Lesson 3: Life and Death (Philippians 1:19-30)
Introduction: Have you wondered why some Christians fight
death when life becomes painful due to disease? Why not
welcome death and heaven? Do you think about your own death?
This is the beginning of a new year and most people think
about how they can improve their health and life in the new
year. That seems very different than contemplating death.
However, in our study this week, Paul writes about death. He
knows that he could be executed by the Roman government at
any time. Christians who live in countries that provide
religious freedom do not really understand these thoughts
about impending death at the hands of government. Let’s get
into our study of the Bible and see what we can learn from
Paul’s thoughts about death and life!
I. Life or Death
A. Read Philippians 1:19-20. When we studied what
Paul wrote just before this, we marveled at his
thinking. While imprisoned, he was glad his rivals
were out preaching even though they were motivated
by their selfish ambition. Why was Paul glad?
Because they were nonetheless preaching the
gospel. Paul writes in these verses that he
expects deliverance. On what does he base this
hope? (The prayers of the Philippians and the
“Spirit of Jesus.”)
1. What do you think is the “Spirit of Jesus
Christ?” (Read Romans 8:9. Paul calls the
“Spirit of God” the “Spirit of Christ.” This
is what we call the “Holy Spirit.”)
B. In Philippians 1:20, Paul hopes that he will not
be ashamed. What do you think he means? Is he
expecting and hoping that he will not face an
embarrassing death?
1. Is he concerned about himself being personally
shamed? (No. Paul refers to Jesus being
“honored in my body.” I think he wants to
avoid bringing shame on Jesus.)
2. Do you think that Paul cares whether he lives
or dies? (He is willing to accept either. But
I think he prefers life because he writes
positively about his “deliverance” in verse
19.)
II. Life and Retirement
A. Read Philippians 1:21-24. What is the reason why
Paul values continuing to live? (He will be able
to continue to help the Philippians. He prizes
“fruitful labor.”)
1. Most of my peers have retired from their work.
By the government’s standards I was eligible
to retire 13 years ago. One reason I keep
working is that it seems so much more
worthwhile than the way I would spend my time
if I had no job. Do you consider your job
“fruitful labor?”
2. I’ve heard Bible preachers and teachers say
“the Bible has no provision for retirement.”
Is that true? (Read Numbers 8:24-26. Those who
say this need to study the Bible more closely.
Moses directed that the Levites shall
“withdraw from duty” and “serve no more” at
the age of fifty. They could help out by
keeping guard.)
B. Is there a lesson in this for those considering
retirement? If so, what is it?
III. The Nature of Death
A. Re-read Philippians 1:21-23 and consider what Paul
says about death. He states that “to die is gain.”
If he dies he will “be with Christ,” and that is
“far better.” If we are not in pain, how is it
gain to die?
1. When we die are we “with Christ?”
2. What do you think Paul means by these two
phrases? Do you think that Paul thought that
if he died, he would immediately go to heaven
where Jesus dwells? (He certainly sounds like
he believes that he will immediately go to
heaven.)
B. Read Ecclesiastes 9:5. What does Solomon write
about the state of the dead? (They know nothing.)
1. Look at what else Solomon writes. He says the
dead “have no more reward.” Does Paul think he
has a reward after death? (He says that he
will be with Jesus.)
2. Solomon explains there is no reward for the
dead because they are forgotten. Is he talking
about earthly reward? Or does he think there
is no resurrection?
C. Let’s explore what else Solomon writes about death
in Ecclesiastes 9. Read Ecclesiastes 9:2-3. Is
Solomon saying that it does not matter how you
live? Whether you are good or bad? (That is
exactly what he says – the good and the evil “go
to the dead.”)
1. Is he merely speaking about the common fate of
humans?
D. Read Ecclesiastes 9:4. Who does Solomon say has
hope? (The living. The dead have no hope.)
1. Do you believe the dead have no hope?
E. Read Ecclesiastes 9:7-10. Does this sound like
sound theology to you? Have a good time while you
are living because life is “vain” (meaningless), and
everyone is going to hell (the world of the dead)?
(I think Ecclesiastes 9:5 is a terrible text to
cite to prove the state of the dead. If Solomon is
just speaking about death as a common fate, what he
says should not apply to eternal salvation.
Christians believe that death is not their last
destination. They, like Paul, hope for heaven and
living with Jesus. The Bible teaches that how you
live matters. More to the point, Solomon says that
sacrificing doesn’t make any difference.
Sacrificing pointed to Jesus who sacrificed on our
behalf. Whether we accept His sacrifice makes all
the difference.)
F. Read John 5:28-29. Does Jesus agree with Solomon?
(Clearly not. Jesus says what we do during our life
matters.)
1. What does Jesus’ statement suggest about the
state of the dead? (That even the “good” are
in their tombs and will be resurrected at the
judgment.)
G. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15.
What question is Paul addressing? (The concern that
those who are alive when Jesus comes will be in
heaven before those who have already died.)
H. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. How does Paul answer
this concern? (He says that the living and the dead
will go together to “always be with the Lord.”)
1. If Paul thought that the righteous dead were
already in heaven, would he have given this
response? (No. He would have responded, “Are
you joking? They are already in heaven. Forget
the idea that the living make it to heaven
first.”)
I. Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8. When does Paul say that he
will receive his “crown of righteousness?” (He says
“on that day,” which would not be very helpful as a
time marker except for the fact that it is the same
day as “all who have loved His appearing.” That
sounds like the Second Coming and not the day of
Paul’s death.)
J. Read Jude 1:9, Mark 9:4, and Matthew 27:52-53. What
do these texts teach us about the state of the
dead? (Moses, who died and was buried, is in
heaven. Although it is not clearly stated, I think
those who arose at the crucifixion are also in
heaven.)
K. What is a reasonable, Bible-based view of the
state of the dead? (Those who cite Ecclesiastes 9:5
as proof that the dead “know nothing” need to
sharpen their teaching skills. Anyone who thinks
everyone is in the grave until the Second Coming of
Jesus ignores the fate of Moses and likely those
raised to life at Jesus’ resurrection. At the same
time I believe the Bible teaches that most
righteous people remain (asleep) in their graves
until the Second Coming. Do I think Paul was taken
to heaven after death? I think that is very
possible.)
1. How do we explain what Solomon wrote about
death? It is part of the Bible, after all.
(The Bible contains commands, advice, and
stories about good and bad behavior. Solomon
engaged in much bad behavior, and I think the
Bible simply records his depressed thoughts.
This is a warning about consequences, not
theology on the state of the dead.)
L. One last thought. In Ecclesiastes 9:4 Solomon
writes it is better to be a live dog than a dead
lion. Do you think Jesus and Paul would agree?
(Read what Jesus says in Matthew 16:25 26. I think
Jesus votes for being the dead lion.)
IV. Unity
A. Read Philippians 1:25-27. What is Paul’s goal for
the Philippians? (Unity. To stand “firm in one
spirit.”)
1. There are many today who claim “diversity” is
our goal. What would Paul say? (Diversity is
our natural state of being. Paul calls the
diverse to come together in unity.)
B. Read Philippians 1:28-30. What will make our
spiritual opponents tremble? (To see that
Christians are not frightened.)
C. Friend, Paul valued his life for what he could do
for the Kingdom of God. How about you? Is advancing
God’s kingdom on earth at least part of your work?
If not, why not ask God to help you to rearrange
your work? Why not do your best to make your work
“fruitful?”
V. Next week: Unity Through Humility.
Copr. 2026, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. Scripture quotations are
from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard
Version ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing
ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All
rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within
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link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the
Holy Spirit as you study.
Bruce N. Cameron, J.D.