SSQ1 2026 - Lesson 3: Life and Death
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Chief
Chief of Sinners.
Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Core Theme: For the Christian, both life and death are opportunities to glorify Christ - life through faithful witness and unity, and death as a victorious gain through resurrection hope, all within the context of the great controversy.
Key Insights by Day:
Sunday: “Christ Will Be Magnified” (Philippians 1:19-20; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28)
Core Theme: For the Christian, both life and death are opportunities to glorify Christ - life through faithful witness and unity, and death as a victorious gain through resurrection hope, all within the context of the great controversy.
Key Insights by Day:
Sunday: “Christ Will Be Magnified” (Philippians 1:19-20; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28)
- Despite severe suffering and imprisonment, Paul’s primary concern was not his acquittal but that “Christ will be magnified” in his body, whether by life or death.
- Powerful Witness: His patience and cheerfulness in unjust suffering were a continual sermon, proving that a Christ-like life is the most powerful testimony.
- Selfless Focus: Paul’s deepest concern was for the churches, not his own comfort, modeling self-sacrificial love.
- In the great controversy, the Christian’s battle is spiritual, fought with the weapons of truth, love, and God’s Word, not with worldly methods like criticism or fear.
- Victorious Surrender: True victory comes through submission to God’s will, fighting for what is right, not for personal rights. Christ’s cross is the decisive victory.
- Paradox of Gain: Death is “gain” because it can be the ultimate witness for Christ, and because the believer’s ultimate hope lies beyond it.
- Paul views death not as an immediate ascension to heaven, but as a “departure”—a dreamless sleep from which one awakens to be “with Christ” at the Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
- Biblical View of Death: The dead “know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5); Lazarus was described as “sleeping.” The error of immediate heavenly reward leads to illogical conclusions.
- Torn Between Two Goods: Paul was “hard-pressed” between the desire to depart (rest) and the need to remain and labor for the Philippians’ progress and joy.
- Unity is foundational to the church’s mission and witness. Jesus’ final prayer emphasized that the world would believe when His followers are one (John 17:21).
- Citizens of Heaven: Living “as citizens” of heaven means embodying the kingdom values of the Sermon on the Mount: meekness, mercy, peacemaking, and love for enemies.
- Root of Disunity: Pride, worldly ambition, and cherishing the world’s gain are the primary destroyers of unity, driving out the Spirit of Christ.
- Unity (“striving together”) is a divine weapon against fear. A unified church, proclaiming the “everlasting gospel” in truth, fulfills its prophetic mission fearlessly.
- Satan’s Strategy: The devil seeks to divide and conquer. Our threefold key to success is unity, truth, and mission.
- Suffering Assured: Suffering for Christ’s sake is a Christian’s lot (2 Timothy 3:12), but it is purposeful and far better than suffering for worldly causes.
- Root Principle: Life in this fallen world involves inevitable suffering, but within the great controversy, suffering for Christ is a privilege and a powerful testimony.
- The Martyr’s Triumph: Through history, steadfast souls facing torment have declared their trust in Christ, proving He “is able to save to the uttermost.”
- Our Call:
- Live so that Christ is magnified in your body, whether in life or death.
- Fight spiritual battles with God’s weapons (His Word, love, and mercy) in complete submission to His will.
- Actively pursue and protect church unity through humility and adherence to truth, as it is essential for our end-time mission.
- Face suffering and death with the fearless hope of the resurrection, trusting in the victory of the cross.