Paul’s Dilemma

Phil. 1:22-26

Introduction

In this world of uncertainty we always want to succeed and have the best. If possible, we want to be always in a win – win situation. However, this is not always the case, and most of the time we are in a win – lose situation. We gain some and we lose some, which is far better than lose – lose or nothing at all position. As we continue with our study on the Book of Philippians, we now come to the dilemma Paul is facing while he is in jail and waiting for his trial.

I. Live in the flesh. Phil. 1:22

A. Live in the flesh means to continue living. To be alive here on earth. If he lives, it means he can continue to serve the Lord and he can glorify Him more. Remember that he is in prison and considering the hardships and difficulties he had been and experienced, this all amount to nothing. He still rejoiced and for him if he lives, he wins. He finds joy in serving the Lord Jesus Christ. His suffering in jail became the means the gospel of Jesus Christ was preached to places not reached by his brethren.

Illustration:

How do you view your life here? When I became a Christian my life became more difficult and I would say troublesome. Problems are much bigger and sometimes take longer to solve. One thing is Christ is with me to help me pass through the “fire” (Isa. 43:2). The joy I’m experiencing in serving the Lord is beyond understanding. If your circumstances are not so easy, it could be that the Lord is testing you, preparing and moulding you for future use. Trusting Him is not always easy but it’s one way of pleasing Him. (Prov. 3:5-6, Heb. 11:6).

II. Desire to depart and to be with Christ. Phil. 1:23

A. If Paul lives, he wins. If he dies he wins. To be with Jesus and have fellowship with Him in eternity is a real gain for Paul and for him much better. The conflicts, trials, and sufferings will be over. His work here will be done. Labour for Christ was sweet but rest with Christ would be sweeter.
B. We always fear death, but our relationship with Christ should change our attitude about it. Death is not the end but a beginning of much better things as taught here. To depart and to be with Christ is far better.
C. This verse also refutes the false doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses about soul sleep. Soul sleep teaches that when a believer dies, he passes into state of unconsciousness. How can death be “far better” not just “better “when you die? The truth is the dead will be conscious whether in heaven or in hell. When a true believer dies; he will have a conscious, intimate, and everlasting fellowship with our creator, something that is impossible down here.
D. The Bible describes the death of the righteous as:

Precious – Psa. 116:15
Sleep in Christ – 1 Cor. 15:18
Full of faith – Heb. 11:13
Hopeful – Pr. 14:32
Without Fear – Ps. 23:4
Triumphant – Lk. 16:22
Rest – Rev. 14:13

Illustration/Application: High Watermark

Francis Patton (1843-1932, a former president of Princeton University, observed that whereas the high watermark of the Old Testament was Psalm 23:4, that of the New Testament was Philippians 1:23. David was willing to go, but wanting to stay, but Paul was willing to stay, but wanting to go.

III. To abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Phil. 1:24

A. What Paul means here is, if he lives longer, it would be for the comfort, edification, instruction, increase in faith, and the joy of the Philippian Christians. The word “needful” means “necessary”. He will be more useful alive than when he is in heaven. Paul was not thinking of himself but for other people. How unselfish. He is very much like Christ. Through faith Paul knew that his life is not in the hand of Rome but in the hands of Christ. As long as we are alive here on earth, God has a purpose for us. You are not here by accident or by chance.

Illustration/Application:

As children of God we too must be like Paul who puts the interest of others first before his own. We should show we care for others not only in the church with our brothers and sisters but to all the people around us. We should encourage the brethren thru Church attendance, and other service to the Lord. Church attendance encourages Pastors and other church workers.

IV. His confidence. Phil. 1:25

A. Paul was confident of his upcoming release from prison. The Roman authorities will not put him to death. Confidence gives meaning to our existence. Confidence that God has a need for us makes us more careful of what we do. In our Christian life we too must mature. We cannot remain a baby.

V. Conclusion:
In this life we too will be facing a dilemma most of the time. It will not always be a win – win situation like Paul’s. We can only trust God who gives us the strength, courage, and comfort to withstand all kinds of difficulties. We should not fear death anymore because we know that when a true believer dies, he goes to be with the Lord. Come to Christ now and be saved.