Pastor’s Notes
“To live is Christ, and to die is gain”.
All throughout scripture it would be hard to point out stronger and more faithful words spoken by a mortal. Paul’s words in the book of Philippians are such an inspiration, but also a reminder that each and every day we should be living with such a desire for eternity. Just imagine living with the freedom that death is actually gain!
Not only is Paul speaking such powerful words of faith, but do not forget from which they are spoken from. Paul speaks from prison. In this story, Paul’s faith in the goodness of Jesus during struggle would crush any hope the enemy would have to derail Paul’s ministry. In this week’s text, Paul is determined to let his life be the screen in which Jesus is shown to others. The enemy could not cripple the faith of Paul through hardships.
This week in our text and during the Sunday message, we will explore what it is we live for.
“To live is _____________.”
For so many of us, that empty space is filled with everything but Christ. The majority life comes through hunting, shopping, golf, money, kids, and careers. What we must recognize is that when Christ is removed and replaced, death is never gain. When Christ is removed, death is nothing but a loss. A loss of whatever we have placed ahead of Him, because nothing can be taken and saved after this life. Then we are left with nothing.
In this week’s text we see a love for the church, a love for the ministry, and a desire to be with Jesus.
Scripture to go along with the message
Read 2 Timothy 4:18 as Paul speaks to Timothy on the same matter of living for Christ.
Highlight in your Bibles
Highlight verse 21 in Philippians 1.
Questions to consider
1.) How would you fill in the blank when ask what you live for? Go back and read verse 21 and how would your life phrase that statement?
2.) Do you allow struggles to cause you to pout or to pray? How does Paul’s faith in chapter 21 challenge you?
3) How do you view death? How are you convicted by how Paul sees death?
