Lesson 220: Philippians 1:21
Philippians 1:21
The Blueprint — The Verse
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Memorization Practice
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Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
Paul writes Philippians from prison, partnering with a church he loves in a Roman colony. His life calculus centers on Christ whether in ministry or martyrdom.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Paul discusses his struggle between departing to be with Christ or remaining for the church's progress. He summarizes his outlook: living means Christ; dying is gain.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Philippians 1:20
20I 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.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Philippians 1:20) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Philippians 1:22
22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Philippians 1:22) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- What would it mean for you to say 'to live is Christ'?
- Why might Paul call death 'gain' without despising life?
- How does eternal perspective change daily choices?