Joy in Chains: Joy in Death
Pastor Phil Burdoin
October 10, 2021
Paul becomes persuaded
Whatever happens, stand firm
Striving together as one
Stop being scared
What’s the worst that can happen? Death? No! Getting to the end of your life and saying “I blew it”
Joy in life comes from a life that is lived for Christ
October 10, 2021
…for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[a] I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Philippians 1:19-26
Paul stayed positive
…for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. Philippians 1:19
Paul knew his purpose
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20
Paul becomes persuaded
…but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Philippians 1:24
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:27-30
Whatever happens, stand firm
Striving together as one
Stop being scared
What’s the worst that can happen? Death? No! Getting to the end of your life and saying “I blew it”
Joy in life comes from a life that is lived for Christ
Small Groups Talk About It
Watch the Message Summary:
- How would you answer this question: What is the purpose of life?
- Do you feel like God has given you a specific purpose in life? What is it?
- Read Philippians 1:19-20: What are the different ways Paul could have been “delivered” out of his current circumstances?
- What do the words “eagerly expect” indicate about Paul’s attitude toward the future? What would your attitude be like if you were in his place?
- Paul knew his purpose in life was to exalt Christ. What are some examples from Paul life that he did this? What examples can you give from your life that show you are exalting Christ.
- Read Philippians 1: 21-26: What does it mean to live is Christ? Do you agree or disagree with this? How does your life reflect that?
- Why do you think Paul decided it was “more necessary” for him to “remain in the body.”
- Read Philippians 1: 27-30: What are the four main instructions that Paul gives to the church in Philippi?
- Is there something in your life you need to start or stop doing to better exalt Christ. If you are willing please share this with the group.
Bottom Line: Joy in life comes from a life that is lived for Christ