.  Christ is the sanctifier of life, causing all things to work together for good (Rom 8:28).  And Christ is the end, the goal, of our life (Rom 11:36).

To Die is Gain – There is no ultimate loss at all in death for the believer.  There is instead the final absence of sin and sorrow that has hounded us.  Finally, we shall be like Him (1 John 3:2).  Today, we only have a taste of what it is to be drawn near with His Body into His presence – the fullness of being ‘in Christ’ awaits us.  There, we will have no more shame at all for we will be perfected in His glory.  And His glory will be ours.

Conclusion – Death is not a mystery to be explained or reconciled.  It is an enemy to be destroyed.  Only in Christ is death swallowed up in victory.  No man is equipped to live until he is ready to die.  And in the Lord Jesus Christ there is life, forgiveness, clothing for our sinful nakedness, and eternal joy.  If you are in Christ now, then you have life in every circumstance of life, you have Christ.  In your final breath, you will lose nothing – it will all be gain, it will all be vindicated, and Christ will be magnified.

Dave Hatcher – March 14, 2004