YOLO: A Christ-Centered Life And Death
YOLO: A Christ-Centered Life And Death
Philippians 1:19-26 (ESV)
19for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,20as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.23I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.24But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,26so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Introduction: Have you heard the term YOLO? You Only Live Once. It has become famous especially among millennials. It encourages enjoying life, taking risks, and living in the moment without excessive concern for future rules or dangers. It is likened to the phrase “seize the day,” in Latin, ‘carpe diem.’ Instead of saving up money and waiting for retirement, why not take a week off, go all out on a vacation, and then we’ll just think about money once we return home. It perfectly fits the secular ideology of expressive individualism, self-love, and just do what makes you happy. And I deeply believe that this ideology is problematic and malignant.
But there is no new under the sun. In our passage today, Paul’s version is what Christians must follow. The biblical principle of “to live is Christ and to die is gain” can counter today’s YOLO. Here, we need to be countercultural. For the sake of the gospel, Christ must be supreme in our life and death.
Background of the Passage: Primarily, Paul’s goal is to encourage the church at Philippi, his supporters both in prayer and finances. The tone of the entire letter is joyful and encouraging. 16 times, Paul repeated the words “joy” or “rejoice” in
Greek χαρά (chara), also chairo; close to the word charis (grace or favor). And yet, we are told that at the time of his writing, he was a prisoner, most likely under house arrest in Rome, AD 61-62.
Specifically, in our passage, verse 19 tells us that Paul is
hopeful for his deliverance from imprisonment through prayers and the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit. Through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can exemplify a Christ-centered life and death. Let’s study verse-by-verse what Paul meant.
Main Idea: As Christians, what do we really mean to counter the YOLO of this generation? It means a Christ-centered life and death. In our passage, we can find four principles of being a follower of Jesus.
I. Gospel-driven (verses 20-21)
The previous verses tell us that Paul even perceived his imprisonment as an advancement of the gospel, because he was able to share Jesus with the guards and others (12-14). Instead of being ashamed, he expects that in this low moment of his life, in brokenness, suffering, and trials, Christ’s name will be exalted (v. 20). Brethren, even amidst our brokenness and weakness, God’s name is exalted. Paul’s example is not only through his proclamation of the gospel. The gospel also manifests itself in his life, even to the point of death.
The key verse of this passage is verse 21; it can be a summary of the passage: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” If we are to reverse the Millennials’ YOLO phrase, this would be the verse. Our life only becomes worth living and dying for when we lay it down for Christ. To live means that he will have more time and opportunity to proclaim the gospel of Christ, and to die means to finally receive the fulfillment of the promise of being with Jesus, the very person whom Paul was proclaiming boldly about.
John Bunyan, when he was about to preach near Harlington, Bedfordshire, on November 12, 1660, was arrested. Bunyan had an option to run away, knowing that he had been warned if he led a church gathering. And yet, Bunyan stood firm in his faith, “If I should now run and make an escape…for what will my weak and newly converted brethren think of it, but that I was not so strong in deed as I was
in word. If you release me today, I will preach tomorrow.” He was imprisoned in the Bedford County Jail between 1660 and 1672, then again for six months in 1676 and 1677.
II. Heaven-bound (verses 22-23)
Christ-centeredness is exemplified not only in his life but also in his thoughts on death. For Paul, the supremacy of the gospel is also found in death. He knew that death is not the end but only a means to the end. The end is being
with Christ. Heaven is where Christ’s presence is. No wonder he can truly declare that if given a chance, he would prefer to die so that he can be with God. (Illustration: Basil of Casearia)
Once we die, there’s no purgatory. Paul said you go directly to heaven. But what does it imply for our gospel sharing? Once you die, you go to heaven. In heaven, everyone is already saved; that’s why they are there. There will no longer be an opportunity to share the gospel, evangelize, or disciple others. You only have the chance here on earth to share; do not waste it.
III. Service-oriented (verses 24-25)
Even though Paul preferred to be with Christ, he knew that God’s will is for him to stay and serve the believers at Philippi through gospel proclamation. Brethren, the priority is sharing the gospel. When was the last time you shared Jesus with other people? Is it really difficult for us to share Jesus? “If you are struggling to proclaim Christ, you are struggling to love him,” Adrian Rogers said.
There are two cases in which our churches are struggling: first, we lack equipping in evangelism; second, we have a lot of evangelistic tools that we no longer know which one to use. So when the opportunity arises, we delay or over-rationalize the way we share Jesus. Sadly, some of us would even reason that we should wait for the perfect time to share Jesus. Church, according to Paul, it is always a perfect time to share the gospel. 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (Illustration: Hacksaw Ridge, then the Gospel Hand in 5 minutes.)
- Thumb (God’s Love) – John 3:16
- Index (Man is Sinner) – Romans 3:10, 23; 6:23
- Middle (Jesus) – John 14:6
- Ring (Relationship) – John 1:12
- Pinky (Promise/ Eternal Life) – 1 John 5:11-13
IV. Christ-exalting (verse 26)
Paul’s aim was never to put the spotlight on himself. He always makes sure that the one highlighted in both his life and his death is Christ alone. In this verse, Paul was sure that God would permit him to live longer, be delivered from imprisonment, and return to the church in Philippi. Take note that all of these, if they happen, are for the glory of Christ.
He did not have the desire to exalt his name. And say, “Look at me, I told you, I can do it because I am the Apostle Paul!” No, Paul was humble enough to recognize that even when God released him from the prison, he wanted to lift up the name of Christ—exalting the precious name of Jesus. (Illustration: William Carey’s story)
Our life motto should be: “Less of me, More of Christ.” When the disciples of John the Baptist approached John, they asked him why he was not threatened by Jesus’s disciples also baptizing other people. Instead of being prideful and saying that he was the one who baptized Jesus and gain more fame and social status, John said: “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30).
Conclusion: John Piper, in one of his famous sermons and books, said: “Remember, you have one life. That's all. You were made for God. Don't waste it.” Our way of life as Christians should be Christ’s way. The gospel is not only for proclamation but also for application in our lives. Gospel doctrine without life application is hypocrisy. I pray that we cultivate a gospel culture at BCI, a Christ-centered church, for God’s glory. Amen!
Ptr. John Paul Arceno/August 16, 2026
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