“To live is Christ”
(Philippians 1:21-26)

Paul was in prison awaiting trial, uncertain whether he would live or die and to him it made no difference.

1. "Living," Paul says, "is Christ to me."

     A. Christ was the beginning of Paul’s life.

          (Acts 9)

     B. Christ was the end of Paul’s life.

          (Romans 14:8)

     C. Christ was the inspiration of Paul’s life.

          (2 Corinthians 5:13-15)

     D. Christ was the work of Paul’s life.

          (Galatians 2:20)

     E. Christ was the strength of Paul’s life.

          (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) 

Christ is life! (Acts 17:28)

2. "Death" Paul says, "is gain".

     A. Death was entrance into Christ's presence.

Paul regards death as a sleep,

(1 Corinthians15:6 & 16-20 & 51-52;

1Thessalonians 4:13-15); Paul also thought of death as an immediate awakening into the presence of his Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:1-9).

3. Paul was caught between two desires.

"I am torn between the two." The word he uses is sunechomai, the word used of a traveler in a narrow mountain pass, with a wall of rock on either side, unable to turn around and able only to go straight. Paul’s desire was to depart; this phrase is very vivid. The word he uses is analuein.

     A. It is the word for striking camp, loosening the tent ropes, pulling up the tent pins and moving on. Death is a moving on. During the days of World War II, when the Royal Air Force stood between Britain and Her destruction. When the lives of Her pilots were being sacrificially spent, they never spoke of a pilot as having been killed but always as having been "posted to another station."

Paul awaited reassignment.

     B. It is the word for loosening the mooring ropes, pulling up the anchors and setting sail. Death is a setting sail, a departure on that voyage which leads to God.

     C. It is the word for solving problems. Death brings life's solutions. There is some place where all earth's questions will be answered and where those who have waited will in the end understand.

4. Paul's conviction was to “remain, and...continue. The word for “to remain” is menein; and “continue” is paramenein, which means to wait beside a person ever ready to help.  Paul's desire to live is not for his own sake, but for the sake of those whom he can continue to help and inspire to live in joy!

If Paul can do it, (in the strength of the Lord), then I can do it, (in the strength of the Lord)!

Paul is a example of how, through Christ, a man can face the worst standing up and unafraid. It is our duty, as followers of Christ, to be that same kind of example! 

It begins with the faith to say “to live is Christ!”