Philippians: Resilient Joy - Week 3
Philippians 1:18b-30
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Citizens of Heaven
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Philippians 1:18b-30 〰️ Citizens of Heaven 〰️
This week, we’re reading through to the end of chapter 1 of Philippians. The crux of this passage, and the one that’s likely most familiar, is verse 21, where Paul writes, “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This part speaks more to this radically different perspective of life: this world is temporary, but the Kingdom of God is endless. Living for Christ and with eternity in mind is significantly more valuable to Paul than being comfortable in this life. He knows that his life should be for the glory of Christ (“to live is Christ”), but at the same time, he craves to be with his savior, free of pain, difficulty, and suffering (“to die is gain”).
Paul says that he is “torn between the two,” wanting to be with the Lord for eternity while also wanting his life to be an offering to others in service of Christ (v23-25). At this point in his following Christ, Paul knows that living for the glory of God means remaining here in the flesh for the sake of the gospel. Again, we’re confronted with this unique approach to life. Paul sees his life as belonging to Christ and as an offering to the Lord. Rather than seeking to be comfortable or leaving suffering in prison to be with the Lord, he “will remain [here] and continue” with his sisters and brothers in Christ. Paul shows us what it means to seek God’s glory over his own. His imprisonment is an encouragement and witness to fellow believers (1:7, 14), so rather than give up, he perseveres for their sake and in the name of the gospel of Jesus.
At the end of this paragraph, we also see the boldness of Paul’s faith. He says, “I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound” (v25-26). Paul knows that should he be released from prison and have the opportunity to return to them, the glory would belong to God. His life is a living testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.
Again, this passage reemphasizes one of this letter’s focus and core themes: resilient joy. We know now that Paul is eventually released, but we need to keep in mind that, when he wrote this, nothing was certain. Paul had no guarantee that he would be released unharmed. Paul retained a spirit of faith and joy, knowing that regardless of the outcome, Christ would be glorified by his life and witness to those he interacted with (v12-13) or by his faithfulness to the gospel until death.
Then, in verse 27, we see this shift to Paul pleading with the Philippians to honor Christ with their lives, standing firm in Christ with the gospel. The Lord is using Paul as a personal example for the church in Philippi. His unwavering faith and commitment to the gospel of Jesus is the model to which they’re to see and respond. It’s easy to read this and think of what we must do or how we’re responsible. But let’s consider for a moment the source of our faith. On the cross, our Lord said, “it is finished” (John 19:30). The author of Hebrews reminds us that this finished work of Christ is the foundation of our faith, calling Jesus “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). Paul then later tells the church in Colossae that those whom Christ has redeemed “have been filled by Him” (Col. 2:10).
So in this, we see the finished work of Jesus on the cross, His completion of our faith, and being filled by His Spirit. This should bring steady encouragement as Christ has done all the work. In Him, our lives should be so transformed that total change takes place. Without a doubt, we are responsible for our own actions, but Christ has transformed us. Because of this, we should, out of gratitude and love for God, live “worthy of the gospel,” “standing firm in one spirit” (Philippians 1:27). This isn’t a heavy-handed command or threat but an appeal to live and act in response to God’s saving grace. He tells us that living worthy of the gospel is a sign of our salvation (v27-28). If we are renewed and redeemed in Christ, it should be natural! Our lives should be so changed by God that we live transformed in response.
Discussion Questions
What stood out to you from the passage?
What are some repeating words, phrases, or concepts in this passage?
What do you think Paul means in verse 21?
Read verses 27-28. What does Paul say is the sign of our salvation?
Paul says that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” What are some things apart from Christ that you live for?
What inner conflict do you see Paul experiencing in v23-25? How might this be encouraging during times of waiting?
In verse 12, Paul says that his imprisonment will progress the gospel. In verse 25, he says that his freedom will progress the Philippians. How might it influence the world around us if we respond to our difficulties in this way?