All right, let's get into the Word of God, Philippians chapter 1, and our text will be verses 20 through 30.

I'll ask you to stand. You can follow along as I read. If you're unable to stand, that's okay, right where you're seated.

We'll begin in verse 20, where the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Philippi and by

the Holy Spirit says, I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have

sufficient courage so that now, as always, Christ will be exalted

in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, verse 21, to live is Christ, and to die is game. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean

fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ,

which is better by far, but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced

of this, verse 25, I know that I will remain and I will continue

with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith so that through my being with you again,

your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Whatever happens,

verse 27, whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence,

I will know that you stand firm in the one spirit striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way

by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved

and that by God.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.

Since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had and now here that I still have.

Let's pray if you would join with me. We'll ask God's blessing on our understanding.

Loving Heavenly Father, we have just read together a very powerful portion of Scripture

inspired by the Holy Spirit.

For us, some 2,000 years later to be ministered

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