To Live is Christ

Introduction:

Philippians is a warm & personal letter written by Paul. Some have called Philippians Paul’s Epistle of Joy. “Joy” and “rejoice” used 15 times in 4 chapters. This epistle tells us a great deal about Paul.  He had found REAL peace. In this book, we see the meaning of true peace/joy. Where are you finding joy?  Peace? There is powerful spiritual truth in this letter.

 I. 1:3-11 – Living in Christ involves a life of thankfulness.

A.    Paul sitting hundreds of miles from brethren – reflecting on them.

B.    1:3-5 – we need to be thankful for what God has accomplished.

1.     Paul’s circumstances never stopped him from him praying. 

a)    His thoughts were on others – not on self. (1:4-5)

C.    1:6-11 - His thankfulness led him to confidence.

1.     Paul lived in confident expectation that God would be faithful to meet his needs.  + Needs of the Philippians.

D.  We need to spend more time thanking God for what He has done in our life!

II. 1:12-20 – Living in Christ causes one to rejoice in the preaching of the gospel.

A.    3 John 4 – John’s joy. No doubt Paul’s was the same. (Lost souls hearing God’s plan of redemption.)

B.    1:12-14 – we can learn from this!

1.     Good can be made out of almost any circumstance if we will look for a way to do it.

2.     If magnifying Christ is our primary focus – we can always make good out of ill.

C.    1:15-20 - Some preach that have no business to preach.

1.     1:17a – selfish ambition. ; 1:17b – seeking to cause Paul pain…

2.     1:18 – God can use those w/imperfect motives to proclaim Jesus.

3.     1:19-20 – Paul possessed extreme confidence.

4.     He was concerned about Jesus’ glory – not his own.

III. 1:21-26.  To live is Christ.  To die is gain.

A.    1:21 – what was Paul’s focus in life? 3:7-8 – Jesus!

1.     Gal. 2:20 – ALL his life was devoted to serving Jesus.

a)    1:22; 25-26 – as long as he lived this was going to be the case.

2.     This must be our desire.  Can we say… Jesus is the focus of our life?

B.    1:21 – because of Jesus – to die is gain.

1.     1:23 – being with Christ is far better.

2.     This knowledge propelled Paul to keep going – no matter conditions on earth. Phil. 2:17-18

C.    We have the same assurances!

IV. 1:27-30 – To live in Christ requires proper conduct.

A.    1:27a – this implies there is conduct NOT worthy of the gospel.

1.     1 Pet. 2:11-12 – keep your behavior excellent.

2.     Is it excellent in front of family? On the job? At Church?  Everywhere?

B.    1:27b – behavior to be excellent everywhere! With Christians or not!

C.    1:27c -30 – proper conduct involves standing firm in spirit.

1.     1:28-30 – Christians who are living right will not be intimidated by those who work against them.

Conclusion:

A.    Committed Christianity is a major theme in Philippians 1.

B.    Are you committed to principles of righteousness?