The Joy of Ministry: Paul's Dilemma (Philippians 1:22-26)
Paul, facing imprisonment and the prospect of death, reveals a profound spiritual tension. This sermon unpacks how he navigates the longing to be with Christ alongside an equally strong desire to remain and serve the earthly church.
Paul experienced a profound tension, deeply longing to depart and be with Christ, yet equally compelled to remain and serve the church. His joy stemmed not from circumstances, but from seeing the gospel advance and Christ glorified, whether in life or death.
Overview
The sermon focuses on Paul's "joy of ministry" as outlined in Philippians 1:12-26, specifically the final point from verses 22-26. The preacher introduces this concept through the life of Adoniram Judson, an early American missionary who, despite immense suffering and loss, prayed to live longer to complete his ministry. Judson's spirit mirrored Paul's, embodying a tension between a deep longing for Christ and a desire to remain fruitful for the church.
This tension, the sermon argues, is characteristic of great servants of God, intensifying in later years of ministry. Paul, nearing the end of his life, experiences this dilemma acutely: an intensified love for Christ and longing for heaven, coupled with a profound sense of responsibility for the church. He finds himself "hard pressed from both directions," desiring to depart and be with Christ, which he describes as "very much better," yet also recognizing the necessity of remaining for the Philippians' sake.
Paul's "joy of ministry" is presented as a joy "in spite of," not "because of" difficult circumstances. He rejoices despite trouble as long as the gospel advances, despite detractors as long as Christ is preached, and despite the prospect of death as long as Christ is glorified. This final point extends this joy to remaining "in the flesh" (meaning human life in this world) as long as the church is helped and strengthened.
For Paul, living in this world means "fruitful labor" for Christ, equating his existence with spiritual work that produces eternal results. He sees no disparity between his desire for heaven and his desire to build the kingdom; both are equally strong and God-honoring. He views death as a "departure"—breaking camp, setting sail, or freeing a prisoner—primarily to be "with Christ," emphasizing immediate, conscious fellowship. His ultimate purpose for remaining is the church's "progress and joy in the faith," so that their confidence may abound in Christ Jesus through his ministry.
Key points
- The sermon concludes a series on "The Joy of Ministry" from Philippians 1:12-26, focusing on verses 22-26.
- Paul experienced a deep tension between his desire to be with Christ and his desire to serve the church.
- He believed dying was "gain" because it meant immediate, conscious fellowship with Christ, which he called "very much better."
- However, Paul also saw remaining "in the flesh" (living in the world) as "fruitful labor" and "more necessary" for the church's benefit.
- His joy in ministry was "in spite of" difficulties—trouble, detractors, or even death—as long as the gospel advanced and Christ was glorified.
- Paul's personal conviction was that he would remain to contribute to the Philippians' "progress and joy in the faith."
- He intended for his continued ministry to help the church, causing their "proud confidence" to abound in Christ Jesus, not in himself.
In John MacArthur's words
“If I had not felt certain that every trial was ordered by infinite love and mercy, I could not have survived my accumulated sufferings.”
“But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.”
“having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: The Dilemma of Spiritual Greatness
- A. The Example of Adoniram Judson
- B. The Tension in Paul's Life
- C. The Intensification of the Dilemma in Later Years
- II. Paul's Dilemma in Philippians 1:22-26
- A. His Joy is "in spite of" Circumstances
- 1. In spite of trouble, as long as the gospel advanced (vv. 12-14)
- 2. In spite of detractors, as long as Christ is preached (vv. 15-18)
- 3. In spite of death, as long as Christ is glorified (vv. 19-21)
- B. His Joy in Spite of Being "in the Flesh" (vv. 22-26)
- 1. The Meaning of "Living on in the Flesh"
- a. Not "in sin," but "in human existence" (2 Corinthians 10:3, Galatians 2:20, 1 Peter 4:2)
- b. Means "fruitful labor" for Christ
- 2. The Compelling Desire for Fruitful Labor
- a. Producing spiritual results and eternal fruit
- b. Reminiscent of Psalm 71 and Hezekiah's prayer (Isaiah 38)
- 3. The Struggle to Choose (vv. 22-23)
- a. "I do not know which to choose"
- b. Both desires are equally strong and good
- 4. "Hard Pressed from Both Directions" (v. 23)
- a. Imagery of being hemmed in between two walls
- b. "Desire to depart": *analysai* (take down a tent, set sail, free a prisoner, unload a burden, solve a problem)
- c. The surpassing issue: "to be with Christ"
- i. Teaches immediate, conscious presence with Christ after death (Acts 7, 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:10)
- d. "for that is very much better" (triple comparative)
- 5. The Necessity of Remaining (v. 24)
- a. "more necessary for your sake"
- b. Paul's selfless love for the church
- c. The church's need for instruction and leadership
- III. Paul's Confidence and Purpose (vv. 25-26)
- A. His Conviction to Remain (v. 25)
- 1. A strong personal conviction, not necessarily a supernatural revelation
- 2. Purpose: "for your progress and joy in the faith"
- B. The Ultimate Purpose: Christ's Glory (v. 26)
- 1. Their "proud confidence" will abound "in Christ Jesus in me"
- 2. All credit and glory go to Christ, not Paul
- IV. Conclusion: Paul's Example for Believers
- A. Released and Continued Ministry
- B. The Pattern for Our Lives: Love for Christ and His Church
Scripture references
- Philippians 1:12-26
- Philippians 1:22-26
- Philippians 1:4
- Philippians 1:18
- Philippians 2:2
- Philippians 2:17
- Philippians 2:18
- Philippians 2:28
- Philippians 2:29
- Philippians 3:1
- Philippians 4:4
- Philippians 4:10
- Romans 8:5
- 2 Corinthians 10:3
- Galatians 5
- Galatians 2:20
- 1 Peter 4:2
- Romans 1
- Philippians 1:11
- Psalm 71:17-18
- Isaiah 38
- 2 Timothy 4:6
- 2 Corinthians 5:8
- Acts 7
- 1 Thessalonians 5:10
- 2 Samuel 24:14
- Philippians 2:3
- Philippians 3:3
- Philippians 2:19-23
- Titus 1:5
- Philemon 22
- 1 Timothy
- 1 Timothy 1:3
- Philippians 2:24
- 1 Timothy 3:14-15
- Titus 3:12
- 2 Timothy 4:20
- 2 Timothy 1:4
- 2 Timothy 4:13
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.
2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord,
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
14 And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Insights
A life devoted to Christ creates a longing both for His presence and for His church.
True spiritual greatness embraces the tension between longing for heaven and serving on earth.
Joy in ministry arises not from easy circumstances but from the gospel's advance.
Questions & answers
What is Paul's "dilemma" in this sermon?
Paul's dilemma is being "hard pressed" between two equally strong, good desires: to depart and be with Christ, which he sees as "very much better," and to remain alive to serve the church, which he views as "more necessary" for their sake.
What does "live on in the flesh" mean to Paul here?
In this context, "live on in the flesh" refers to remaining in human existence or physical life in this world, not to living in sin. For Paul, it signifies the opportunity for "fruitful labor" for Christ.
What does the sermon say about death for believers?
The sermon asserts that for believers, death means an immediate departure to be in the conscious presence of Christ, without any soul sleep or waiting place. The body "sleeps" until the resurrection, but the spirit is instantly with the Lord.
Why does Paul consider remaining in the flesh "more necessary" for the Philippians?
Paul believes his continued presence and ministry are necessary for the Philippians' spiritual "progress and joy in the faith," providing instruction, leadership, and strengthening to help them impact the world.
How does Paul maintain joy despite his imprisonment and other difficulties?
Paul's joy is "in spite of" his circumstances because it is rooted in the advancement of the gospel, the preaching of Christ, and the glorification of Christ, regardless of his personal comfort or even his own life.
What two desires should compel every believer, according to the sermon?
Every believer should be compelled by two desires: to be with Christ intimately because of deep love for Him, and to be fruitful in strengthening and advancing His church because of deep love for it.
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