1. Be With Christ Philippians 1:21-23 21 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

2. Familiar Passage Examine this Passage 2 choices – live or die Live – keep preaching / teaching Die – and be with Jesus Dying is “far better” Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth

3. Problem with text Problem with this text Does Paul mean he will bypass: Hades Resurrection Judgment Day Is Paul saying that when he dies that he will go straight to heaven?

4. Dig Deeper Study the context of Philippians 1:21-23 To live is Christ To die is gain To Live – means fruit of his labor Paul can't decide (choose) which he wants Hard pressed = For I am in a strait betwixt two (KJV) Strait – means tight, restricted, narrow Think about a very narrow passage way You can not turn left or right

5. Dig Deeper Study the context of Philippians 1:21-23 His desire (“druthers” in W. TN terms) depart Depart means to leave this life / to die When he departs, he will be with Christ

6. Dig Deeper Examine the original Greek meaning Greek tense = duration more than time English tense = time (past, present, future) “Be with Christ” - Aorist tense Aorist = a point action – sudden, quick Stomp foot, shoot gun – aorist Here – “Be with Christ” = aorist – “Die and instantly be with Christ” The time lapse is like shooting a gun

7. Understand the term “Be with” Physical – next to, in the same location Mark 3:14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach Emotional – support, stand by, offer help Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

8. Understand the term “Be with” Spiritual – John 3:2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

9. Understand the term “Be with” Spiritual – Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

10. Questions Is Paul planning to skip Hades, resurrection, and judgment? Does Paul say the he will “be with Christ” - Physically Emotionally Spiritually Paul is saying that at the point of death he is in the hands of Jesus. Not physically where Jesus is But under the care and watch of Jesus

11. Application for Us We also struggle with the same choice This is not suicide This is – I am tired, worn out, ready to go This is – Get me out of this world of sin Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

12. Application for Us We also struggle with the same choice If we live – We will work for the Lord If we die – we will be in the hands of our Lord