Conclusion
Paul is in prison in Rome. His thoughts have turned to the issues of life and death. He shares these thoughts with the Philippian believers. In part one of Life and Death Perspectives we saw Paul’s commitment to glorify God in life or death. We also looked at the confidence with which he faced death. Now in this pen pulpit we continue in looking at -
His Conflict Between Choosing Life and Death (vv. 22-23)
We have this conflict!
1. For me to live is for others
to see Christ
2. For me to die is for me
to see Christ
What
a choice for a person to have to make!
In
verses 23 and 24 Paul says: “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. But I am hard-pressed
from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ,
for that is very much better.”
Hard
– pressed = “to hold together and to hem
in on both sides.”
Depart = “to break up camp, to
unloose, to undo.” This word is used of
the loosing of a ship from its moorings. Death is the loosing away of the
spirit from the body. (James 2:26; II
Peter 1:13,14; II Corinthians 5:8)
For
Paul, to depart and be with Christ would be far better for him. He longed to go home! HOME! The sweetest word in all the world. On the other hand, he realized that if for
some reason God chose to leave him here that would be more profitable for the Philippians
– and for others. Sometimes this can
create a conflict.
His Conviction that God is
in Total Control of His Life and Death
(vv.
24-26) We need this conviction!
When God is finished with us, nothing can keep us here. But as long as we are here, God has a purpose for us – as He did for Paul namely, to be a blessing to others. To be a help to others in need. To continue in whatever state we find ourselves. To be the vehicle of expression of the love and care of God. Paul realized that his purpose here was God related first – then people related.
Conclusion: As you live in these troublesome times, you and I
need life and death perspectives.
1. We can be COMMITED to making God look good in life or in death.
2. We can have a CONFIDENCE in facing death
3, We may have internal CONFLICTS regarding these issues.
4. But we can have a CONVICTION
that God is in charge of our life and death
BUT ONLY THE BELIEVER CAN HAVE THESE KINDS OF PERSPECTIVES.
Beloved, let me share with you again one of my favorites:
Only one life, t’will
soon be past,
Only what’s done for
Christ, will last.
God
bless,