To Die Is Gain
Our Bible passage, introduction to Sunday 31st May service and hymns are below.
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Our principal verses are:
Php 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Php 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Php 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Php 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Php 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
Php 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
Php 1:26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
To Die Is Gain
The Apostle Paul reassures the saints at Philippi that despite his detention in prison the cause of Christ would not be permitted to suffer. Indeed, Paul had learned that gospel witness was already increasing. Some, he discovered, were preaching Christ to gain personal advantage against him. The Apostle does not condone this duplicity yet he is pleased that for whatever reason the truth is being declared. Others, out of love for Christ, and for Paul, were finding their voice and preaching faithfully. Either way, the Apostle rejoices that Christ is preached.
All things work together
This seems to be one of those occasions when the Apostle applies his own teaching. He believed that all things work together for good for the Lord’s people and even ministry undertaken to stir up contention against Paul and to afflict the Lord’s prisoner would turn out to his benefit. It would prosper the church with souls being added and contribute to Christ’s glory. In this Paul rejoiced. He was convinced that the prayers of the Philippians who desired good things for the Apostle would be richly and positively answered by the comforting Spirit of Christ.
The Lord’s servant
Paul was aware his life may be coming to an end. The emperor could easily sentence him to death. Yet, it was the Apostle’s hope and expectation that the Lord would support him and enable him to glorify Christ whether that be by continuing to live to serve the Saviour or through suffering death as a martyr. Either way, by God’s grace, Paul’s life would serve the glory of Christ. If Paul lived he would live for Christ by continuing to preach the gospel. If he died at Nero’s hand he would be with the Lord to enjoy the blessings of His presence.
‘To live is Christ’
Here Paul acknowledges Christ’s sovereign power in his experience of grace. ‘To live is Christ.’ Spiritual life comes from the Lord Jesus. The Lord is the efficient cause, the Author and Instigator of a believer’s life of faith. Paul’s conversion and spiritual transformation was Christ’s gift. The Apostle lived on Christ by faith and for Christ by desire. He dwelt in Christ by spiritual union and Christ dwelt in him by the spiritual new birth. Paul was a new creation. He belonged to Christ and Christ belonged to him.
‘To die is gain’
Should Paul die he knew his life would not end but he would at once enter glory and be in Christ’s immediate presence. This would be the greatest personal blessing for the Apostle. He teaches us to think likewise. There are no tears in heaven. In death believers leave behind the troubles and cares of this world; the corruption of indwelling sin, unbelief, doubts and the temptations of Satan. Men and women of faith enter at once into the presence of God, the embrace of the Saviour, the company of angels and the great congregation of the Lord’s redeemed church.
Paul’s heavenly prospect
But here Paul confesses he has a dilemma. He is in ‘a strait betwixt two’. He feels himself to be hovering on the edge of eternity, knocking, as it were, upon the door of heaven and eagerly anticipating Christ’s promise of everlasting habitations. He sees before him the divine light, life, love, joy, peace, rest and comfort of eternal glory. He desires to enter in, to be with Christ which is far better than anything this life can offer. And yet, he realises there is much still to do, his work may not yet be done. He feels it is better for the church, the Philippians in particular, that he yet serve the cause of Christ in this world.
A believer’s confidence
Paul speaks of ‘having this confidence’ that he shall see the Philippians again. This confidence may have been by revelation from the Lord or simply an expression of hope on the Apostle’s part that the case against him would soon be dismissed and his release granted. It is a question whether Paul was imprisoned in Rome once or twice. If twice, as seems likely, he may indeed have been released to visit Philippi and other places before being re-arrested under a harsher regime and martyred a few years later.
Christian joy
Christian joy is a frequent theme of Paul’s ministry. He began this section with an expression of joy that the gospel was being preached despite his incarceration. He ends it by wishing the joy of faith to the Philippians in Jesus Christ. It is a believer’s unique privilege to rejoice in the Lord Jesus. Like Paul we rejoice when the gospel is proclaimed and Christ is lifted up in preaching. We rejoice in the deepening, or furtherance, of our faith by whatever means the Lord sees fit. We rejoice in and for fellowship with the Lord’s people. We rejoice in the joy of heaven’s gain that is set before us.
Amen
Hymn 490
Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension. Acts 1. 9
J. Hart 7s
1
Jesus, our triumphant Head,
Risen victorious from the dead,
To the realms of glory gone,
To ascend his rightful throne.
2
Cherubs on the Conqueror gaze;
Seraphs glow with brighter blaze;
Each bright order of the sky
Hails him as he passes by.
3
Saints the glorious triumph meet,
See their enemies at his feet!
By his scars his toils are viewed,
And his garments rolled in blood.
4
Heaven its King congratulates;
Opens wide her golden gates;
Angels songs of victory sing;
All the blissful regions ring.
5
Sinners, join the heavenly powers,
For redemption all is ours;
None but burdened sinners prove
Blood-bought pardon, dying love.
6
Hail, thou dear, thou worthy Lord;
Holy Lamb, incarnate Word!
Hail, thou suffering Son of God!
Take the trophies of thy blood.
Hymn 468
“To die is gain.” Phil. 1. 21; Rev. 14. 13
W. W. Horne C.M.
1
Death is no more a frightful foe;
Since I with Christ shall reign,
With joy I leave this world of woe;
For me to die is gain.
2
To darkness, doubts, and fears, adieu;
Adieu, thou world so vain;
Then shall I know no more of you;
For me to die is gain.
3
No more shall Satan tempt my soul,
Corruption shall be slain;
And tides of pleasure o’er me roll;
For me to die is gain.
4
Nor shall I know a Father’s frown,
But ever with him reign,
And wear an everlasting crown,
For me to die is gain.
5
Sorrow for joy I shall exchange,
For ever freed from pain;
And o’er the plains of Canaan range;
For me to die is gain.
6
Fain would my raptured soul depart,
Nor longer here remain,
But dwell, dear Jesus, where thou art;
For me to die is gain.
Because the Apostle Paul trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ he had confidence that whether he lived or died God would be glorified and Christ's church would be blessed.