Philippians Explained | I Can Do All Things Through ChristSample

Philippians 1 | To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

Host: Welcome to Through the Word, leading you on a journey through the entire Bible, one chapter at a time. Today Kris Langham guides us through the New Testament book of Philippians. Now to Pastor Kris.

Philippians chapter 1. Remember that Philippians is a mission letter. Paul pours out his heart and his prayers for the people of Philippi, and it’s an awesome example for anyone in ministry. Then in verse 12, Paul’s changes gears:

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).

This is the mission update part of the letter. So what’s the update? What happened to Paul? Well, a lot happened. Captured, jailed, shipwrecked, waiting trial – all for preaching Christ. Funny thing is, Paul doesn’t really bother much about what happened. His only focus is what God did with what happened. Eyes on what matters. And what matters is the advance of the gospel.

The word “advance” here literally means pioneer – opening new territory. Roman prisoners like Paul were chained to four different guards each day. Great time to share the gospel! And he had a high profile case.

And suddenly his chains were like a magic key, like his own sonic screwdriver to open closed doors for the gospel, and go right into Caesar’s court, one of the greatest platforms in the land. And many people were saved along the way!

But the Philippians have to wonder - what about Paul? What’s going to happen to their missionary? Well, Paul is confident. In verse 19:

“I know …what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance” (1:19).

Deliverance means rescue from troubles. Paul knows he’ll make it out. Whether he will live or die, he doesn’t know, but deliverance is sure! And here in the midst of Paul’s wondering just how it will all work out, we get one incredible statement in verse 21:

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (1:21).

That one little verse is so simple and yet so profound. It is a massive statement about the meaning of life - and the meaning of death. What it says is simple. If they let me go, I go live for Jesus. If they kill me, I go to Jesus. To live is Christ, to die is gain. They’re both good. So I can’t lose.

That part is easy. But the verse is huge. “To live is Christ.” Why does Paul have such an incredible attitude about such a crazy endless trial of a life? Because life is Christ. Like Paul told the Colossians, Jesus is your life (Colossians 3:4). And now Paul says, “to die is gain.” Amazing. And the two must go together – death is only gain if life is Christ.

Here’s a good challenge. Get a paper – journal, tablet, whatever – and write this down:

To live is _____ (leave a blank), and to die is______ (leave another blank).

Then consider the blanks, and decide what goes where. Use a pencil, and write in a few options. But remember, only the first blank is your choice. The second blank is determined by the first.

If to live is money, then to die is… loss. If to live is gaming, then to die is…game over. Fill in the blanks a few times. Then write the sentence from the beginning, “For to me, to live is…” – and fill in the blanks for your life, and be honest. What is your life, and what is your death? Paul made his decision. To live is Christ. The last part of the chapter changes gears from mission update to marching orders. Verse 27:

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27).

Some things are out of our control. Paul can’t force the outcome of his trial, and neither can his friends in Philippi. But they can control how they live, so live worthy of the gospel.

As you read Paul’s words, it is striking just how much worth he does place on the gospel. The message of Christ is worth living for and worth dying for. So don’t just deliver it, walk worthy of it.

So what does it take to walk worthy of the eternal gospel? Come back in chapter 2.

While you’re waiting, read chapter 1 for yourself, and spend some time considering how you’ll fill in that blank. As for me, I decided a long time ago. To live is Christ.

Host: Thanks for joining us for today’s quick audio guide. You can find the full audio guide for this chapter and hundreds more on the Through the Word app and website. Our apps are free and free to share, so tell your friends and take the journey together. And remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing Through the Word (Romans 10:17).

Bible quotes in NIV unless otherwise stated.