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As we follow Jesus’ example and embrace the idea of dying to self, we can experience a deeper connection with God, discover our true purpose, such as be light and love in the world, and make a lasting impact on those around us.
- “To Die Is Gain” Does Not Mean
- “To Die Is Gain” Does Mean
- Conclusion
- Discussion Questions
1. “To die is gain” does not mean that a Christian should desire death because he hates life.
Paul did not hate life. To the contrary, he was filled with joy, even though his circumstances were difficult (1:18). He viewed life as sweet fellowship with Christ and the joy of serving Christ. So he was not viewing life as tough and death as escape or relief. Sometimes when life is difficult, or when a person suffers from a chronic, painful disease, he longs for relief and may be tempted even to take his own life. Sometimes even godly men get into such a state of depression that they would...
2. “To die is gain” does not mean that a Christian should not grieve over the death of loved ones.
Until Christ returns, death is still our enemy that robs us of the presence of our loved ones. Scripture doesn’t condemn grieving; in fact, it tells us to “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). Jesus wept with Mary and Martha at Lazarus’ tomb, even though He knew He was about to raise him from the dead (John 11:35). As Christians, we do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13), but we still do grieve. It is not unspiritual to grieve or weep at the death of a loved one. In two pl...
1. “To die is gain” means that a Christian should view death as a means of exalting Christ.
Whether he lived or died, Paul’s aim was to exalt Christ (1:20). If, by his faithful witness in dying, Paul could bear witness to the hope of the gospel, then he was ready to go. The time of death, for the believer, should be a time of bearing witness to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians should “die well.” During the last four years of the reign of Bloody Mary in England (1555-1558), at least 288 people were burned at the stake because they refused to give up their Protest...
2. “To die is gain” means that a Christian’s death leads to the return on his investment.
“To die is gain.” Paul had counted everything else as loss for the sake of Christ (3:7), and had invested his entire life in the goal of knowing and serving Christ. Death would usher him into the Lord’s presence where he would hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of your Master.” In light of the reality of Christ’s victory over death through His resurrection, Paul wrote (1 Cor. 15:58), “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your...
3. “To die is gain” means that a Christian’s death frees him from earthly labors, trials, and temptations.
Paul had worked hard and suffered much for the cause of Christ. His body had endured one stoning, numerous beatings, several imprisonments, three shipwrecks, frequent dangers, many sleepless nights, often in hunger and thirst, in cold and exposure, plus the many concerns he bore for the work (2 Cor. 11:23-29). I don’t doubt but what he was tired and was ready for the Lord to say, “Come on home to your rest.” Paul calls death “to depart” (1:23). The word was used of soldiers taking down their...
During the Boxer Rebellion in China a century ago, a missionary came as near to death as anyone could and live to tell about it. He felt the sword of the Chinese executioner on his neck before it was lifted for the final blow, when the executioner changed his mind and let him go. The missionary told a friend that his first emotion was disappointmen...
How would you answer an advocate of euthanasia who appealed to Paul’s seeming “death is better” perspective?Is it possible for a Christian to grieve too much? How can we know if our grief is “normal” or if it goes too far?If it’s better to be with Christ in heaven, is it wrong to seek medical treatment for serious illnesses? Why/why not?Which essential biblical truths are contradicted by the Catholic doctrine of purgatory?May 31, 2017 · But trusting in ourselves to deny ourselves is an oxymoron. Self-sacrifice is not refreshing to the ego, but often feels like death. And doubly so when our sacrifice seems to be in vain. While our own effort is vitally important, it is empty without the catalyzing of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope...
And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.
Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ - As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with ...
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May 29, 2016 · There is power in being brought together in Jesus' name, and when we are united in Jesus, nothing that we propose to do will be impossible for us. The God we serve is a God of unity who desires that His church live in unity and harmony built on the foundation that is Jesus Christ.
