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Philippians 1:12-26
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: In this week’s passage, we see the apostle Paul share his perspective on suffering and how the Lord is at work in the midst of those difficult circumstances. Where should we turn when there is little hope in our earthly status, resources, or goals? Paul shows us that the gospel gives us confidence in God and joy that triumphs over life’s struggles. His gospel-fueled confidence—despite his imprisonment, the opposition to his ministry, and uncertainty about the future—instructs us in how to find joy that is rooted in Christ rather than our circumstances. It is in this context that Paul penned the famous words: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Chiefly, Paul’s goal is to remind the Philippian church—and us by extension—that though he was bound, the Word of God is not, and that is cause for rejoicing. As we encounter difficulties, trials, and uncertainty in life, may we also trust and rejoice that “Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Phil. 1:20).
Review & Apply
Paul uses "I" or "me" several times in this section. What stands out to you as the apostle shares his experience and thoughts in a more self-reflective passage?
What does "to live is Christ" mean? How can the context help us understand Paul's intention?
When Paul speaks about "deliverance" do you think he is speaking of physical deliverance or spiritual? Why?
How do you handle trials? Do you ever genuinely ask, "What might God be doing in the midst of this?"
Do you think you are too focused on earthly joys? How can this passage exhort you to find hope, joy, and purpose in things above?
What does this passage say to those who struggle with despair or suicidal thoughts? Where does Paul give us encouragement to find joy, purpose, and hope in our day-to-day lives?
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