Sunday, December 12, 1999   

I. Verses 19-21, CHRIST MAGNIFIED IN PAUL'S CRISIS

     A. Verse 19, As we look back at verse 18, we see the reason for Paul's optimism. In verse 18, Paul rejoices in the preaching the Gospel. The phrase: "Yea, and will rejoice," means that Paul would continue to rejoice. The reason for Paul's continued rejoicing is found in verse 19.

          1. Paul knew that he would have the victory, that his imprisonment was in God's plan for his life and would result in his life's purpose of getting the Gospel out and magnifying Christ.

               a. ”Salvation" as used here does not speak of whether he is going to heaven or hell.

               b. "Salvation" does mean victory; that things were going to work together for good (Romans 8:28).

          2. Paul knows that in his situation, the blessing he needs will come from two sources. He has two supports:

               a. The prayers of his friends, this is the human support. Paul believed in the power and important of prayer. In I Thessalonians 5:25, he says: "Brethren, pray for us." Then in II Thessalonians 3:1, Paul says: "Finally, brethren, pray for us..." (Also note Romans 15:30).

               b. Paul also had divine support, the support of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who had sustained Christ in His trials would be with Brother Paul and cause things to work together for good.

     B. Verse 20, Paul is not braggin', just trusting.

          1. "Ernest expectation" means, "the eager intense look, which turns away from everything else to fix on the one object desired." Paul is keeping his eyes on Jesus.

     a. Paul's hope is that he will never be ashamed of the Gospel, be shamed into silence.

               b. Paul is certain that he will find courage in Christ to never be ashamed of the Gospel and that through the help of the Spirit, he will be effective in ministry.

          2. It does not matter how things go for him. Paul knows that Christ will be glorified in him. In life, in death, he's a winner either way. He will be bold in life and victorious in death.

          3. Whether Paul lives or dies, it will be evident that God has done a work of grace in Paul. He is a winner either way. If he is released to preach on or condemned to die and go home to heaven.

          4. The responsibility of the Christian is to bring glory to Christ. You will bring either glory or shame.

     C. Verse 21, "For to me to live is Christ." The well known hymn by Will L. Thompson shows us what Paul meant here: Jesus is all the world to me, My life, my joy, my all; He is my strength from day to day, Without Him I would fall. When I am sad to him I go, No other one can cheer me so; When I am sad he makes me glad, He's my friend.

          1. "To live is Christ" for Paul life began on the road to Damascus. For Paul, Christ had given purpose and task for life. Christ was Paul's inspiration for life. What inspires you? "To live is Christ "means:

               a. To derive one's strength from Christ (4:13)

               b. To have the mind and disposition of Christ (2:5-8)

               c. To be clothed with Christ's righteousness (3:9).

               d. To rejoice in Christ (3:1; 4:4).

          2. "To die is gain" means:

               a. To be home with the Lord (II Corinthians 5:8).

               b. For the believer, death is union and reunion: union with Christ; reunion with loved ones and friends.

II. Verses 22-24, HARD PRESSED BETWEEN TWO

     A. Verse 22, If Paul is acquitted so that his life is prolonged, he can go on preaching and this will mean fruit, souls saved (Psalms 126:6); believers edified, and churches established.

          1. Those who put their heart into the work of the Lord, no matter how hard the task, do not do so in vain (I Corinthians 15:58).

          2. Paul longed to be with the Lord, yet he loved the work of the Lord here.

     B. Verses 23-24, Paul's tough situation.

          1. He had a desire, a strong yearning, "to depart."

               a. "Depart" Greek anako, "to strike, loosen the tent of this earthly temporary existence, to break camp, to loosen the ropes of a ship, to depart."

               b. He was ready to depart and go to be with Christ. Death would mean immediate blessed fellowship with the Savior "Which is for better."

          2. Yet, as we read in verse 24, there is the need of the Philippians. Paul wants them to grow in grace. If he lives, he can guide them in this.

          3. William Hendriksen marks the contrast between remaining and departing: Remaining Here Departing to be with Christ

               a. A temporary residence, a mere a permanent abode tent dwelling

               b. Suffering mixed with joy Joy unmixed with suffering

               c. Suffering for a little while Joy forever

               d. Being absent from the Lord being at home / the Lord

               e. The fight The feast f The realm of sin The realm of complete deliverance from sin, positive holiness.

III. Verses 25-26, REASON FOR REJOICING

     A. Verse 25, Paul is convinced that longer life would mean more fruit; souls saved, believers edified, churches established.

          1. It was his belief that he would remain by their side for awhile.

          2. The need for spiritual progress is stressed by Paul, "for your furtherance and joy of faith." Spiritual progress is stressed, such as:

               a. Growth in love (1:9).

               b. Growth in faithfulness (1:11).

               c. Growth in obedience (2:12).

     B. Verse 26, Paul's release would bring rejoicing to the church at Philippi. They would joy that their missionary preacher would be with them to preach again. They would praise god for His mercy.

CONCLUSION: Paul's life after salvation was consumed by a desire to please God and preach the Gospel. That men might rejoice in salvation ad hope was his goal.