Death is…

Philippians 1:18b-30 | Ben Potloff | Paul’s letter to the Philippians confronts us with this truth as he declares that in life or death, there is only one thing that matters: Jesus Christ. If Paul lives, it will be for Christ. If he dies, it will be for Christ whom he will meet face to face. Nothing else is more supreme. We find this tension in our soul as we wish to declare the same but also have many “loves” that are not Christ. However, knowing and loving Christ at this level is the only antidote for suffering and source of eternal joy.MAIN IDEATo live is Christ, to die is gain.OUTLINEI. Paul’s life is about honoring Christ and serving others. (vv. 18b-21a, 22, 24-26)II. Paul’s death doesn’t scare him because it will lead to being with Christ. (21b, 23)III. Paul’s command is to live fearlessly for Christ, knowing suffering brings assurance. (vv. 27-30)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What did Paul view as the purpose of his life? What is your life’s aim and purpose? How does the gospel move you away from selfishness and toward God and others?2. Paul viewed life and death as a “win-win” scenario and he was “hard pressed between the two.” How do you view death? Why are we as Christians sometimes fearful of death? 3. How might the reality of death as gain because of Christ impact your day-to-day life?4. What would it look like in our group to “strive side by side for the faith of the gospel”? Why do we need each other in order to live fearlessly for Christ?