Topic: LIFE AND DEATH OF A CHRISTIAN Text: Philippians 1:20, 21-26 Date: October 13, 2012 Introduction Define

Life o Unbelievers Weather Weather lang! (May be Good or Bad) Like a wheel, minsan nasa baba minsan nasa ibabaw. Life begins in 20, 40, 60 o Friend (Cults) Life ends in Death. Life is never ending, palipat lipat lang ito sa ibang katawan (reincarnation). o Biblically James 4:14, Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and vanisheth away. Only one life so soon it will passed only whats done for Christ will last. Define Death o End of Life (Physical Death), Sleeping in a believers Definition. o Everlasting Punishment in the Lake of Fire (Spiritual) In this passage we are dealing with two very practical things, for we are all engage in living and unless the Lord will return, we are all going to face death. In verse 23, The Apostle Paul mention that he is hard pressed between the two, like in a tug of war, or he is in a dilemma, he dont know what to choose between two.

Definition of Apostle Paul In the other hand, Paul chooses Death which is far better because Death means to live this world with its toils and sorrows and to be in the presence of the Lord. In the other hand Longer Life means Fruitful Service to the Glory of God.

I.

THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN v. 21 to live with Christ Not all people have this view of life. The unbeliever does not have this meaning and purpose in life. To some they found the meaning of these in obtaining material things or to enjoy earthly pleasure etc. What does it mean when Paul said to live with Christ? a) Christ was the experience of his life - He came to know the Savior and Lord in an experiential way. Acts 9:1-6

He is a persecutor of believers (v.1). He got saved like us also. We came to know the Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. It was not an accident but it was Gods will for you, me to be saved. It is the beginning of the so called Christian Life to live with Christ. Agbiag tayo ken Kristo. And since then he did not cease to serve and give his life to the glory of God.

His salvation does not end but starts the new life that God gave him. What wilt thou have me to do? What a question? When we got saved, have ever tried to ask the Lord, Lord what wilt thou have me to do? Apo, anya ti kayat mu nga aramidek? He does not only have a religion but a relationship with the Lord.

He said Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. He said LORD, it implies of submission. A relationship between a servant with his master. b) Christ was the effulgence (brightness) of his life (gives gives cheerfulness) - Since he became a Christian he lives a life that glorifies God and Christ is seen and demonstrated in his life. Joyfulness (There is joy in serving Jesus!) Happiness is based on Happenings (temporary) but Joy is permanent no matter what happens because Christ was there.

c) Christ is the essence of life - It means Christ is the main substance, the center, the very purpose of his life. Remove Christ and he is nothing. - When Christ is with you or if you dont receive the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ then you are nothing. - The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. - Christ is an integral part of his life. - Gasolina and Oil. - For the life of the flesh is in the Blood. - We are created and living because of Christ!

II.

THE DEATH OF A CHRISTIAN v. 21 (to die is gain) Not all have view about. To some, death is a tragedy. Why? Because it was too early or too late, fear, or not yet ready for the loved ones (sudden). But for a Christian, death is gain if we live for Christ (gunguna, gungunam). Why? For Paul and for a Christian Death is Departure ipapanaw laeng ditoy lubong ken ipapan keni apo.

Pictures of Departure to from Ganon Guy King: a. Prisoners Word Indicating release from bondage and prison. Bondage of sorrows, trials, problems. Youre free to do what you want. Salvation. b. Farmers Word Suggesting the unyoking of an ox and stop from its labor, it means rest. Come unto me all that labor and heavy laden for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. And I will give you rest. c. Warriors Word Unyoking of the tent so the victorious army can now march home. We are soldiers of the Lord. And our enemy is Satan d. Seamans Word Picturing the removing of the ship from its anchor so that it will now sail and reach its final destination. Heaven. CONCLUSION Only one life so soon it will pass, only whats done for Christ will last. Only one chance to do his will. So give to Jesus all your days its the only life that pays. When you recall you have but one life. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21.