Be With Christ

Philippians 1:21-2321 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is

gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better

Familiar Passage

Examine this Passage 2 choices – live or die Live – keep preaching / teaching Die – and be with Jesus Dying is “far better”

Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth

Problem with text

Problem with this text Does Paul mean he will bypass:

Hades Resurrection Judgment Day

Is Paul saying that when he dies that he will go straight to heaven?

Dig Deeper

Study the context of Philippians 1:21-23 To live is Christ To die is gain To Live – means fruit of his labor Paul can't decide (choose) which he wants Hard pressed = For I am in a strait betwixt two

(KJV) Strait – means tight, restricted, narrow Think about a very narrow passage way You can not turn left or right

Dig Deeper

Study the context of Philippians 1:21-23

His desire (“druthers” in W. TN terms) depart Depart means to leave this life / to die When he departs, he will be with Christ

Dig Deeper

Examine the original Greek meaning Greek tense = duration more than time English tense = time (past, present, future) “Be with Christ” - Aorist tense Aorist = a point action – sudden, quick Stomp foot, shoot gun – aorist

Here – “Be with Christ” = aorist – “Die and instantly be with Christ”

The time lapse is like shooting a gun

Understand the term

“Be with” Physical – next to, in the same location Mark 3:14 Then He appointed twelve, that they

might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach

Emotional – support, stand by, offer help Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord

Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Understand the term

“Be with” Spiritual – John 3:2 This man came to Jesus by night and

said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

Understand the term

“Be with” Spiritual – Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all

things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Questions

Is Paul planning to skip Hades, resurrection, and judgment?

Does Paul say the he will “be with Christ” - Physically Emotionally Spiritually

Paul is saying that at the point of death he is in the hands of Jesus.

Not physically where Jesus is But under the care and watch of Jesus

Application for Us

We also struggle with the same choice This is not suicide This is – I am tired, worn out, ready to go This is – Get me out of this world of sin

Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me,

and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Application for Us

We also struggle with the same choice

If we live – We will work for the Lord

If we die – we will be in the hands of our Lord