To_Live_is_Christ.docx

of the Sermon**

This sermon explores the profound statement of Paul in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” It begins by addressing the universal fear of death and how, for Christians, this fear is not only unnecessary but spiritually harmful. The message challenges listeners to examine their true motivations for living—whether it be money, pleasure, family, or career—and to recognize that only Christ is a worthy foundation for life. The sermon emphasizes that living for Christ brings true freedom and purpose, while dying in Christ is ultimate gain. Paul’s example is held up as one of courageous, Christ-centered living, where the honor of Christ is valued above personal safety or comfort. The congregation is called to surrender all to Jesus, to live courageously for Him, and to consider practical ways to serve and honor Christ in daily life.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Fear of Death and the Christian’s Freedom: The fear of death is a powerful force that shapes much of human behavior, but for the Christian, it is a defeated enemy. When we allow fear of death to control us, we become ineffective in our witness and fruitfulness for Christ. True freedom comes when we entrust our lives and deaths to Jesus, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure in Him. This freedom enables us to live boldly and sacrificially for the sake of the Gospel.
• 2. Examining Our Motivations: Every person has a driving motivation—whether it’s money, pleasure, family, or career—but none of these can ultimately save or satisfy. When we build our lives on anything other than Christ, we are like the foolish man who built his house on sand. The call is to honestly examine what gets us out of bed in the morning and to realign our hearts so that Christ is our central motivation. Only then do our pursuits—work, family, influence—find their true purpose and value.
• 3. Living for Christ Brings True Freedom: When Christ is our reason for living, we are liberated from the tyranny of self-centered pursuits. Money, influence, pleasure, and family are no longer ends in themselves but become means to glorify God and serve others. This Christ-centered freedom transforms every area of life, allowing us to enjoy God’s gifts rightly and to use them for His kingdom. The joy and fullness Jesus promises are found not in self-indulgence, but in self-surrender to Him.
• 4. Death as Gain for the Believer: For those who live for Christ, death is not a loss but a gain—it is the doorway to being with Jesus. This perspective radically changes how we approach both life and death; we are freed from clinging to this world and can live with open hands. If Christ is not our life, then death is only loss, but if He is, then even our dying becomes a testimony to His worth. This hope empowers us to live courageously and sacrificially, knowing that our ultimate reward is Christ Himself.
• 5. Honoring Christ Above All Else: Paul’s greatest fear was not death, but the possibility of dishonoring Christ. His life was marked by a singular passion: that Christ would be exalted in his body, whether by life or by death. This is the kind of courage and devotion that every believer is called to—a willingness to surrender all for the sake of Christ’s honor. Practical steps—like serving others, giving generously, and sharing the Gospel—flow from a heart that has been captivated by Jesus and desires to make Him known.

1. In Philippians 1:21, what does Paul mean when he says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”?
2. According to the sermon, what are some common motivations people have for living besides Christ?
3. How does Paul describe his attitude toward death in this passage?
4. What does Paul say is his main hope and expectation regarding his life and death?

1. Why does Paul see death as “gain” rather than something to be feared? How does this perspective affect the way he lives?
2. The sermon mentions that fear of death can make Christians ineffective and unfruitful. In what ways might fear of death hold someone back from living for Christ?
3. Paul’s greatest concern is not dying, but dishonoring Christ. What does this reveal about his priorities, and how might this challenge our own priorities?
4. The sermon challenges us to examine our motivations for living. Why is it spiritually dangerous to build our lives on things like money, pleasure, or even family instead of Christ?

1. The sermon says that everyone has a reason for getting out of bed in the morning. If you’re honest, what is your main motivation for living right now? How can you tell?
2. Are there areas in your life where fear—especially fear of death or loss—keeps you from living boldly for Jesus? What would it look like to entrust those fears to Him?
3. Think about the things you pursue most—money, career, family, pleasure, influence. How might you begin to use these things as ways to honor Christ rather than as ends in themselves?
4. Paul was more afraid of dishonoring Christ than of dying. Is there anything in your life that you value more than honoring Jesus? How can you realign your priorities this week?
5. The sermon calls us to practical steps like serving others, giving generously, and sharing the Gospel. What is one specific way you can serve or honor Christ in your daily life this week?
6. If you were to die today, would you see it as “gain”? Why or why not? How does your answer affect the way you live now?
7. The message says that true freedom comes from living for Christ. Is there something you need to surrender to Jesus in order to experience that freedom? What is holding you back?