Apr. 28, 2024

“OVERJOYED”

“BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE”

(THE JOY OF INTEGRITY)

PHILIPPIANS 1:21-30

Have you ever waffled between two different and reasonable opinions, unable to decide which one to hold?

1.   Paul’s Crisis- Philippians 1:21-26

Paul’s joyful attitude in the midst of unfavorable conditions was a direct result of placing Christ at the center of his life (1:12-20).

Philippians 1:20 “according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.”

*Paul sums up this radically Christ-focused approach to life in one of the most profound but puzzling statements in this book:

Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

The believers body is to be a telescope that brings Jesus Christ close to people.

*Paul’s crisis begins in verse 22 with the word “but.”

Philippians 1:22 “But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.”

*Paul Ponders the Alternatives and the Benefits- Philippians 1:22-24.

Philippians 1:23 “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”

If Paul were to depart, he would be with Christ immediately.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27

He also would not have the nagging “thorn in the flesh” that had dogged him every day, it would be gone:

2 Corinthians 12:7 “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.”

Instead of all that, he would experience rest and repose in the presence of Christ:

2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

Philippians 1:24 “Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Philippians 1:25 “And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith.”

In this way, his life became an imitation of Christ, not by following Him in suffering and death, but by surrendering his own interests (to be with Christ) for the sake of others.

Of course in the end, Paul didn’t have to choose life or death. This matter was chosen for him by the sovereign plan and purpose of God;

vs.25 “… I know that I shall remain and continue with you all…”

Philippians 1:26 “that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”

How did he know this?

2 Peter 1:14 “Knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.”

It’s also possible that the Lord allowed Paul to catch word through the Roman soldiers of the court’s disposition concerning his case.

No matter how you look at it, nothing can steal a man’s joy if he possesses the single mind! “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” vs.21 

2.   The Battle-Ground- Philippians 1:27-30

The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battle-ground. We are to be soldiers defending the faith of the Gospel.

Philippians 1:27 “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

“Conduct” vs.27- to behave as a proper citizen. 

What does it look like to live as a citizen of God’s heavenly kingdom while here on earth?

*First, We Stay Together In One Spirit and Mind (Consistency)- vs.27 “… that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind…”

We are to live in unity and harmony with each other.

*Second, We Strive Together For the Faith of the Gospel (Cooperation)- vs.27 “…with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

“The faith of the gospel” vs.27

Jude 1:3 “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”

*Confidence- Philippians 1:28-30

Philippians 1:28-29 “And not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”

The presence of opposition, Paul assures them, shows that they are on the right path in their gospel witness.

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

The presence of conflict is a privilege, “to suffer for His sake.” vs.29.

Others are experiencing the same conflict:

Philippians 1:30 “Having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.”

Satan wants us to think that we are alone in the battle, that our difficulties are unique, but that is not the case.

Application: Three types of dilemmas:

1.  Volitional dilemmas- this is when you want to do two different things at the same time. You want both of them, but that’s impossible, those are volitional dilemmas.
2. Emotional dilemmas- you have conflicting feelings about a difficult situation. 
3. Geographical dilemmas- the dilemma to stay or to go?

Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

When we make decisions on our options we need to ask ourselves, which is more Christlike? Which will bring Him greater joy? Which will better advance the proclamation of the gospel?