1. To Live is Christ! Philippians 1:18-26 By David Turner www.BibleStudies-online.com

2. Review Philippians: Had Paul’s imprisonment put a roadblock on the Gospel? Paul: to the contrary, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel”. Philippians 1:12

4. Because he was in prison… 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. Philippians 1:13–14

6. Motivation for preaching? 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 rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. Philippians 1:15–17

8. Motive is secondary to the fact All Paul Cares about is that Christ was being preached. “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,” Philippians 1:18

10. Let’s read today’s passage.

11. Philippians 1:18–24 (ESV) 18 …., 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.

12. 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.

13. I will rejoice… 18 …., 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, Why will he rejoice? He will either be delivered from prison, or delivered from his body by death. He gives their prayers and the power of the Spirit of Christ is credit for his deliverance future deliverance.

14. A soldier’s courage 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 “eager expectation” - straining one’s neck to catch a glimpse of something that is ahead He doesn’t want to be ashamed now or ever about his conduct. Paul desire is to honor Christ (not Paul), in life or in death.

16. Paul’s Dilemma. Have you ever been caught in a dilemma? Maybe you have to make a decision between two equal jobs. Or, you have to make decision between two ethical decisions, neither is wrong, but which is best? What is Paul’s dilemma.

17. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

19. For Paul, being with Christ is better. 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. Fruitful labor is good! But, being with Christ is better!

21. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

23. When given a choice to die and be with Christ, or live to help others: – Paul would prefer to be with Christ – But, he unselfishly chooses to minister to others in order to help them grow in their relationship with Christ.

24. When going through tough times Ask, – What is the best and worst that can happen? – Is the worst that can happen is being with Christ? For Paul, what others perceived as bad, he viewed as good Prison was good Release from prison was good Even death was good

25. Learn from Paul. – Joy is not in our circumstances, it’s in our perspective. – Look for opportunities to honor Christ in whatever the circumstances. – If Christ is being honored REJOICE regardless of the circumstances. To Live Is Christ!! Rejoice!!!