Philippians 1:21-26

1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Joy, even in times of persecution

The importance of unity and serving others The incarnation of Christ

We are light bearers for Christ

Model servants – Timothy and Epaphroditus Their “partnership in the gospel”

God's peace and provision

Major themes in Philippians

To Live is Christ, even in Suffering

Phil 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. 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 your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again.

An Amazing Statement How could Paul say this?

22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

What Paul had already Experienced

Acts 9:3 Now as he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven (brighter than the sun) flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting...8 Saul got up from the ground... but he could see nothing; and leading him ... they brought him into Damascus.

The Lord calls Ananias to help

Acts 9:10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.”

Ananias' Objection to the Lord

Acts 9:13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”

The Lord's Answer to Ananias

Acts 9:13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints in Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer in behalf of My name.”

A Prophecy of Paul's Life

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer in behalf of My name.”

To: Gentiles, e.g. the Philippians

Kings, e.g. Felix & Agrippa (Acts 24; 25) Sons of Israel, e.g.Synagogues in Acts

Also: Suffering

Paul's Healing and Baptism

Acts 9:17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like fish scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;

Partial Timeline of Paul's Life

c. 6 AD Born a Roman citizen to Jewish parents in Tarsus (in modern eastern Turkey)

20–30 Studies Torah in Jerusalem with Gamaliel; becomes a Pharisee

30–33 Persecutes followers of Jesus of Nazareth in Jerusalem and Judea (Acts 7:59-8:3)

33 Converted on the way to Damascus (Acts 9);

47–57 Three missionary journeys - many places, including Philippi (Acts 16). Also wrote letters to Galatians and Corinthians

60–62 Under house arrest at Rome; writes letters to Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon

What he Suffered – II Cor. 11:23-26

23 ...in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift at sea. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers...

Vision of Paradise – II Cor. 12:1-4

1... I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ, who fourteen years ago – whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows – such a man was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know how such a man – whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows – 4 (such a man) was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.

Paul had an Incredible Testimony

He shared it to the mob in Jerusalem when he was arrested (Acts 22:1- 21)

He shared his testimony with Governor Felix (Acts 24:10-21) and King Agrippa (Acts 25:13-21)

Surely he shared it also as he evangelized different cities and regions.

But we too have a testimony – if we have put our faith in Christ.

All Believers have a Testimony

There was a time we didn't know the Lord

In this country, we may have believed in God, heard of Christ, even attended church...

Then various things happened...

And we put our faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior, and truly came to know God.

Then our lives began to change – in little and big ways.

The Bible also came alive and began to make sense.

Our Testimony

No one can really argue with our testimony, because it is OUR EXPERIENCE.

It's basically:

Our life before Christ

How we came to know Christ Our life since Christ

We need different versions of our testimony for different situations: short, medium and longer.