Courage In Uncertainty

June 29 | Rick Thiemke

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The letter to the Philippians is deeply personal. Paul is writing from a Roman prison. Life is not easy. He’s in chains, but his heart is full. Why? Because of a church family in Philippi who hasn’t forgotten him. They’ve stayed faithful. They’ve partnered in the gospel. And it gives him joy.

Our text pulls us into the inner life of Paul - his affections, convictions, longings and theology. It invites us to ask: How do we live with courage and purpose, whether in life or death?

Uncertainty doesn’t have to paralyze us. Naming what matters most brings clarity and courage.

Jesus Is Magnified In Life And Death

Paul is facing a legal trial in Rome that could end in execution, but he has joy (verses 18b-20). Why? Because his greatest concern is not his comfort or survival, but that Christ would be magnified in him. "Honored" in Greek means "to be made large or great." Paul wants Christ to be enlarged in people's eyes through his life - or his death.

Paul is not ignoring his pain. He is interpreting it through the lens of purpose and presence. He says he expects to have full courage - in the original language means: boldness, unshaken witness, no shrinking back.

Where do you feel uncertain right now? What is being magnified in your life: your fears or your Savior?

To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain

These are some of the most quoted and beloved words in the New Testament (verses 21-23). But they must not be softened or stripped of their power.

"To live is Christ" means Christ defines every aspect of Paul’s existence - his mission, joy, identity, community and suffering.

"To die is gain" is shocking unless you believe what Paul believes: that death means immediate presence with Christ. Immediate joy. Immediate presence (2 Corinthians 5:6-9). Many of us carry a deep fear of dying. It can be hard to admit. But Paul looks death square in the face and says: it is better - not because death itself is beautiful, but because of Who waits for him on the other side (Romans 14:7-9).

When Paul says to die is gain, he doesn't mean it will be better for the world that he dies - but that it will be better for him. Because Christ is the reward (Hebrews 2:14-15).

What would it mean for you to say, to live is Christ? What changes? Your goals? Your time? Your relationships? Your schedule?

Staying Means Serving Others

Paul is ready to go to Jesus, but willing to stay for others (verses 24-26). This is self-giving love. Mission. Unity. Paul values their joy more than his. This is what spiritual maturity looks like: a longing for Christ, but a willingness to serve others. "Progress and joy in the faith" - that's Paul's pastoral aim - not spiritual consumers, but disciples growing in joy and grounded in truth.

Are you using your days for others' joy in Jesus? Who around you needs encouragement or discipleship? Staying means serving.

Paul's words are not just lofty theology - they are deeply pastoral. They speak to our fear of the unknown, our longing for purpose and our struggle with letting go of control. If you’re afraid of death, you’re not alone. But hear this: Christ has already walked into death and walked out the other side. And now, He walks with you.

When you know that Christ is your life and Christ is your gain, the fog begins to lift. Clarity sets in. Courage rises. You can live with freedom and love with purpose. You can release fear and receive joy.

So today - if you're in a season of facing the unknown - anchor your life in the One who will never let you go. Death is not the end. He is.