Followers of Christ have the best of both worlds. They can live radically for Christ right here plus live in His presence forever.

What does “living for Christ” look like today? Spiritual connection with other believers. “For I know that through your prayers…” Philippians 1:19-26

we work; but when we pray, “When we work, we work; but when we pray, God works.” Max Lucado

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16b

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

What does “living for Christ” look like today? 2) Spirit-empowered lifestyle. “…and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:19b

my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.’” “So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.’” Zechariah 4:6

“’But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.’” John 14:26

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

What does “living for Christ” look like today? 3) Deliverance from today’s crazy world system. “…what has happened to me has turned out for my deliverance.” Philippians 1:19c

“What are my possessions doing for me?” ask… Instead of … “What are my possessions doing for me?” ask… “What are my possessions doing to me?”

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.” Job 19:25-26

What does “living for Christ” look like today? Christ is seen in me. “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.” Philippians 1:20

“Exalt” “to enlarge” “to make great” “to make glorious”

“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3

“…So that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.” Philippians 1:26

What does “living for Christ” look like today? Serving in an others-centered way. “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.” Philippians 1:22a

1) Believers are with Christ immediately. How is dying a “gain”? 1) Believers are with Christ immediately.

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:43

As you are now, so once was I. Pause, Stranger, when you pass me by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be, so prepare for death and follow me.

As you are now, so once was I. Pause, Stranger, when you pass me by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be, so prepare for death and follow me. To follow you I’m not content, until I know which way you went.

“I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.” Philippians 1:23

2) Christ-followers have a better everything. How is dying a “gain”? 2) Christ-followers have a better everything.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” Revelation 21:3-4

For me to live is ______________________ How would you answer this question? For me to live is ______________________

“We’ll have all eternity to celebrate our victories but only one short hour before sunset to win them.” Robert Moffat