stephen R Harrison

When facing death, Paul felt his earthly work and ministry were unfinished. His desire for heaven was evident (v. 23).  His conviction to stay on the earth was for the Philippian believers’ benefit, not his own.  Heaven was assured because of his faith in Christ.  His desire to remain wasn’t driven by the uncertainty of his eternity but by the certainty of his longing to increase the spiritual growth of the Philippians. He wanted more people to come to Christ and experience heaven with him one day!

Paul’s ministry towards the Philippian believers was very effective. It seems they would benefit greatly from his continued apostolic presence. In other words, he would be greatly missed because his ministry had been highly successful. I can imagine Paul thinking through the places he’s yet to plant churches, the established churches he desired to revisit, and the books of the bible yet to be written. If the Lord chooses to leave me on this earth beyond today, would my ministry endeavors be missed among the body of Christ? Do I dream of ways to further God’s Kingdom with my anticipated future? 

Paul knew that his continued presence in ministry would bring the Philippians much progress in their faith, as well as much joy. Joy is a continual theme in the Philippian letter. Under much persecution, Paul not only found joy but also created it for others.  That is how the church should be!  In our trials, we should experience joy. We should express joy through our problems. Paul’s purpose for being on earth is obvious – he was there for the church’s benefit.  One should ask, “Do I know why I am on the earth and in the church?  Do others gain the joy of Christ when they are around me?  Does my presence progress, halt, or hinder the growth of others?”

It isn’t wrong to desire to be in heaven with Christ.  That’s the ultimate benefit of salvation! What also comes with salvation is the task of advancing God’s Kingdom through living for Christ on this earth.  Paul saw the fruitfulness of his remaining time on this earth as a new opportunity to allow the Spirit of God to move in and through his life.  Paul wasn’t making a vow to do something great for God if He would get him out of a bad situation.  He had already committed to living for God’s pleasure and Kingdom expansion. Heaven would be a great reward one day, but if God had work for him to do on earth, Paul wanted to accomplish it. Paul wanted to live but knew why he wanted to live!  May we as well!