To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain Philippians 1 20 to 21 • Marty Beamer • Nov 21 2021

While we await deliverance, how should we live? Using Hezekiah as a cautionary tale and Paul as the model soldier, Pastor Marty calls us to conduct worthy of the gospel: don’t chase “peace in my days”; magnify Christ in your body whether by life or by death. Paul’s aim isn’t comfort or even release—it’s that Christ be magnified. So we stand unashamed, speak with courage, and fix our focus: to live is Christ; to die is gain.

Key takeaways

• Stand with honor (v.20): Paul’s eager hope is to be unashamed—no retreat where the battle rages.
• Shout with boldness (v.20): “Full courage” means public, frank, gospel speech that magnifies Christ.
• See with focus (v.21): If he lives—fruitful labor for Christ; if he dies—greater gain: Christ Himself.
• Deliverance isn’t about us: Salvation, vindication, release—all serve the higher end: Jesus exalted.
• Soldier mindset: Mission over comfort; allegiance to King Jesus amid a culture demanding other lords.

Scripture

Philippians 1 20–21

Also referenced

Isaiah 38–39 • Psalm 34 1–3 • Mark 8 34–38 • Daniel 3 16–18 • Exodus 33 1–16 • Romans 8