Impressions from Philippians 1:19-26

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, (vs. 19)

“my deliverance” -  σωτηρία: (sōtēria - so-tay-ree'-ah) rescue or safety  (physically or morally): deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. The Greek word has four possible meanings: 1) it could mean Paul’s ultimate salvation or glorification, 2) deliverance from the threatened persecution, 3) a vindication from the Emperor’s ruling, or 4) Paul’s release from prison.

as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.(vs. 20)

Lesson Focus: The whole of our life is in Christ and purposed for His glory.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.(vs. 21-23)

Could Paul be considering suicide?
"Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell." (v s.22)

But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (vs. 24-26)

“But to remain in the flesh”
In this text Paul is not talking about sin, but just the physical life, which he knows is the Lord’s and is purposed for the saving and discipleship of men. In this instance Philippi.

“Convinced of this”
Paul’s honest and heart-wrenching lament with God has clarified his purpose, the progress of the Gospel.

Note: At no time did Paul love God any less. Paul knew, and we should know, that in questioning God the Lord would not, could not, love him any less. It is not a sin to question God.

“so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus”
Paul makes it very clear here that his clarity of purpose and renewed motivation and perseverance came from Christ. It is no different for us today. In our trials we must work out our fears and anger with God in raw honesty. Our direction will come from the indwelling Christ, our fresh wind from pneuma (pneuma) the Holy Spirit.

Impression: Jesus will accomplish His purposes for us through His perseverance and clarity worked out in us.

Personal Time: It what ways can you glorify Jesus by surrendering to His perseverance and clarity?