to live is christ
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To Live is Christ. Philippi. Lydia. Imprisoned. Jailor. Second Missionary Journey. Rome. Paul was in Prison at Rome. When he wrote Philippians. Philippians 1:21-24 NKJV 21. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Philippians 1:21-24 NKJV
21. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
Paul Faced a Dilemma
Sweet to go on livingWork to do - - preaching the gospelHuman life is priceless
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” Luke 9:25 NKJV
Purpose Of Life
Righteousness Evangelism Edifying
Paul Faced a Dilemma
“To Die is Gain”Christ to live - To die will be gainIf he died then he would leave earth’s problems
sickness, death, sin, suffering, temptation
“With Christ”Dies as a faithful ChristianHeavenly Home
Mixed emotions - stay or go
Reasons why life is Great
Adversity can be a blessing John 16:33 Sickness
Loss of WealthPro. 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart”Ps. 119:67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but
now have I kept thy word.”Ps. 119:71. “It is good for me that I have been
afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
Death of a loved one
Reasons why life is Great
Positive Blessings of earthly life
Christian family
Friends
Brethren in Christ
Serving Christ
Suffering for Christ
Two Possible Fates of Life
Die as a Wicked Person = Results in LOSS
Eternal Separation from God - Mt. 25:30-46
Loss of everything of value - 1 Thes. 1:7-9
Unending punishmentMark 9:43-49 “the fire is not quenched”Matt. 25:46 “everlasting punishment”Rev. 20:10-15 “This is the second death”Rev. 14:9-11 “tormented with fire and
brimstone” - “for ever and ever”
Two Possible Fates of Life
Die as a Righteous Person = Results - Saved
All adversity will be over - Rev. 21:1
Be with God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Angels
Realize God’s ultimate purpose
John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Paul’s Dilemma
He wanted to stay on EarthFight the good fight of Faith - 1 Tim. 6:12Stay with the faithful - 2 Tim. 4:6-8
He Wanted to Depart and be with ChristBetter for Paul
He felt that he would remain with them Phil. 1:25
2 Timothy 4:6 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”
Phil. 1:21
Life Serve God Serve fellow Christians
Death Be with Christ Enjoy heaven
23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:24. Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
Sermon by Arthur Pigman
Evans Church of Christ
515 Gibbs Road
Evans, Ga. 30809
706-855-1249
[email protected]@bellsouth.net
www.evansgachurchofchrist.orgwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org
Sunday Morning April 7, 2013