To Die is Gain Philippians 1: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

Death is Scary  For most, death is frightening  Death is unknown, feared, awful  Paul sees some advantages in dying

Death Frees Us From:  Sin Sin is missing the mark Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Sin is crossing the line 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Death Frees Us From:  Sin Sin is missing the mark Sin is crossing the line When death comes – sin stops! Romans 7:1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?

Death Frees Us From: Sin  Doubt Is it real? Is it all worth it? John doubted in prison Have we “wasted” our faith on a myth? When death comes – What if there is nothing else? All doubts end at death.

Death Frees Us From: Sin Doubt  Temptations We are tempted – enticed to sin By Satan By situations By people By greed By selfishness At death all temptation to sin will end.

Death Frees Us From: Sin Doubt Temptations  Enemies 3 Kinds of Enemies: People we don't like People who don't like us People who mis- understand each other Matthew 5:44a But I say to you, love your enemies

Death Frees Us From: Sin Doubt Temptations  Enemies Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Enemies are a normal part of life in a sinful world Death will separate us from our enemies

Death Frees Us From: Sin Doubt Temptations Enemies  Sufferings We are tested – tried – challenged by our sufferings Inter-personal Economic Natural disasters World events Life is not easy

Death Frees Us From: Sin Doubt Temptations Enemies  Sufferings 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Death ends our suffering.

Death Frees Us From: Sin Doubt Temptations Enemies Sufferings  Fear of Death The last enemy has been conquered 1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. There is nothing left to fear, dread or overcome.

To Die is Gain SinDoubt TemptationsEnemies SufferingsFear of Death AND THERE IS MORE TO THINK ABOUT WHY DREAD THAT WHICH WE DESIRE ABOVE ALL ELSE?