Living Now But Looking Ahead

Philippians 1:21-28

Everywhere I look, people are tired. 2020 has been a long and stressful year. We have gone from one major event, to another, to another. The over sensationalizing of events and "data" have persuaded many in society to live in a constant state of fear and therefore isolation. Add to that the events of normal everyday life, and many feel beat down.

The Apostle Paul knew a thing or two about this. He had dealt with sickness, turmoil caused by government, and attacks from enemies. He had personal health issues and he watched others he cared about suffer as well. No doubt the thought crossed his mind as to why he could heal others, but not himself? Why could healing come for strangers, but not Timothy and his stomach issue? Why do I think Paul thought this? Because he was human. I think the big difference is that he did not dwell in his misery.

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For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

Philippians 1:21-28

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Paul reveals a "conflict" in his mind. Actually, there is no conflict, but rather the hope of all Christians. On the one hand he was ready to go to Heaven. On the other hand he was willing to continue preaching Christ. The one was for his benefit. The other was for the benefit of others.

There is nothing wrong with Christians looking forward to Heaven. We should look forward to Heaven. I believe that the longer we live, and the more mature we are in Christ, the more appealing Heaven becomes. This world wears on us. Sin wears on us. Death wears on us. Sickness and pain wear on us. Why would we not look forward to being rid of all of that? Why would a Christian not look forward to being in the presence of God?

However, there is a danger of becoming so focused on Heaven that we stop living with a purpose here on Earth. Paul said "Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ" (v. 27). The word conversation means "to live doing one's civic duty". We have a duty to live for Christ. We have a duty to preach the Gospel. We are to live so that others see Christ and repent of their sins.

Paul also made one more statement about this. "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God" (v. 28). We are not to live terrified of our adversaries. Our enemies are not people. They may work through people but the people are our mission field. However, both the spirit that drives them and the people who are used by those spirits are distressed by us because we are "to them an evident token of perdition". They also see in us "salvation, and that of God". That is what drives this world crazy! Where they want to forget God and their ultimate condemnation, we as Christians are a constant reminder. Keep being a reminder as long as you have life in your body!

Father, thank you for the hope of Heaven. Thank you for the growing longing that we feel to be in your presence. Thank you also for the reminder to keep living and keep preaching the gospel. May we live for you as long as you give us life in this body. May we see fruit for our labor.