Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg & East Rock
Living The Jesus Life: Part 2
Philippians 1:19-26
Locations & Times
Church of the Nazarene - Harrisonburg
1871 Boyers Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Living The Jesus Life
This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.
Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'.
Today's focus is Philippians 1:19-26.
This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.
Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That's why we've entitled the series, 'Living the Jesus Life'.
Today's focus is Philippians 1:19-26.
The end brings clarity.
As Paul writes in this next part of chapter 1, he is reflecting on his life and his possible death (remember, he is writing from a Roman jail).
His life could end at any moment and the end, at least the thought of end, brings incredible clarity.
As Paul writes in this next part of chapter 1, he is reflecting on his life and his possible death (remember, he is writing from a Roman jail).
His life could end at any moment and the end, at least the thought of end, brings incredible clarity.
-Paul might be facing his death any moment now, and with that he declares that He wants Christ to be exalted no matter what, whether by life or by death.
-The focus of this passage is on these 8 words in verse 21: "to live is Christ and to die is gain".
-The focus of this passage is on these 8 words in verse 21: "to live is Christ and to die is gain".
1. To live is Christ
-Paul found His true life in Christ. Eternal life but also life today.
-Paul's source of joy (a theme throughout Philippians) is Christ. It is safe to say that Paul's life found its ultimate meaning in Christ. So, if Paul lives, he gets to live serving and pleasing Christ.
-His life IS Christ, to live IS Christ.
2. To die is gain
-We fear death. To us, death seems like the end. But since Paul finds ultimate meaning in Christ and in relationship with Him, then death is just the end of this life, but the doorway to eternal life with him.
-His ultimate concern and most precious possession, both now and forever, is Christ and his relationship with Him.
-If He lives, that’s great because He lives for Christ. If he dies, that’s even better! Paul is in a no-lose situation.
-Paul found His true life in Christ. Eternal life but also life today.
-Paul's source of joy (a theme throughout Philippians) is Christ. It is safe to say that Paul's life found its ultimate meaning in Christ. So, if Paul lives, he gets to live serving and pleasing Christ.
-His life IS Christ, to live IS Christ.
2. To die is gain
-We fear death. To us, death seems like the end. But since Paul finds ultimate meaning in Christ and in relationship with Him, then death is just the end of this life, but the doorway to eternal life with him.
-His ultimate concern and most precious possession, both now and forever, is Christ and his relationship with Him.
-If He lives, that’s great because He lives for Christ. If he dies, that’s even better! Paul is in a no-lose situation.
“Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now.”
D.L. Moody
D.L. Moody
The question Philippians 1:21 asks of us is this: who is Lord?
Bottom Line:
Living the Jesus life means that your life is in His hands, one way or the other.
Living the Jesus life means that your life is in His hands, one way or the other.
Verses for further study/reflection:
John 15:13
1 John 3:16
Luke 9:24
2 Corinthians 5:15
John 15:13
1 John 3:16
Luke 9:24
2 Corinthians 5:15
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https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!