Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

To Die Is Gain

In case you have not noticed, we are all, as believers especially, involved in the great controversy, which rages all around us and, indeed, in us as well. We all, in one way or another, experience the reality of this cosmic struggle, and we will until the day we die, whenever or however that happens.

Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. What is the basis of the spiritual war we wage, and what are our weapons?

The most deadly spiritual weapons are ideas, good and bad. Satan uses criticism, betrayal, embarrassment, fear, peer pressure, and a host of similar tools that Christians should never employ. We are, instead, to use love, mercy, peace, gentleness, longsuffering, kindness, and self-control. Our most powerful weapon, judiciously used, is "the Word of God" wielded by the Spirit (Eph. 6:17, AMP), because only God can bring the truth home to a person's heart. We are merely the instrument that God uses to accomplish His purposes.

Read Philippians 1:21-22. How do we understand Paul's point, especially in the context of the great controversy?

Because the battle is spiritual, we're in a war of ideas and values. Yet, Christ has won the victory at the cross for us, and as long as we stay connected to Him, we can never be defeated, even if we are killed. Paul surrendered his life to whatever happened to him here on earth, however unjust, because he entrusted his life and his future to a higher court.

As Christians, we should not fight so much for our rights as for what is right. It's not "might makes right," but "right makes might." Submission to God's will is honorable; in fact, it is the only way to be victorious in the war in which we find ourselves. Jesus, of course, is the quintessential example of submission to the will of God, as Paul will bring out in Philippians 2.

In what ways, right now, are you experiencing the reality of the great controversy? How can you draw comfort and strength from knowing that Christ has won the victory for us already?

Being Confident

Read Philippians 1:23-24. What does Paul mean when he says that "to depart, and be with Christ" is "far better"?

This passage has been greatly misunderstood through the ages. In this week's passage for study, Paul dealt with the contrast between living and dying. The Christian lives for Christ and may even die for Him. In that sense it is "gain" because our witness is that much more powerful and persuasive (Phil. 1:21). No doubt a person believes when willing to die for that belief.

But we must also recognize that the dead are really dead. They "know nothing." They rest in the grave till the resurrection (see Eccl. 9:5; John 5:28-29). That's why Jesus said of Lazarus, who had died, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep" (John 11:11).

If, when people die, they go immediately to heaven, imagine how that would be for Lazarus. After four days of Lazarus frolicking in Paradise, an angel comes with the "bad" news: "Sorry, Lazarus, but Jesus is calling you back to earth. You can't stay here."

When we follow error to its logical conclusion, we see how erroneous it is. Death is like a dreamless sleep from which Jesus will awaken His faithful followers at the Second Advent; then, together with the living saints, they will be caught up and taken to heaven to be with Jesus forever (see 1 Thess. 4:16-17).

Paul's "departing" from the present life to be with Christ means to be with Him in suffering and dying (2 Tim. 4:6) in order to "attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Phil. 3:11, NKJV). Also, he was no doubt aware that he would close his eyes in death and that the very next thing he would know, in the twinkling of an eye, would be seeing Jesus, who would take him, with all God's people, to the place Jesus has prepared for all who love Him (John 14:3, 1 Cor. 2:9).

Though willing to die for Christ, Paul knew it would be better for the Philippians if he would "remain in the flesh" (Phil. 1:24, NKJV). Interestingly, for the Christian, whether it is better to live for Christ or die for Him is not necessarily easy to answer. Paul was "hard-pressed between the two" (Phil. 1:23, NKJV), between staying alive or resting in the grave.

Again, however much no one wants to die, have you ever thought about how the moment you die, the next thing you will know is the return of Christ? How might that thought help you understand Paul's thinking here?

"Christ Will Be Magnified"

Read Philippians 1:19-20. What seems to be Paul's expectation as to the outcome of his trial? What does he consider even more important than being acquitted?

Although Paul was no criminal, this was not the first time that he had been imprisoned, and he was no stranger to persecution. To the Corinthians, he detailed his sufferings up to that time: "in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness" (2 Cor. 11:23-27, NKJV).

But lest we think these sufferings were uppermost in his mind, Paul immediately adds, "besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches" (2 Cor. 11:28, NKJV).

Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:10-11; Galatians 4:19; and Philemon 10. What relationship does Paul have with the churches he established and the people he won for Christ?

Like Jesus, who spared nothing to save us, Paul was willing to "spend and be spent" for the sake of fellow believers (2 Cor. 12:15, NKJV). But, paradoxically, the more a person's actions resemble that of Jesus, the less they are loved or appreciated by some. "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). But faithful Christians remain perhaps the most powerful way to glorify God and to reveal the truth of the gospel (compare Phil. 1:7). "Paul's patience and cheerfulness during his long and unjust imprisonment, his courage and faith, were a continual sermon."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 464.

Look at how you live and how you treat people, especially people who don't treat you nicely. What kind of witness for Jesus do you present?

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: Phil. 1:19-30, 1 Cor. 4:14-16, 2 Cor. 10:3-6, John 17:17-19, Micah 6:8, Acts 14:22

Memory Text: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, NKJV).

Death, we're often told, is just part of life. That's a lie. Death is the opposite of life, the enemy of life. Death was no more built into life than wreckage was built into a car. Paul emphatically says that Christ died to "destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb. 2:14-15).

Although ready to die for Christ, Paul was confident of his long-term fate. The most important thing for him in the meantime was, by his own life or death, to honor Christ and to preach the gospel to as many as possible. Perhaps that is one reason we have so many epistles bearing his name. Through his writings, he could reach many people and places, including places that he himself had never visited.

Life is short, and it is vital to make the biggest impact possible for God's kingdom within the span of the years that God grants us. No small part of that impact has to do with our encouraging "the unity of the faith." As we shall see beginning this week, this theme was one important reason for Paul's writing to the Philippians.

* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 17.

Further Thought: "Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest. Let us remember that the life of God's children in this world is a pilgrim life. We have not wisdom to plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future. 'By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.' Hebrews 11:8.

"Christ in His life on earth made no plans for Himself. He accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. As we commit our ways to Him, He will direct our steps.

"Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will 'keep the feet of His saints.' 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him."--Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 478, 479.

Discussion Questions:

1. Think about the past week and list things you are thankful for. Might you have more to be thankful for than you realize?
2. Dwell on the last line of the Ellen G. White quote above. That's a very powerful statement of faith. How can you learn to trust God in such a deep way?
3. In light of Colossians 1:6, 23, discuss the following statement: "For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan. In neither case were the promises of God at fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord's professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years. Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned and the Lord Jesus would have come to our earth in power and great glory."--Ellen G. White, Last Day Events, p. 38. In what ways might we today be guilty of the same things?

Prayer Power

Read Colossians 1:9-12. What specific requests do you find in Paul's prayer?

Paul prays "that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will." Paul describes knowing God's will as "wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col. 1:9, NKJV). Wisdom comes, first of all, by trusting God fully, being willing to do His will (John 7:17), and not leaning on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5). But the question often arises, "What is God's will for me in this situation?" There are four main sources from which we may learn God's will as we seek it prayerfully:

• The most important source of wisdom is the Bible itself. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105, NKJV).
• God has given us special wisdom for the last days through the Spirit of Prophecy (Rev. 12:17, Rev. 19:10) as manifested though the writings of Ellen White. The Bible encourages us to "believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper" (2 Chron. 20:20, NKJV).
• God's will and leading may also be known through providential circumstances, by asking Him to open or close doors (see Col. 4:3).
• The Holy Spirit guides us once we have learned to recognize His voice: "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,/ 'This is the way, walk in it,'/ Whenever you turn to the right hand/ Or whenever you turn to the left" (Isa. 30:21, NKJV).

Gospel Fruit

Paul's relationship with the Colossians was different from those in Philippi. He included them among those who "have not seen my face in the flesh" (Col. 2:1). Nevertheless, Paul assures them, as he did the Philippians, that he thanks God for them and is "always" praying for them.

Read Colossians 1:3-8. What three things does Paul thank God for?

Paul brings together the three virtues that he mentions in other places: faith, hope, and love (see 1 Cor. 13:13, 1 Thess. 1:3, 1 Thess. 5:8). Notice that Paul doesn't credit the Colossians for these things. He thanks the Father for them, because as James says they are among the "good and perfect" gifts that we receive from Him (James 1:17, NIV). When we see the love God has for us, it leads us to faith in Christ (Eph. 2:4-8), and we receive the hope of heaven. Peter describes it as "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1:4, NKJV).

Paul also emphasizes that the gospel is trustworthy because it is based on "the word of truth." This is an expression Paul uses elsewhere in reference to the inspired word of God (see 2 Cor. 6:7, 2 Tim. 2:15). Unlike "the word of men," it works "effectually" in those who believe (1 Thess. 2:13) and accomplishes God's will (Isa. 55:11). So, when the gospel is proclaimed, the power of God is manifested through the work of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of the hearers, and people respond. The gospel itself produces the fruit because it is "the word of life" (Phil. 2:16).

Perhaps what is most amazing is the spread of the gospel in such a short period of time. Within about thirty years of Christ's death and resurrection, Paul could already say it had spread "in all the world" (Col. 1:6). A little later in the same chapter, he says the gospel "was preached to every creature under heaven" (Col. 1:23, NKJV). The extensive Roman road system made possible rapid communication and travel, which is how Paul's epistles could be circulated so widely and quickly. But it is the power of God working through the word that gives birth to spiritual life in a person (James 1:18, 1 Pet. 1:23), making them a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

In Colossians 1:5, Paul writes about "the hope which is laid up for you in heaven." What is your understanding of that hope, and why does it apply to you personally, even though you are truly unworthy?

Spiritual Discernment Applied

The Philippians were understandably distressed when they heard of Paul's imprisonment. Now his work was severely limited. He could not travel. He could not preach. He could not visit the synagogues and teach people about Jesus as the Messiah. He could no longer raise up churches. The Philippians sent Epaphroditus to ascertain the apostle's condition, to encourage him, and to ensure that his physical needs were being met.

Read Philippians 1:12-18. How did Paul view his imprisonment? What lessons can we learn from his attitude, despite the circumstances he found himself in?

The message Paul sent back with him must have surprised the Philippians. Paul saw his circumstances through different eyes. His spiritual discernment led him to see his imprisonment as a good thing. It didn't hinder his work at all, but "actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel" (Phil. 1:12, NKJV). Where others saw only chains and bars, Paul saw his Roman guards as potential souls in God's kingdom. He saw also that his imprisonment greatly encouraged others to be more active and more determined to spread the gospel, to speak boldly for Christ without fear of the consequences.

It may be hard to imagine, but some actually thought to benefit from Paul's imprisonment. Apparently, they thought his obscurity would lead to more attention for themselves and their own preaching of the gospel. What a powerful but sad example of human selfishness, even in the church. As Jeremiah said long before Paul: " 'The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?' " (Jer. 17:9, NKJV).

Fortunately, in contrast, some faithful workers also became more zealous to spread the gospel. They loved Paul so much that the suffering they saw him endure for his faith led them to trust Christ more and emboldened them to be even more active for the Lord. It energized them to go where before they were afraid to go; it led them to speak in situations during which before they kept silent; it led to even more people accepting Christ and spreading the gospel of salvation.

What lesson have you learned from experiences that, though unquestionably bad, also brought about some benefits? Even in cases in which a benefit might not be apparent, how can we learn to trust God regardless?

Paul's Prayer Requests

Some years ago, there was a pastor who talked about prayers that revolve around me, me, me, and my needs or desires. He aptly characterized them as "selfish little prayers," because God has bigger things in mind.

Read Paul's prayer in Philippians 1:9-11. What is its focus, and what big requests does he make? What does it tell you about prayer?

This prayer is only forty-three words in Greek, but encapsulates all of Paul's concerns, which he will expand on in the rest of the epistle: love, knowledge, discernment, being sincere, not causing offense, and the righteousness we have through Jesus Christ. Underlying this prayer, as well as Paul's previous expressions of thanksgiving, is an emphasis on the church as a whole. Paul's prayer is completely others-focused, on behalf of the whole church and for its well-being. Let's look more closely at some of the individual elements of the prayer: Love to abound more and more. Paul doesn't just pray for more love but for love guided in a specific direction: "in knowledge and all discernment" (Phil. 1:9, NKJV). The reference to knowledge is not to merely intellectual knowledge but implies a knowledge of spiritual things that can be gained only by fellowship with God and study of His Word (see Eph. 1:17, Eph. 4:13, 1 Tim. 2:4).

Discernment. This is explained by Paul as being able to "approve what is excellent" (distinguishing it from what is morally harmful) "and so be pure and blameless" (Phil. 1:10, ESV).

Being sincere. The word in Greek means "judged by the sunlight" and refers to an untainted purity of action: "Everything that Christians do should be as transparent as the sunlight."--Ellen G. White, Reflecting Christ, p. 71.

Not causing offense. This means not being a stumbling block, not saying or doing anything that would make it more difficult for a person to believe.

Righteousness through Christ. Paul dwells at length on this in the epistles of Romans and Galatians and will expand on it also in Philippians 3. We have no righteousness of our own but only what we receive through Christ.

Whatever else we do, how can our love "abound still more and more" (Phil. 1:9, NKJV)? Why is that so important for the Christian life? (See also 1 Cor. 13:1-8.)

Fellowship in the Gospel

Read Philippians 1:3-8. What is Paul thankful for? What reassurances does he give the Philippians, and why is that important?

Paul established the church in Philippi; thus, we can see the warmth of Christian fellowship pervading his letter. Though separated by hundreds of miles, Paul, chained and imprisoned, carries the church and its members on his heart; he longs for them "with the affection of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:8, NKJV); he gives thanks to God for them. Paul's prayer of thanksgiving even gives a glimpse of Jesus' intercession for us in heaven.

On the high priest's breastplate were 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The people were to be "on his heart" as he interceded for them (Exod. 28:29, ESV). In an even greater way as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, Jesus carries the names of His people with Him before the Father.

Interestingly, the wording of Philippians 1:3 is ambiguous, underscoring the close relationship between Paul and the Philippians. It's usually translated that Paul remembers them in prayer, but it could also refer to their remembrance of him. In any case, it underscores the close mutuality they share, which the word "fellowship" (Greek: koinonia) also underscores. As Paul had fellowship in Christ's sufferings (Phil. 3:10), the Philippians "shared" (Greek: sunkoinōneō) in Paul's sufferings and shared financially to support Paul's ministry (Phil. 4:14-15). This mutuality, which was "from the first day until now" (Phil. 1:5), leads him to thank God for them and to pray for them "with joy" (Phil. 1:4).

Interestingly, Paul describes his prison setting quite positively--as providing opportunity for "the defense and confirmation of the gospel" (Phil. 1:7, NKJV). His use of these two legal terms suggests his trial is imminent, but also that Paul is actively engaging soldiers and visitors with the gospel. Defending it (Greek apologia) against attacks and confirming its eternal verities are both essential. Paul seems to care less about his own future than about vindication of the gospel itself. Whether he lives or dies, Paul is confident that God will finish the "good work" He has begun in all who trust in Him (Phil. 1:6).

How do you understand the promise that God will finish the "good work in you" (Phil. 1:6)? What does that mean? Will this work ever end before the Second Coming?