“To Live Is Christ” song clip from the Philippians 1 Scripture memorization CD

Play .mp3: Phil1

TO LIVE IS CHRIST (1:18b-21NIV)

18b. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
19. for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
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.
21. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Sample question
from the Philippians 1 Bible study

A study question for verse 21

Paul believed there could be many benefits for the sake of the Kingdom if he continued to live (Philippians 1:22). He believed there were still many ways that God wanted to work through him as he lived in the flesh. As many benefits as there were, however, he believed that it would be gain if he entered into the presence of his Lord through death. Certainly, to be in the presence of our Lord, without any earthly encumbrances, will be a gain for every believer. Another suggestion of the gain that Paul was referring to was that even if he died, Christ’s body would be exalted through him, resulting in the further proclamation of the Gospel. Do you see the hope of being in the presence of our Lord as gain for your life? Describe some ways that this would be a gain.