Text: Philippians 1:18b-26
Opening Statement:
Do you have a life goal? An overall purpose for living that drives your motivations, determines your plans, and measures your decisions in life? Everyone is living for something. What do you hope to accomplish in life that if left undone you would feel as though your very life were incomplete?
The Apostle Paul had discovered a life goal that no one could take away from him. As he wrote these words to the Philippians Paul was in prison, but it did not affect his goal.
You might be wondering what kind of a goal could this possibly be? Our Scripture text this morning reveals to us Paul’s goals.
I) Paul’s Goal to Honor Christ (18b-20)
In verses 18-20 we find Paul’s goal to honor Christ.
Paul is confident that he will stand the test, but his confidence is not based on his own character, his own determination or his own will power. No, he draws his confidence from two sources, both separate from his own person.
1) The prayers of God’s people
2) The help of the Holy Spirit.
The two are vitally connected. As the Philippians pray for him, the Holy Spirit will answer those prayers by giving Paul the help that he needs to stand firm. Paul was relying on the prayers of God’s people to furnish the supply of the Holy Spirit that he needed in order to stand strong under persecution.
Paul’s confidence rested in the prayers of God’s people. Earlier he shared that he was praying for the Philippians. Now he asks them for their payers. And through their prayers and the help of the Holy Spirit, Paul knows that this will turn out for his deliverance. Paul will continue to testify for Christ even in the face of death.
II) Paul’s Goal for Living (21)
Paul states his purpose for living. It is a powerful statement, succinct in expression, sweeping in its scope: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) This was Paul’s life goal that
Not only that, but Paul also says, “And to die is gain.” Because Paul’s entire life goal was wrapped up in the person of Christ — loving Christ, serving Christ, knowing Christ, honoring Christ — neither death nor prison could interfere with his goal. Life meant Christ, and therefore death was gain, for death simply meant more of Christ. (2 Cor. 5:8)
Paul’s faithful confession unto death, or through his release and subsequent service to the Lord. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” You will not find a finer or truer life goal or purpose anywhere.
III) Paul’s Goal in the Face of Death (22-26)
This phrase “in a strait betwixt two” literally means to be pressed in on both sides. Paul longs to be with Christ. He can’t think of anything he would rather do than simply know Christ in the fullness of his presence and to be with him. Paul’s whole life since conversion has focused on faithful service to Christ and intimate relationship with Christ, but as close as we may grow to Christ in this life, it’s nothing compared to what awaits us in heaven. In fact, the closer we grow to Christ now, the more we desire to be with Christ then.
And yet he is hard-pressed from the other side too. The Philippians need him. If he goes on living, this will mean fruitful labor for him.
Paul firmly believes he will be restored to the Philippians and together they will rejoice in God’s gracious answer to prayers on his behalf. They will be filled with joy that Paul is back with them in answer to their prayers.
In Closing:
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