To Live Is Christ

Bible Passage: Philippians 1:21-26

I. “To live is Christ” means to develop the right ambition and to have joy

II. Joy despite negative circumstances

1. Potential joy stealers need to be overcome
2. Find joy in the progress of the gospel

III. A counter-cultural mind-set towards life and death (v. 21)

1. His life’s purpose is to be preoccupied with Christ. Christ is his “all in all.”
2. Something to ponder, “Why are you alive?”
3. Death is gain when the purpose of life is right

IV. Guidelines for ambitions and desires (vv. 22-26)

1. Kept alive for fruitful labour. He was saved to serve.
2. Bible’s view of death – To die as a Christian would actually be a promotion, to be with
Christ.
3. Wrong ideas about death
4. What is desired may not be what is necessary
5. Choosing what is necessary over what is desirable
6. The outcome – boasting about what Christ is doing through surrendered lives

Take Away

Answer the question for yourself “For me, to live is ________.”
Evaluate and possibly change your lifestyle and goals in light of eternity.]]>”