2020.02.20 - Its A Matter Of Life And Death

Text: Philippians 1:18b-26 Opening Statement: Do you have a life goal? An overall purpose for living that drives your motivations, determines your plans, and measures your decisions in life? Everyone is living for something. What do you hope to accomplish in life that if left undone you would feel as though your very life were incomplete? The Apostle Paul had discovered a life goal that no one could take away from him. As he wrote these words to the Philippians Paul was in prison, but it did not affect his goal. You might be wondering what kind of a goal could this possibly be? Our Scripture text this morning reveals to us Paul’s goals. I) Paul’s Goal to Honor Christ (18b-20) In verses 18-20 we find Paul’s goal to honor Christ. Paul is confident that he will stand the test, but his confidence is not based on his own character, his own determination or his own will power. No, he draws his confidence from two sources, both separate from his own person. 1) The prayers of God’s people 2) The help of the Holy Spirit. The two are vitally connected. As the Philippians pray for him, the Holy Spirit will answer those prayers by giving Paul the help that he needs to stand firm. Paul was relying on the prayers of God’s people to furnish the supply of the Holy Spirit that he needed in order to stand strong under persecution. Paul’s confidence rested in the prayers of God’s people. Earlier he shared that he was praying for the Philippians. Now he asks them for their payers. And through their prayers and the help of the Holy Spirit, Paul knows that this will turn out for his deliverance. Paul will continue to testify for Christ even in the face of death. II) Paul’s Goal for Living (21) Paul states his purpose for living. It is a powerful statement, succinct in expression, sweeping in its scope: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) This was Paul’s life goal that Not only that, but Paul also says, “And to die is gain.” Because Paul’s entire life goal was wrapped up in the person o