Bobby Stafford

Paul's Dilemna Philippians 1:19-26 Sermon Series on Philippians Lesson 3

Philippians

Paul’s Dilemma

Introduction: 

“In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark delivered a soliloquy in which he viewed both the present life and the after-death state as equally undesirable and terrifying.  When considering the evils of life, he could incline toward death, except for the soul-shattering thought that evil dreams would torture him.  Thus Hamlet stands as the typical unregenerated man, oppressed by life, but afraid to die.  Here, the matchless Paul rises above such a dilemma, viewing both life and death as the means of magnifying the Lord Jesus.” 

  B. Coffman

As Paul lies in a Roman prison, where he has been for almost two years, he focuses on the purpose of his existence and his eternal destiny.  Brother Holland writes:  “One is hardly ready to live until he is prepared to die.  Until one is prepared to die he is not ready to live.”  Thus Paul faces a dilemma – to live on in the flesh for a while longer, or to die and pass on into Paradise.

Goal:  

To examine Paul’s dilemma while examining our own lives to see whether we are prepared to die.

Text:  Philippians 1:19-26

Body:

I.  Paul’s Hope  Philippians 1:19-20 “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so not also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” NKJV

Know – based on objective information – no guesswork here.  This – either “preaching of Christ” or “outcome of his trial”  Of course, they were connected.  Turn out for my salvation – lead to his deliverance from prison and maybe even his entrance into heaven.  (Job 13:15-16) “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.  Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.  He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him.” NKJV  Philippian saints were praying fervently for Paul and the Holy Spirit was bountifully supplying him.  This speaks volumes to the fact that prayer is powerful and that the Holy Spirit works in conjunction with our prayers.  (Romans 8:26) “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” NKJV  Paul’s salvation – earnestly expected [deliverance]– eagerly, intensely Hoped that in nothing he would be ashamed– His conduct would be above reproach, causing no shame.  And with boldness [unfailing courage] whether in prison or out, Christ will be magnified in the apostle’s body, glorified, honored, exalted.  Paul’s body “will be the theatre in which Christ’s glory is displayed.”

II.  Paul’s Life  Philippians 1:21a “For to me, to live is Christ,” NKJV  “To Live Is Christ”

A.  His “old life” in the world had been crucified.  (Galatians 6:14) “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” NKJV  Christ now lived in him.  (Galatians 2:20) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” NKJV

B.  Meaning for Paul – His entire being and existence centered around Christ.  Christ was his everything; he couldn’t imagine life apart from Him. He lived only to serve Him.

C.  Paul now used his body as an instrument of righteousness.  (Romans 6:13) “And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” NKJV 

III.  Paul’s Death  Philippians 1:21b “and to die is gain.” NKJV

 “To Die” – Separation of body and soul  This death would be a gain – a profit not extinction or annihilation – but a transition.  

IV.  Paul’s Dilemma  Philippians 1: 22-24 “But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” NKJV

“Hard pressed” – hemmed in on both sides causing it to be very difficult to make a decision between living and dying.  Then he gives reasons only either choice is a good one:

A.  Living on in the flesh – will mean more fruit [souls won to Christ].  He would have opportunity to edify the Christians at Philippi and strengthen their faith.

B.  Departing to be with Christ was far better for Paul personally.  Departing is used for breaking up camp; lifting anchor and allowing  a ship to set sail.  Leaving this world of sin and sorrow and heading for Paradise of next and being with Christ is very far better.

Paul knew more than any other man how far better it would be. Remember he had been there in some way.  (II Corinthians 12:1-4) “It is doubtless not profitable for me to beast.  I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago – whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows – such a one was caught up to the third heaven.  And I know such a man – whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows – how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” NKJV  Yet Paul was being pulled toward earth. 

Read Philippians 1: 25-26.  “And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.” NKJV  Paul was confident he would be released from prison and be with them for a while to help them spiritually to mature and grow in the faith [make progress].  Their seeing Paul released from prison and coming to them would be a great cause for rejoicing.

Application: 

What can we learn?

1.  Can you, with Paul, honestly say Christ is magnified in your body?  Your thoughts, your speech, your activities?  Is your body used for righteousness or sin?

2.  Can you imagine life apart from Christ?  Or would it be little different than the one you now live anyway?  Do you live for Christ?

3.  What is the focus of your life?  Material possessions, your career, recreation or hobbies?  Sometimes your checkbook answers that for you!

4.  Would the Lord’s cause here on earth be hurt by your passing?  Consider this last question carefully.

Invitation:

Are you prepared to die?  Are you a Christian?  If so, are you a faithful one? 

Bobby Stafford 

January 23, 2019 

Series on Philippians:  Lesson 3