The Key to Joy - Philippians 1:19-26

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

The word for “rejoice” is word “charis” in the Greek language.  It appears seven times in the book of Philippians, as indeed "joy" is the main theme of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Notice it is Paul’s decision to rejoice that gives him confidence in his eventual deliverance.  Although we are given "joy" as one of the gifts of the Spirit, we still need to "rejoice", or "choose joy" every day. 

20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Paul isn't expressing an overly high view of himself but expects and hopes to have courage to give Christ glory through his suffering.  "Paul lived his life not to preserve and promote himself, but to glorify Jesus Christ. If Jesus should one day decide that Paul could best glorify Him through laying down his life, then Paul would be well pleased by the opportunity." (Guzik)

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. This is the penultimate statement any follower of Christ could make. It shows total commitment to Christ in living or dying.  Importantly Paul believed in it and we can see in his life that he lived it out. "Paul knew that death was not a defeat to the Christian. It is merely a graduation to glory, a net gain for the Christian." (Guzik) It was the ultimate win-win.

22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!   This leads him to make a rather stunning statement.  If he lives, he will keep living for Christ and bearing fruit of his work of spreading the gospel.  But on the other hand if he dies he trusts in the promise of eternal life. 

23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; One of the things Paul's statement here speaks against is the idea of "soul sleep".  In this theory when we die, we are in a state of "soul sleep" until Jesus returns to raise the living and the dead.  But the way Paul talks about it in this verse is that when he dies he will be with Christ right away.  He doesn't seem to infer some kind of waiting period. 

24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Though Paul desires to be with Jesus, Paul understand others needed him and his work was not yet done.  Though Paul did not know at that time if he would be martyred for his faith, he trusts God that if God has more work for him, he would be spared.  Bottom line: Paul's complete life is in God's hands whether he lives or dies. This stance is what gives him such peace.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,  Paul is convinced he will remain alive, and his greatest hope is that he can continue to disciple the Philippians, as they grow in maturity and joy in their walk with Christ.  Notice that word "joy" again.  As they grower closer to Christ. they will also experience more of his joy together. 

26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Paul ends this section with by all but assuring them he will be with them again.  Their reunion will give the Philippians even more reason to boast about the faithfulness of Jesus to Paul and by application to them.  Notice Paul is always looking at how his situation can benefit others in their relationship with Christ. 

Could you say, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain?"  Why or why not?  What do you think gave Paul so much confidence to say this? Why do you think Paul was so anxious to be with Christ?  Have you thought about what it will be like to meet Jesus face to face one day?  As we keep our eyes on him and adopt Paul's philosophy, our love and knowledge of him will grow each day!