To Live is Christ

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?



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?