Title: The Benefits of Death
Contents
8. The benefits of death (1:21-26)
While preparing to die in prison, Paul said that death is rather the beginning of life with Christ, and because he has a mission for his neighbors and the church, he hopes for ministry activities through release from prison.
1. Paul wants a life in heaven (verses 21-23)
Between life and death, Paul tells the true and right attitude of believers toward life and death.
① Death is eternal freedom from evil.
(Romans 6:22) “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, you have obtained the fruit that leads to holiness, and the end is eternal life.”
②Sacrifice even death for the fruit (verse 22) = If we live in the flesh and bear fruit that pleases God, Paul confesses that we want to give up death and live in the world.
(Romans 1:13) “I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that many times I wanted to go to you, so that it might bear fruit among you, as among the other Gentiles, but the way has been blocked until now.”
2. Paul who lives in the present for the benefit of his neighbor (verses 24, 25)
① Paul’s life that becomes the progress and joy of our neighbors’ faith
Rather than his personal life, he is talking about the reasons for his life to comfort the members and to stand on the Word.
(Ephesians 6:23) “Peace from Christ and love combined with faith be with you brethren.”
② Paul's life for preaching the gospel (verse 25)
Considering the mission of living on this earth because he has to preach the gospel to this earth, Paul has the hope of being released from prison.
(2 Thessalonians 1:3) “We should always give thanks to God for you, brothers, because your faith grows more and more, and your love for each other abounds.”
3. The reason for living today (verse 26)
① To be the pride of the saints
Knowing that the reason for the life of the saints is for the glory of God, it should be a life devoted to the Lord.
(2 Corinthians 1:14) “You are our boast, and we are yours, on the day of our Lord Jesus, as ye know about us.”
② To enrich the saints
You must live to practice the love of Christ, and you can become a mature believer.
(Ephesians 3:16) “According to the riches of his glory, strengthen the man within you with power through his Holy Spirit.”