Margaret Street Church of Christ Summer Series

August 27, 2003

1. Our text tonight is a familiar one -- Philippians 1:21 (NKJV) For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

a. Background --

(1) Acts 22 -- Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after he returned from the 3rd missionary journey. He had aroused tremendous hatred among some of the Jews. Acts 23:12 says that a group of more than 40 Jews took an oath that they would not eat or drink anything until they had killed Paul. Since he lived for several years more, those folks either broke their oath or got very hungry and thirsty! The Lord appeared to Paul one night and told him, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome." [Acts 23:11 (NKJV)].

(2) But Paul didn't get to go to Rome immediately. Paul's nephew learned of the Jews' scheme to ambush Paul and kill him while he was being taken before the Jewish council. He revealed the plan to Claudius Lysias, the Roman commander, who sent Paul under heavy guard during the night to Caesarea where he was turned over to the Roman governor, Felix. Felix protected Paul from the Jews and treated him well (as much as is possible when one is still a prisoner). Yet, Felix refused to let Paul go free because he was hoping Paul would bribe him for his freedom. After two years, Felix was replaced by Porcius Festus as governor. Felix did not set Paul free and he ended his governorship. When Festus suggested that Paul be returned to Jerusalem for trial, Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to Caesar [Acts 25:10]. Eventually Paul was sent to Rome as a prisoner, experiencing a shipwreck along the way [Acts 27]. Finally, he arrived in Rome. Paul was permitted to live by himself with a soldier to guard him. He was free to receive all who came to visit him, but could not travel about outside his house. This Roman imprisonment lasted two years. Thus, ends the story of Paul in the book of Acts.

b. Our knowledge of the rest of Paul's life comes from hints in various of the New Testament books he wrote. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are called the "Prison Epistles" because Paul was a prisoner when he wrote those letters. It is generally believed that he wrote these four NT books during his two years of imprisonment in Rome. Philippians is probably the last of those books to be written. As Philippians is written, Paul's long-awaited appointment with Caesar is close at hand. Our text in Philippians 1 indicates that he does not know what is going to happen. Inspiration reveals only the answers that God wants revealed. In this case, Paul did not know what the future held. He might be set free to continue his service to the Lord. Or he might be put to death where he could be with Christ. The choice wouldn't be his, but if it were, he didn't know what choice he would make. [Philippians 1:20-24 (NKJV) according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.]

c. As it turned out, Paul did not die at that time. Apparently he was released and was permitted to travel about again. During this time, he wrote the books of 1 Timothy and Titus. However, by the time 2 Timothy was written, Paul was again a prisoner and this time his fate was much more certain. He wrote in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

2. In most cases, we don't have the advantage of knowing when we are going to die.

a. Some do. One diagnosed with terminal disease has an opportunity to set his house in order. We wouldn't wish a slow, painful death upon anyone. It's so much better to go peacefully and quietly in one's sleep. However, those who do hear a doctor say, "You have six months to live" have the opportunity to prepare themselves for death. Not everyone has that chance. None of us is guaranteed that death far away. King Hezekiah in the Old Testament was promised he would live 15 more years. We don't have that kind of promise.

b. Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV), "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment," The only ones to escape death are those living when Christ returns. Those people will be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. [1 Corinthians 15:51-52].

3. Our aim in this study is to look at some of the ways people view death and to come to a better appreciation for how the Bible teaches we should prepare ourselves for death. One who has followed Bible teaching to get ready for death has a firm basis for a sustaining hope that what lies on the other side of the dark curtain of death is far better than anything we experience in this life [Revelation 14:13 (NKJV) Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."

I. SOME FEAR DEATH.

A. Dread of the unknown -- death is a curtain through which we cannot see. Some are fascinated by "death experiences" where people claim to have died in the ER or on the operating table. These "experiences" are almost positive (bright light, sense of peace, love, and well-being). They make death seem less fearful, but are they real? We may not be able to explain exactly what happened in those "near death experiences" but they did not die and come back to life. The Bible says, "it is appointed for man to die once" [Hebrews 9:27].

B. Expectation of hell -- there is a place of terrible punishment prepared for the devil and his angels [Matthew 25:41 (NKJV) "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels"]

1. Some people are so wicked that they know they are bound for hell, but are not willing to make changes necessary to avoid that destiny. Some honestly think they have been so mean and have done such awful things that they cannot be forgiven.

2. The thought of death is terrifying to people who know they are bound for hell. Perhaps they have read about the rich man in Luke 16:24 (NKJV) "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' They realize that only a moment after death, they will be experiencing the same torment.

C. Anxiety of uncertainity -- "I don't know if I'm saved"

1. Many people including Christians live in fear that some unforgiven sin will cause them to be lost.

a. It is good to be concerned about forgiveness. Unforgiven sins will keep us out of heaven. [James 2:10 (NKJV) For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.]

b. We must be willing to repent of all sins in our lives and do whatever is necessary to receive forgiveness for those sins.

(1) Plan of salvation for sinners outside of Christ

(2) Reconciliation and restoration for erring disciples who fall into sin

2. It is possible for us to examine ourselves and prove our standing in the faith.

a. Have you been misled by false teaching? [1 John 4:1 (NKJV) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.] Every teaching should be examined in light of what the Bible says.

b. Has your practice kept up with your profession? [2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV) Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?; unless indeed you are disqualified.] Cf. 1 John 2:5 (NKJV) But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

D. The assurance of Christ's word should enable us to overcome the fear of death.

1. It is a blessing to die in the Lord [Revelation 14:13 (NKJV) Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."]

2. At the end of his life, Paul could speak with confidence about his hope for eternity [2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. ] His firm faith allowed him to look with eager anticipation to what was waiting for him on the other side of death. That same crown of righteousness is available to each of us.

II. SOME WANT DEATH.

A. For some, readiness for death is simply a realization that "this world is not my home" and they are eager to begin enjoying their eternal rewards. Paul admitted his "desire to depart and be with Christ" which he said was "far better" than continuing to live on the earth [Philippians 1:23]. Surely there is nothing wrong with feeling a sense of eager anticipation for the blessings of our heavenly inheritance!

B. Some want death for deliverance from pain and suffering.

1. Heaven is a place where there will be no pain, no sorrow, and no crying [Revelation 21:4].

2. "Why doesn't God let me die?" is a question asked by many suffering people. Such questions don't always have satisfactory answers. Yet people in such difficult circumstances should realize that they have opportunities to do good even in the midst of their suffering.

C. Some want death because they think life is no longer worth living.

1. The Bible gives several examples of people committing suicide. Most notable are the Old Testament King Saul (who fell on a sword after his armorbearer refused to kill him - 1 Samuel 31:4) and the apostle Judas Iscariot (who hanged himself - Matthew 27:5].

2. "Ending it all" probably seems the easiest solution to people facing a myriad of problems with no visible way out. From businessmen jumping out of windows to terminally-ill patients finding a cooperative doctor to help them commit suicide, people have long chosen death over continuing to live in time of trouble. While we are not in a position to judge anyone's soul, we look in vain in the Bible trying to find anything which indicates God's approval for anyone choosing to take his own life.

II. SOME THINK THEY ARE TOO BUSY TO DIE.

A. Death has caught many people unawares who thought they had too much to do to take care of their health.

1. Female life expectancy in this country (2000) is 79.5; male life expectancy is 75.1 - almost a 6% difference. On average, women live 4½ years longer than men. There may be many reasons for that. One important one is that women tend to take better care of themselves than men do. Women are more likely to go to the doctor when they have a problem. Men ignore it and hope it goes away. Men are too busy to exercise.

2. A great many people realize that something is lacking in their spiritual lives. On some level, they understand that they have a need to "get right with God." They intend to do it someday -- when they have time. For some, that time never comes. Like the rich farmer who was told "This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' [Luke 12:20 (NKJV)]. Jesus' commentary on this parable comes in the next verse -- Luke 12:21 (NKJV) "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

B. Some would like to postpone death because they have unfinished work to do for the Lord.

1. This is a much higher motive. Paul found himself in this dilemma when his trial before the Roman emperor came. While a prison, Paul's teaching of the gospel had been hindered, but not stopped altogether. If he were set free, he could continue his service to the Lord.

2. Lots of Christians today have unfinished work which they want to remain in this life and continue.

a. "I want to live to see my grandchildren grow up and become Christians."

b. "I want to go on a mission trip before I die. . . ."

c. Many of us have plans of things we'd like to accomplish for the cause of Christ while we're living on the earth.

3. Life isn't as neat and orderly as we might like. Our planned scenarios don't always turn out according to schedule. It is important that we be able to use the opportunities for service and evangelism that are given to us and that we remain in a state of readiness for the time when death comes to us.

CONCLUSION

1. Are you ready for death?

2. James 4:13-14 (NKJV) Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

3. Invitation