Living Between Two Worlds - Philippians 1:19-30
December 30, 2023

Christmas Header 1.jpg

Living Between Two Worlds

Philippians 1:19-30
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: Today’s trials are best seen in the light of tomorrow’s hope revealed in Messiah Jesus.

I. Tomorrow’s Hope (vv. 19-24)
Philippians 1:19-30
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 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 in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

A. Writing from prison, Paul seeks to encourage the Philippian church by sharing his heart with them. On the one hand, Paul longs to be with Jesus, but on the other hand, there is fruitful ministry for him yet to fulfill. The former drives the latter as Paul makes serving Jesus his life’s purpose and mission.

B. Paul’s hope was strengthened because:

i.The prayers of God’s people (vv. 19-20; cf. 1 Thes. 5:25).
1 Thessalonians 5:25
25 Brothers, pray for us.

ii.The Holy Spirit’s power (vv. 19-20).

iii.He was driven by purpose (vv. 21-22).

iv.He knew his true home (vv. 23-24; cf. Phil. 3:20-21; 2 Cor. 5:6-9).
Philippians 3:20-21
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

2 Corinthians 5:6-9
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

C. Paul found a deep satisfaction knowing that despite the trials of life and ministry in the here and now, rich rewards awaited him in heaven. Even if we don’t serve Jesus in the same way Paul did, we can have the same satisfaction and hope when we too make serving Jesus the central purpose and mission of our lives.

II. Today’s Challenges (vv. 25-30)

A. While Paul looked forward to his rich reward with Jesus, he also recognized the benefits of staying and building up God’s church. Not only did Paul accept this, but he also rejoiced in it because he saw that it would ultimately bring glory to God and encourage His people.

B. Today’s challenges provide an opportunity to:

i.Disciple and grow God’s church (v. 25).

ii.To exalt and glorify Jesus (v. 26).

iii.To shine the light of the Gospel of Christ (vv. 27-30), by standing firm in unity and in the truth (v. 27).

C. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are living between two worlds: Our true home, heaven, and life in the here and now. It helps to allow our hope for heaven fuel our purpose in this life as we seek to glorify God by serving Him and His people.