“for me to live is Christ to die is gain” (1:21)
We saw how for those who were:
led by the spirit and
obedient to the Spirit
That 1:21 is a great assurance and comfort that when lead and guided by the spirit of God we can look at our current circumstances with the assurance that he ‘leads is in the paths of righteousness for his name sake.’
Therefore the path no matter how difficult it is, it is for:
For his glory
For our good
For others blessings
So it was for:
David in the Valley of Elah
Daniel in the lions den
Esther in Ahasuerus Palace
Nehemiah in an Artaxerxes Palace
Joseph in the prison
Paul can look around:
‘He leadeth me o blessed thought
O words with heavenly comfort fraught
What’er I do, where’er I be
Still is God's hand that leadeth me’
Believers 73
Verse21 becomes a comfort as Paul sees the impact of his life lived for Christ on the:
sinner
Saint
saviour
self
The light of life when magnified through the lens of Christ becomes laser like in its power and effectiveness
Not only do we see the truth of 1:21 in looking at the present circumstances but also in looking to the future circumstances; ‘heads I win tails you lose.’
Verse 21
Believers 160
‘my rest is in heaven my rest is not here
then why should I murmur
when trials are near
be hushed my sad spirit
the worst that can come
but shortens the journey
and hastens me home’
For Paul either outcome is positive.
Life - for the glory of Christ on Earth
Death - for the glory of Christ eternally
We ought not to be like those, once parodied by a GP friend of mine who described Christians in his hometown as being those who sing about going to heaven on Sunday and then spend Monday morning in his waiting room doing the very best not actually to avoid going there!
for Paul heaven can wait not for selfish reasons and not for reasons of unbelief but heaven can wait because Paul desires to be faithful in his labour.
Paul's fearlessness is infectious
We can see the infectiousness of fear in Philippines 1 We can also perceive the infectiousness of faith / fearless Faith
The secret of Paul's confidence in Christ
Here is the power that dispels fear: Joy
Paul's ministry characterized by (v25)
furtherance - progress and encouragement
joy
Nothing harsh / hard / cold
Positive ministry of encouragement
Paul looks for more abundant rejoicing in Jesus Christ (v26)
What does he mean by rejoicing in Jesus Christ?
Herein is the key to fearlessness (v28)
Rejoice in his person v26b
Rejoice in his presence 4:4-6
Rejoice in his provision of Salvation 4:3
Rejoice in his peace 4:7
Rejoice in his preservation 4:7
Rejoice in prayer 4:6
Rejoice in practicable Providence 4:10
Fear does the opposite of joy (Luke chp 2 vs 10)
‘Joy in Christ that removes fear’ how it began how it continues (Luke chp 2 verse 10)
Joel chapter 2 verse 21 “fear not o land and be glad and rejoice for the lord will do great things”
Focus on fear -> makes afraid
Focus on Christ -> rejoice
Joy is the antidote for fear
Joy inspires testimony
Joy strengthens faith
Many fight the enemy because of fear:
fear of death
Fear of defeat
Fear of reprisal
Paul stands firm because he has overcome fear consider:
Samson
Daniel
Esther
Shadrach Meshach and Abednigo
Paul