Tony, a pastor, writes in to ask, this, Pastor John, I have heard you use Philippians 1 as

a text showing evidence for Christian hedonism.

But in reading it recently, I felt I could see a reason for denying Christian hedonism

in it as well.

In verse 23, Paul says, it is far better to be with Christ in death.

And yet he remains in the flesh to minister to the Philippians because it is more necessary

on your account, he writes.

Wouldn't it seem here that if Paul chooses a lesser joy staying on earth to love others,

it would deny that the path of loving others is also the pursuit of our highest joy in God.

What do you say to Tony?

That's a really sharp question.

Let me read the text and make sure we can see it's a good question.

And it caused me to think hard and I think Tony for it.

Philippians 1, 21, following, for me to live Christ and to die is gain.

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.

So the contrast is between my gain and fruitful labor, yet which I shall choose I cannot

tell.

I am hard pressed between the two.

My desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better.

But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

So the contrast is between far better right now for Paul and heaven versus more needed

for the Philippians faith.

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