I am certain that Linda - along with all of us - will live for eternity. As much as she love Buies Creek, the address she will soon call home (short of divine intervention) will be most assuredly be so much better than this world that comparisons are a waste of time. But, we try anyway, which is why so much language in Scripture is put in a way we can grasp and comprehend. God has told us quite a bit more about heaven than most people know. Have you read Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven, yet? I have read some of it, though not all of it. I do know that heaven is far superior to this existence, no matter how advanced we are or how much we have.
Linda's passing will be enormously difficult here, though. I already miss her. There is so much we have shared this past year, but there is so much that was already lost to us during this past year. I would not trade it for ANYTHING, but I have been losing the love of my life for over a year, now. When she moves to her new address, I anticipate much more sorrow than I already know. BUT - it will not be the sorrow of one who has no hope of seeing his beloved again! (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
In fact, life is seen very differently through the eyes of a Christ-follower than one who is not. If you are interested in a much more detailed discussion, keep reading - I am going to copy and paste a sermon I preached several weeks ago from Philippians 1. The text emphasizes the way the Apostle Paul looked at life and death, or rather, life after life. Paul's example is a model for all who love Jesus, even though one's circumstances may be entirely different from his. In God's providence, I was privileged to examine this text thoroughly in these days of transition. So, if you have time and interest, continue reading.
Total Commitment; Absolute Confidence - Philippians 1:18b-26
This morning we will return to the book of Philippians. Before the Thanksgiving break, we spent four weeks in the first 17 verses of the first chapter of Philippians. Instead of reviewing what we have already covered, I would prefer to point you to the sermons themselves on our church website. Since, however, today’s text begins in the middle of verse 18, we will need a quick review.
So many people say that Philippians is their favorite book of the Bible. When we began this study in Philippians, I put up 12 slides that contained more than 12 well-known and deeply loved verses from the book of Philippians. I do not want to repeat all of those verses, but let’s just look at a few to refresh your memory. Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that He Who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” And then, the familiar call to trust and prayer in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison. Paul was in prison twice – this was his first imprisonment. The second time he was in prison he was in the famous Mamertine Prison in Rome, waiting execution. That is where he wrote 2 Timothy, which is the last know writing of the Apostle Paul. During his first imprisonment, Paul was under house arrest. When he wrote his letter to the church at Philippi, he was waiting for a trial, at which it was possible that he would be condemned to die, but that was unlikely. It was a possibility, though, and that is important to know, especially as we read today’s text.
The believers at Philippi were close friends of Paul who had supported him time and again on his mission trips. Even now in prison they had sent aid by Epaphroditus, likely a leader in the church at Philippi. Because of their support, Paul called the Philippians partners in the gospel with him. Oh, that our missionaries consider us to be honest-to-goodness partners in the gospel with them as they serve all over the world!
Because this was a missionary report, Paul told them about what was going on in Rome. As a result of his imprisonment, instead of believers becoming frightened of persecution and lying low, a number of Christians were proclaiming the gospel with boldness. There were two different groups who were sharing Christ. One group consisted of believers who had the same passion Paul did for sharing the gospel. The other group shared Christ out of envy. These detractors were believers, not enemies of the gospel, but they were people who were opposed to Paul’s way of proclaiming Christ, so when they shared Christ they thought it was showing Paul who God really blessed and who He didn’t. Before you shake your head and wonder how they could do such a thing, you will not have to think long before you say, “Oh, yeah – that happens all the time today, doesn’t it?” Brother and sister in Christ, be careful when you think you have a special anointing of God that others do not have. Be careful before you condemn someone who seems not to be blessed in the way you are. Think how silly Paul’s detractors felt when they got to heaven!
How did Paul respond to his critics? Well, that was the subject of the message the last time we found ourselves in the book of Philippians here at Grace Community Church, and since that was November, let’s read all the verses we have previously examined for the answer. Paul’s response to his detractors continues into today’s text and message, so it is important context, anyway. Would you please stand as we read Philippians 1:1-26?
This morning we will return to the book of Philippians. Before the Thanksgiving break, we spent four weeks in the first 17 verses of the first chapter of Philippians. Instead of reviewing what we have already covered, I would prefer to point you to the sermons themselves on our church website. Since, however, today’s text begins in the middle of verse 18, we will need a quick review.
So many people say that Philippians is their favorite book of the Bible. When we began this study in Philippians, I put up 12 slides that contained more than 12 well-known and deeply loved verses from the book of Philippians. I do not want to repeat all of those verses, but let’s just look at a few to refresh your memory. Philippians 1:6: “And I am sure of this, that He Who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” And then, the familiar call to trust and prayer in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison. Paul was in prison twice – this was his first imprisonment. The second time he was in prison he was in the famous Mamertine Prison in Rome, waiting execution. That is where he wrote 2 Timothy, which is the last know writing of the Apostle Paul. During his first imprisonment, Paul was under house arrest. When he wrote his letter to the church at Philippi, he was waiting for a trial, at which it was possible that he would be condemned to die, but that was unlikely. It was a possibility, though, and that is important to know, especially as we read today’s text.
The believers at Philippi were close friends of Paul who had supported him time and again on his mission trips. Even now in prison they had sent aid by Epaphroditus, likely a leader in the church at Philippi. Because of their support, Paul called the Philippians partners in the gospel with him. Oh, that our missionaries consider us to be honest-to-goodness partners in the gospel with them as they serve all over the world!
Because this was a missionary report, Paul told them about what was going on in Rome. As a result of his imprisonment, instead of believers becoming frightened of persecution and lying low, a number of Christians were proclaiming the gospel with boldness. There were two different groups who were sharing Christ. One group consisted of believers who had the same passion Paul did for sharing the gospel. The other group shared Christ out of envy. These detractors were believers, not enemies of the gospel, but they were people who were opposed to Paul’s way of proclaiming Christ, so when they shared Christ they thought it was showing Paul who God really blessed and who He didn’t. Before you shake your head and wonder how they could do such a thing, you will not have to think long before you say, “Oh, yeah – that happens all the time today, doesn’t it?” Brother and sister in Christ, be careful when you think you have a special anointing of God that others do not have. Be careful before you condemn someone who seems not to be blessed in the way you are. Think how silly Paul’s detractors felt when they got to heaven!
How did Paul respond to his critics? Well, that was the subject of the message the last time we found ourselves in the book of Philippians here at Grace Community Church, and since that was November, let’s read all the verses we have previously examined for the answer. Paul’s response to his detractors continues into today’s text and message, so it is important context, anyway. Would you please stand as we read Philippians 1:1-26?
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
6 And I am sure of this, that He Who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
19 for, I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Total commitment. Absolute confidence. What is that all about? Is it possible to be totally committed to anything? In our day, can one be absolutely confident about anyone or anything? Well, the Apostle Paul was about as close to total commitment and absolute confidence as one can be. In our text today, Paul is leading by example. He is not instructing the Philippians in their walk with the Lord, but he fully intended for them to follow his example. In fact, it is in the book of Philippians – chapter 3, verse 17, to be exact, where Paul boldly tells his readers to imitate him. Have you ever done that? Well, of course you have on the golf course, or on the dance floor, or at an upscale restaurant, but have you ever told someone, “Imitate my walk with Christ?” Amazing!
So, across the centuries, Paul expects us to rise to the level of commitment and confidence that he exhibited under house arrest in Rome in the first century. Ultimately, it is God, of course, Who expects us to grow in our commitment to and confidence in Jesus. And that is the challenge today. If we were a church given to altar calls, I would stop right here and David would lead us in “I Surrender All,” because this is the point of the message. But, don’t get excited – we are not through! I just want you to know the life to which God is calling all of His followers.
So, here’s the way the rest of our time is going to go. We will look at our specific text, verses 18-26. As we read through this text slowly, concentrate on our primary thoughts – total commitment, absolute confidence. After we read the text we will go back through verse by verse and just concentrate on what Paul was saying. There will not be any points this morning beyond our main thoughts – total commitment, absolute confidence. The commitment is to Jesus, the confidence is in what He has done for us and in the future that awaits believers. Let’s begin reading the very last part of verse 18.
18 Yes, and I will rejoice,
19 for, I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Paul begins this section by transitioning from the previous one, saying, “Yes and I will rejoice.” He is, of course, referring to the fact that the gospel was being preached, even by those who did not care for Paul’s style of preaching. You don’t get the sense that Paul rejoiced through gritted teeth. It was a supernatural attitude, to be sure, that he rejoiced at the preaching of those who were convinced that Paul’s imprisonment was judgment on his particular way of presenting the gospel, but Paul’s rejoicing was genuine. And he rejoiced in the Philippians’ love for him, shown in their support of Paul and their prayers for him. In fact, Paul shows a great deal of vulnerability in verses 19 and 20 by confessing his dependence on their prayers. When you realize what Paul means by “deliverance” in verse 19, you will comprehend just how vulnerable and dependent Paul was.
The word for “deliverance” is the Greek word soterian, which is usually translated as “salvation” and usually refers to one’s eternal state in relation to God. To translate this word “deliverance” is pretty much an editorial decision, and one that is not fully supported by the immediate context. Before we look at that context, though, you need to know that in verse 19 Paul was actually quoting Job from his Greek Old Testament, known as the Septuagint. Specifically, Paul was quoting from Job 13:16, where Job said, “I will speak and plead before Him. And this will turn out for my salvation . . .” “Salvation” is the same word translated “deliverance” in Philippians 1:19. But, you can see Job’s intent in verse 18, and thus, Paul’s intent in quoting Job – they were both looking forward to standing before the Lord. Job 13:18: “Behold, I am near judgment: I know that I will appear just.” In other words, when Job stands before God, He will be accepted. When Paul stands before God, he has absolute confidence that he will be justified because of Jesus.
So, it appears that Paul is most likely talking about his eternal salvation, not his deliverance from prison. That seems especially so when Paul says in verse 20, “It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” Paul did not know what the outcome of his imprisonment would be, though, as we will see a little later, he suspected that he would be freed. He wanted to be ready, though, if God should decide that he would be martyred for Jesus. We have already seen in verse 19 that Paul fully expected to go to heaven when he passed from this life to the next. In verse 20, he fully expects to honor the Lord, whether he was to live or die. Paul had massive confidence – but, it was not self-confidence. His confidence was in the Lord.
And, Paul leaned heavily on the prayers of the saints! We always think of Paul praying for others and teaching them and helping them to grow in Jesus. In verses 19 and 20, Paul expresses his dependence on the prayers of his brothers and sisters to the Lord. The Lord would, in turn, help Paul by the Spirit. And the startling conclusion to which Paul comes in verse 20 is that his salvation, his deliverance, does not depend on whether he lives or dies, which is why he can say in verse 21, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” That was an amazing thought in Paul’s day! How amazing? Listen to what Moises Silva says, quote:
“Such a perspective is jarring not merely to someone unacquainted with the Scriptures but even to a believer who may have noticed the repeated Old Testament references depicting divine blessing in terms of physical safety from enemies and deliverance from death. Indeed, one can argue that the Old Testament phrase being put to shame is often equivalent with dying. Therefore, for Paul to say that even through death he will be ashamed in nothing demands an explanation. Even more surprisingly, Paul’s explanation does not express hope in spite of death but rather focuses on death as the more advantageous alternative.” End quote.
Do you see in Paul’s attitude an absolute confidence? It is not the false assurance with which so many today deceive themselves, thinking their money or their wit or their logic or their connections will be enough in the end. It is a confidence based on an intimate knowledge of Jesus, and such an intimate knowledge is only possible through a heart and life that is totally committed to Jesus.
Because of Paul’s intimate relationship with Jesus he can say with confidence that if he lives, he will be totally committed to Christ, Who will be his life, and if he dies, well, that’s all the better! Paul then muses on the two possible roads before him. If he lives, there will be service to the Lord, fruitful service, at that. Once again, Paul’s confidence in the Lord leaves him no doubt that God will continue to use him if he stays here. But, frankly, Paul said, “If I had my choice, it would be FAR better to leave this life behind and go to be with the Lord.” If that attitude is absolutely unimaginable to you, I suppose that if you had been through all the Paul had been through, you would likely feel the same way!
Most of us want to postpone heaven as long as we can. Why? Well, I am certain part of it is because of the God-given will to live. It could be, though, that we have not suffered enough to be homesick for heaven, as we learned about a few weeks ago in Romans 5:1-5. Whether or not we are homesick for heaven, we need to be prepared, because none of us knows when our time will come. We need the absolute confidence that Paul had. Paul’s confidence in his eternal home effected a longing for heaven in his heart. Total commitment to the Lord caused Paul to be willing to stay and minister to the Philippians for as long as God desired. Verses 24-26: “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.”
Contrast Paul’s reason for a willingness to live with our absolute refusal to think about anything but living. We want to live so that we can finish school and be married, or so that we may continue to enjoy our spouse, our children or our grandchildren. We want to see that project at work completed, or to go on that cruise with the entire family, or to enjoy the fruits of our labor in retirement, and the list could get quite long. Why did Paul say he was willing to go on living, even though he preferred to go to be with Jesus? “For you, Philippians. I will serve you, teaching you about God’s new covenant, encouraging you to be totally committed to Jesus, helping you to become more like Him so that you can have the same confidence in your relationship with Him that I have.”
Is it possible to summarize Paul’s thoughts in this section with one line, with one sentence? Indeed, there is a way, and it is pretty simple: For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. Are you there in your life? Would you be willing, right now, to ask God to help you to reach that point? Would you ask Him to put in your heart a passion to pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus that is so great that you will find yourself saying, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain?” Take a moment to respond to God’s Word.
Paul’s heart for Jesus resulted in a heart that reached out to help others. This morning, as we do every last Sunday of the month, we are going to take an offering specifically designed to help those in need. It is a benevolence offering, and these moneys will go to those who have particular financial needs. Let’s pray.
2 comments:
Thank you for opening your heart and for sharing the sermon Total Commitment: Absolute Confidence. I had missed it the first time and having watched my Mom pass away in Jan. it was very comforting to read. You are a gifted teacher and writer. I pray God will continue to carry you through and strengthened you and your family. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he resuces those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 This is so evident that God is so close to you and Linda.
Vickie
I share your sadness. Because I have been praying for Linda and you all for so long, I feel a part of your suffering, although I cannot imagine how much more intense yours is. How amazing it is that, as Paul seemed to understand, Jesus knows exactly what is awaiting us in heaven and yet he still understands and feels with us in our grief when life on earth is passing away. I stand with you in all of your honesty in sharing with us. I feel that you are a man of great faith and intimacy with God. I look forward to meeting you and Linda in heaven. That won't be long, because compared to eternity, all of our lives are short! Still praying for you, Joy Battles
Post a Comment