To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain

Philippians 1:18b-30

Key Verse 21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Look at verses 18-20.

1. Why is Paul rejoicing even though he is in prison, what is his hope, and what does he have “full courage” in? What two things does Paul say will lead to his deliverance? What does this reveal about how our prayers can work together with the Spirit of Jesus Christ?

2. How can we rejoice, hope, and have full courage like Paul, even when we are in a trial? How can we pray for others, like the Philippians?

V20-26.

3. What does Paul mean when he says: “to live is Christ”?(22) What does Paul mean by fruitful labor?(24-26) What could be a practical example of fruitful labor? Why should we focus on fruitful labor?

4. Why does Paul say”to die is gain”?(23) Paul says “to life is Christ and to die is gain” How might we benefit from having this simple attitude towards life and death like Paul? How can we adopt this attitude?

5. How is Paul living like Christ for the Philippians?(24-26) How can we mimic this example in our lives towards others?

V27-28.

6. What do you think it means to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? Paul encourages the Phillipians to “stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel”, what do you think this type of life could look like? What is a clear sign of the Phillipian’s salvation?(28) How can we live this way?

V29-30.

7. What does Paul say is part of the package of believing in Christ? Why might this come as a surprise to some? Why might it actually be a blessing for us to suffer for Christ’s sake and engage in the same conflicts that Paul had?

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