Philippians 1:21–30 - 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 sake. 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 proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul expresses that remaining alive allows him to continue his ministry of spreading the gospel message about Jesus Christ (v. 21) even when being with Jesus would be even better. Yet he feels torn between longing to depart earth and be in God's presence versus staying longer to spiritually strengthen and serve fellow believers (vv. 22-24). Regardless, Paul aims to live a life honoring to Christ whether he lives or dies (vv. 25-26). By mimicking Christ's humility and sacrifice, Paul hopes that fellow Christians will grow in godly maturity (v. 27). He exhorts the church to stand unified against opponents of the faith and not be intimidated, which shows their eternal salvation is genuine (vv. 28-30).
How can I apply Philippians 1:21-30 to my life?
Paul’s perspective in these verses provides a great model for believers today. Despite enduring hardship like house arrest for preaching the gospel, the apostle overflowed with joy. His primary concern was not personal comfort, but seeing fellow sinners reconciled to Christ. Paul valued life only to the extent it enabled fruitful labor for God’s kingdom. Even the prospect of execution could not deter his zeal for making disciples. And he urged the Philippians toward a mindset that in life or death, magnifying the Savior mattered most. What should shape our outlook amidst trying circumstances is advancing God's work rather than our own interests. We should live to share Christ even if that risks contempt from others. As we glean practical wisdom from Paul’s example, may it propel us toward maturity in our walk with Jesus. Gaining insight into the priorities that guided this stalwart apostle provides guardrails for our perspective. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Live for Christ and View Death as Gain (v. 21): Paul expresses his perspective that living means serving Christ, and, that if he were to die for serving Christ, that would be even better. This demonstrates that the apostle regards death not with fear, but as a welcomed gain, since it would usher him into the Lord's presence. For the believer, physical death should hold no dread when we know that eternity spent glorifying God awaits. As followers of Jesus, we too can adopt Paul's mindset by ensuring that , for as long as we live, we live to bring honor to Christ. Our priorities should be set on advancing His kingdom rather than pursuing worldly ambitions. Even potentially facing martyrdom should not prevent us from courageously sharing the gospel. Though proclaiming Christ could cost us dearly – even death, embracing that result demonstrates an eternal viewpoint. With hope firmly grounded in Jesus, we can welcome the end of earthly life as a long-awaited reunion rather than mourning it as a tragedy. As we actively make the most of opportunities to lift up our Savior during our remaining days, our outlook should be shaped by an eternal perspective, not a worldly one. We ought to periodically examine our priorities to check that magnifying Jesus surpasses pursuing possessions or position. When eventually confronted by death's door, may we meet it with eager anticipation like Paul, ready to finally see face-to-face the One for whose glory we gladly lived and died (Romans 14:8; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Food for Thought: What areas of your life need realigning so that your daily choices give evidence that you are living for Jesus? Do you view the end of your earthly life as a transition to greater blessing or as something to fear? What might help you gain an eternal perspective?
2. Commit to Fruitful Labor for the Benefit of Others (vv. 22-26): Paul conveys his struggle between desiring both to depart and be with Christ and to remain serving Him on earth. This reveals the apostle's commitment to work fruitfully for the Lord regardless of personal interests. Though he would benefit by going to heaven, he acknowledges others need to hear the gospel message he preaches. Like Paul, as believers we too should aim for whatever course honors Christ most, not what best advantages ourselves. So, we must regularly examine our attitude toward earthly life. Do we wish only to leave this world behind and enter God's presence? Or does concern for those headed to eternal destruction motivate us to continue proclaiming redemption in Jesus? Some around us might never turn to Christ unless we care enough to compassionately warn them. We best magnify our Savior through valuing what He valued - offering every lost soul an opportunity to gain salvation before their time runs out or His return. May our efforts bear fruit that remains not just for this life but also the next. Let us commit to labor unselfishly for the eternal welfare of others until our Lord determines our work here complete (John 15:8; Romans 1:13-15; 1 Corinthians 3:8).
Food for Thought: What specific actions can you take to be more spiritually fruitful for Christ each day? Who is one person you can intentionally build a relationship with this week to share the gospel when opportunity arises?
3. Conduct Yourself in a Manner Worthy of the Gospel (vv. 27-30): Paul urges the Philippians to live as citizens of heaven, standing firm in the faith while facing opposition. This exhortation applies to believers in every generation. How we conduct ourselves day to day either brings honor or disrepute on the gospel message we profess. When outsiders observe us reacting to hardship with joy and love rather than bitterness, it makes the life-changing power of Jesus evident. Yet we cannot withstand persecution in our own strength. So, we must humbly rely on the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in us. As we submit to God during suffering, unbelievers see the reality of His sustaining grace. And emboldened by such divine courage, even intimidation and antagonism will not shut down our testimony about the Savior. We should have the mindset that living to exalt Jesus is of far greater value than avoiding hostility. Our manner of life should give credibility to the truth of the gospel. And through steadfastly enduring opposition, may others be drawn to the One from whom godly conduct flows (Matthew 5:11-16; John 15:18-21; Ephesians 5:1-2).
Food for Thought: What areas of your character could use some maturing, so your lifestyle better aligns with your professed beliefs? When you face animosity for your faith, what can you draw on to respond graciously rather than reactively?
Paul's words in this passage reveal where our focus should lie. His overriding aim was magnifying Jesus no matter the hardship faced or life phase undergoing. He cared more about gospel proclamation than personal comfort. His mindset provides a model for abandoning earthly priorities that distract us from the supreme call to make disciples. By regularly examining if current mindsets align with eternity's value system, we can recalibrate divergence. We best live worthy of our heavenly position when keeping others' salvation central. May the joy we find in serving Christ compel us to labor faithfully in season and out, without moderating our witness.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would examine my heart and realign any areas not surrendered to You. Reveal where my priorities, perspectives and daily conduct contradict a wholehearted pursuit of godliness. Instill in me an eternal outlook that overrules fear of earthly hostility to boldly share the gospel. Grant me joy in magnifying Jesus that no circumstance can diminish. I pray that You would produce spiritual fruit in my life as I walk in step with the Spirit while facing opposition. Shape my character to match my professed beliefs so my manner of life gives credibility to the truth. Help me live worthy of being counted among the saints united under Christ.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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