Be With Christ
Philippians 1:21-23
Familiar passage
2 choices live or die
Live keep preaching and teaching
Die and be with Jesus
Dying is far better.
Problem with this passage
Does Paul mean that he will bypass Hades?
Skips the resurrection?
Skips the judgment?
When he dies, will he bypass Hades, resurrection and judgment and go straight to heaven?
Dig a little deeper
Study the context (1:21-23)
Life is Christ
Die is gain
Live means fruit from my labor
Can not choose which he would prefer
Hard pressed
Desire to depart
Be with Christ
Examine the original meaning
Greek tense duration more than time
Aorist tense = point action not with any duration
Aorist tense stomp foot, shoot gun
Here be with Christ = aorist die and instantly be with Christ
Understand the term be with
Can be physical next to, in the same location Mark 3:14
Can be emotional support, stand by, offer help John 17:24
Can be spiritual John 3:2
2 or 3 gathered Matthew 18:20
I am with you always Matthew 28:20
Is Paul planning to skip Hades, resurrection and judgment?
OR Does Paul know that at death he will be in the hands of Jesus?
Conclusion
We have the same choice / struggle
Live for Christ / work for the Lord
Die and be in the hands of our Lord