Introduction: Have you wondered why some Christians fight death when life becomes painful due to disease? Why not welcome death and heaven? Do you think about your own death? This is the beginning of a new year and most people think about how they can improve their health and life in the new year. That seems very different than contemplating death. However, in our study this week, Paul writes about death. He knows that he could be executed by the Roman government at any time. Christians who live in countries that provide religious freedom do not really understand these thoughts about impending death at the hands of government. Let’s get into our study of the Bible and see what we can learn from Paul’s thoughts about death and life!

I. Life or Death

A. Read Philippians 1:19-20. When we studied what Paul wrote just before this, we marveled at his thinking. While imprisoned, he was glad his rivals were out preaching even though they were motivated by their selfish ambition. Why was Paul glad? Because they were nonetheless preaching the gospel. Paul writes in these verses that he expects deliverance. On what does he base this hope? (The prayers of the Philippians and the “Spirit of Jesus.”)

1. What do you think is the “Spirit of Jesus Christ?” (Read Romans 8:9. Paul calls the “Spirit of God” the “Spirit of Christ.” This is what we call the “Holy Spirit.”)

B. In Philippians 1:20, Paul hopes that he will not be ashamed. What do you think he means? Is he expecting and hoping that he will not face an embarrassing death?

1. Is he concerned about himself being personally shamed? (No. Paul refers to Jesus being “honored in my body.” I think he wants to avoid bringing shame on Jesus.)
2. Do you think that Paul cares whether he lives or dies? (He is willing to accept either. But I think he prefers life because he writes positively about his “deliverance” in verse 19.)

II. Life and Retirement

A. Read Philippians 1:21-24. What is the reason why Paul values continuing to live? (He will be able to continue to help the Philippians. He prizes “fruitful labor.”)

1. Most of my peers have retired from their work. By the government’s standards I was eligible to retire 13 years ago. One reason I keep working is that it seems so much more worthwhile than the way I would spend my time if I had no job. Do you consider your job “fruitful labor?”
2. I’ve heard Bible preachers and teachers say “the Bible has no provision for retirement.” Is that true? (Read Numbers 8:24-26. Those who say this need to study the Bible more closely. Moses directed that the Levites shall “withdraw from duty” and “serve no more” at the age of fifty. They could help out by keeping guard.)

B. Is there a lesson in this for those considering retirement? If so, what is it?

III. The Nature of Death

A. Re-read Philippians 1:21-23 and consider what Paul says about death. He states that “to die is gain.” If he dies he will “be with Christ,” and that is “far better.” If we are not in pain, how is it gain to die?

1. When we die are we “with Christ?”
2. What do you think Paul means by these two phrases? Do you think that Paul thought that if he died, he would immediately go to heaven where Jesus dwells? (He certainly sounds like he believes that he will immediately go to heaven.)

B. Read Ecclesiastes 9:5. What does Solomon write about the state of the dead? (They know nothing.)

1. Look at what else Solomon writes. He says the dead “have no more reward.” Does Paul think he has a reward after death? (He says that he will be with Jesus.)
2. Solomon explains there is no reward for the dead because they are forgotten. Is he talking about earthly reward? Or does he think there is no resurrection?

C. Let’s explore what else Solomon writes about death in Ecclesiastes 9. Read Ecclesiastes 9:2-3. Is Solomon saying that it does not matter how you live? Whether you are good or bad? (That is exactly what he says – the good and the evil “go to the dead.”)

1. Is he merely speaking about the common fate of humans?

D. Read Ecclesiastes 9:4. Who does Solomon say has hope? (The living. The dead have no hope.)

1. Do you believe the dead have no hope?

E. Read Ecclesiastes 9:7-10. Does this sound like sound theology to you? Have a good time while you are living because life is “vain” (meaningless), and everyone is going to hell (the world of the dead)? (I think Ecclesiastes 9:5 is a terrible text to cite to prove the state of the dead. If Solomon is just speaking about death as a common fate, what he says should not apply to eternal salvation. Christians believe that death is not their last destination. They, like Paul, hope for heaven and living with Jesus. The Bible teaches that how you live matters. More to the point, Solomon says that sacrificing doesn’t make any difference. Sacrificing pointed to Jesus who sacrificed on our behalf. Whether we accept His sacrifice makes all the difference.)

F. Read John 5:28-29. Does Jesus agree with Solomon? (Clearly not. Jesus says what we do during our life matters.)

1. What does Jesus’ statement suggest about the state of the dead? (That even the “good” are in their tombs and will be resurrected at the judgment.)

G. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15. What question is Paul addressing? (The concern that those who are alive when Jesus comes will be in heaven before those who have already died.)

H. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. How does Paul answer this concern? (He says that the living and the dead will go together to “always be with the Lord.”)

1. If Paul thought that the righteous dead were already in heaven, would he have given this response? (No. He would have responded, “Are you joking? They are already in heaven. Forget the idea that the living make it to heaven first.”)

I. Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8. When does Paul say that he will receive his “crown of righteousness?” (He says “on that day,” which would not be very helpful as a time marker except for the fact that it is the same day as “all who have loved His appearing.” That sounds like the Second Coming and not the day of Paul’s death.)

J. Read Jude 1:9, Mark 9:4, and Matthew 27:52-53. What do these texts teach us about the state of the dead? (Moses, who died and was buried, is in heaven. Although it is not clearly stated, I think those who arose at the crucifixion are also in heaven.)

K. What is a reasonable, Bible-based view of the state of the dead? (Those who cite Ecclesiastes 9:5 as proof that the dead “know nothing” need to sharpen their teaching skills. Anyone who thinks everyone is in the grave until the Second Coming of Jesus ignores the fate of Moses and likely those raised to life at Jesus’ resurrection. At the same time I believe the Bible teaches that most righteous people remain (asleep) in their graves until the Second Coming. Do I think Paul was taken to heaven after death? I think that is very possible.)

1. How do we explain what Solomon wrote about death? It is part of the Bible, after all. (The Bible contains commands, advice, and stories about good and bad behavior. Solomon engaged in much bad behavior, and I think the Bible simply records his depressed thoughts. This is a warning about consequences, not theology on the state of the dead.)

L. One last thought. In Ecclesiastes 9:4 Solomon writes it is better to be a live dog than a dead lion. Do you think Jesus and Paul would agree? (Read what Jesus says in Matthew 16:25–26. I think Jesus votes for being the dead lion.)

IV. Unity

A. Read Philippians 1:25-27. What is Paul’s goal for the Philippians? (Unity. To stand “firm in one spirit.”)

1. There are many today who claim “diversity” is our goal. What would Paul say? (Diversity is our natural state of being. Paul calls the diverse to come together in unity.)

B. Read Philippians 1:28-30. What will make our spiritual opponents tremble? (To see that Christians are not frightened.)

C. Friend, Paul valued his life for what he could do for the Kingdom of God. How about you? Is advancing God’s kingdom on earth at least part of your work? If not, why not ask God to help you to rearrange your work? Why not do your best to make your work “fruitful?”

V. Next week: Unity Through Humility.

Copr. 2026, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. If you normally receive this lesson by e-mail, but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.

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How could Paul have peace without knowing the outcome of his imprisonment? Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 3 – Life and Death. It’s the fastest hour of the week!

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