R12 BIBLE STUDY- PHILIPPIANS: CHAPTER 1 VERSES 21-30
Framing the Passage— OLD VS. NEW COVENANT
Philippians 1:21–30 presents a framework for Christian life and purpose under the new covenant. The old covenant, brought death—not because it was evil (Romans 7:12)—but because it was external, revealing God’s holiness while leaving the human heart unchanged. It could point out sin and our lack of holiness, but it could not transform. The new covenant, however, is “not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6).
Under the New Covenant, ushered in by the blood of Jesus:
Our sins are wiped away by His perfect sacrifice. Because of His resurrection, our hearts can be resurrected—transformed from hearts of stone to hearts of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 6:4)
We now have the ability to live up to God’s standard through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:1–5)
The Holy Spirit gives us freedom from sin (not freedom to do whatever we want) and empowers us to live according to God’s Word. (Galatians 5:16–17)
The key to overcoming sin is being in the Word.
The Word is the mirror that we must look into. (James 1:22–25)
It reveals the glory of God and transforms us into the image of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
The Word is God revealed to us, and the Spirit is God with us. Both work together to transform us into the image of Christ, to make us more like Him.
Paul understood that this was the purpose of life—to know him and become like him. (Philippians 3:10)
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“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
“To live is Christ” means that every breath is for His glory. The believer’s life is no longer his own (Galatians 2:20); it is Christ who lives in him. This entails a total surrender of ambition, identity, and destiny. Paul recognizes the only thing that matters is knowing Jesus. (John 17:3; Philippians 3:8)
To die is gain: To die is to be with Christ in paradise. (2 Corinthians 5:1–8; Luke 23:42–43)
How could Paul say to die is gain?
Paul was around 55 years old when writing this. He had been beaten and nearly killed. (2 Corinthians 11:24–27)
Though his body was wasting away, he was being renewed inwardly every day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)
Trials slowly kill our desire for worldly things and increase our desire for Jesus and heaven. (2 Corinthians 4:7–18)
If you’re a true believer, trials should draw you closer to Jesus and create a deeper desire for eternity in heaven.
Whereas those who aren’t truly saved will fall away during trials. (See Matthew 13:20–21)
Trials reveal where we stand with Christ. They reveal true versus false believers.
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“If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.”
Here Paul affirms the value of continued life. Though he longs for Christ, he acknowledges the purpose of earthly life: fruitful labor. The New Testament identifies several kinds of spiritual fruit:
1. Making disciples (1 Corinthians 16:15)
2. Generosity and giving (2 Corinthians 8–9; also called “fruit” in Philippians 4:17)
3. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
4. The fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:11)
This kind of fruit remains (John 15:16). It outlasts this life and is eternally rewarded. Every believer is called to bear fruit (John 15:2), and this fruit is evidence of salvation (Matthew 7:16–20). Paul’s uncertainty—“Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell”—is not indecision, but the tension between personal desire and apostolic/pastoral responsibility.
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Discussion Questions:
Are you producing eternal fruit with your life—or just building a résumé that ends at your funeral?
Ask yourself:
- Are you growing in love by choosing to love others when it’s hard?
- Growing in joy by choosing to trust God and let go?
- Growing in peace by choosing to rest in Him?
- Are you being generous with your time and money, sowing in faith?
- Are you making disciples who make disciples?
- Or are you chasing money, status, fame, and the approval of people?
- When you focus on these things, instead of money or fame, God often increases your influence.
- That’s the upside-down nature of the Kingdom:
- Be faithful in little, and He will entrust you with more. (Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21)
- If you want to grow in these areas—ask God to help you, and He will provide opportunities to love, serve, give, encourage, and share the gospel.
- That’s the gospel at work!
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“I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”
Paul wanted to die and go to heaven.
But Paul recognized that staying was better for others—to help them grow in faith and spread the gospel. So Paul denied what he wanted to do what was best for others.
Paul’s focus was others! That’s the heart of the gospel. (See Matthew 22:37–39; 1 Timothy 1:5)
He mirrors Christ, who “did not please Himself” (Romans 15:3). This is the call of Christian love: to lay down one’s life for others (1 John 3:16).
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Powerful Truth:
- Why didn’t God take Paul to heaven right away?
- Why doesn’t He take you the moment you’re saved?
- Because He has a purpose for your life—to love others, to serve, to become more like Him, and to help others know Him.
- You are still here because God has work to do through you.
- Don’t waste your life. Spend it on what matters. Invest it in others!
Reflection Questions:
- Do you put others’ needs above your own each day?
- Are you generous—giving your time and money to others and the Church even when it costs you? (2 Corinthians 8:1–3; 2 Corinthians 9:6–7)
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“Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.”
Paul is convinced that his continued life will benefit the church. His presence brings not just instruction, but joy. The Christian life is not stoicism(emotionless as though not to let anything deeply affect you); it is a life of Spirit-empowered joy (Romans 14:17). Joy grows through progress—advancement in holiness, knowledge, and love.
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“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
This imperative governs the entire section. The word “manner of life” (Greek: politeuesthe) is related to citizenship. The Philippians, proud of their Roman citizenship, are reminded that they are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). The gospel not only saves, but demands a life that reflects its worth.
Don’t just talk about faith—live it. (John 13:17)
- Represent Christ well by how you act!
How?
- Put off the old self: selfishness, anger, gossip, lust, jealousy. (Ephesians 4:22–31; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Colossians 3:5–10)
- Put on the new self: humility, gentleness, kindness, forgiveness, unity. (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12–14)
- Pray, confess, and pursue the things of God with a clean heart. (James 5:16)
- Confess to God, confess to others, reject the things of the world, and start diving into the things of God—like the Word, prayer, godly community, mentorship and discipleship, and worship.
Reminder:
- Holiness and unity are connected. (John 17:21; 1 John 1:5–6; Philippians 2:1–2)
- When we walk like Christ—humble, patient, selfless—God unifies and blesses us.
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Ask Yourself:
- When people see you walk into a room, do they feel more faith or more fear?
- Do you bring joy and encouragement—or awkwardness and anxiety?
- Are you constantly talking about what God has done—or about meaningless things?
- Are you building others up—or tearing them down with criticism or teasing?
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“…not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.”
Persecution is inevitable. (Matthew 5:11–12; Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12)
It confirms that the Spirit of God is on you. (1 Peter 4:14)
Stand firm for truth, even if it costs friendships or jobs.
Those who oppose truth will face judgment. (2 Thessalonians 1:6–9)
Though our message is full of love and grace, it will still be hated.
That’s the paradox of the gospel.
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“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake…”
●“It has been granted… to suffer for Him.” (Philippians 1:29–30)
● Paul saw suffering as a privilege. (Philippians 3:10; Romans 5:3–5)
Why does God allow trials?
1. Draws us closer to Him – We draw closer to Him and He comforts us. (2 Corinthians 1:3–5)
2. Tests our faith – Proves our faith genuine and refines it by forcing us to not fear but to trust God. (1 Peter 1:6–7; Matthew 13:21)
3. Builds perseverance – Strengthens us to endure even greater trials down the road. (Romans 5:3–5; 1 Peter 4:12–13)
4. Shapes our character – Exposes and removes sin, disciplines us into holiness. (Hebrews 12:5–11)
5. Produces hope – Teaches us to fully depend on God. In our weakness, He is strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)
