Introduction: How could Paul face and endure prison and persecution? How could Paul have joy and peace in such hard circumstances? These are relevant questions, and we see answers to these questions in what Paul says in this section in Philippians. As we read Philippians 1:20-26 we see a heart that is totally in love with and committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. We see Paul’s deep and abiding loyalty to Christ and the focus such loyalty inspires in daily living. Tonight, we look at verse 21 and find there the kernel of Paul’s life purpose. This simple, yet powerful, truth fueled Paul’s priorities and perseverance in keeping them. By studying Philippians 1:21 tonight, I hope we also will find a guide for the affirmation or establishment of a similar perspective of the Christian life. Paul is not afraid to peel back the layers of his life until we can see his heart. Each statement shows a level deeper into the soul and passion of Paul’s humanity. First, he says that he wants Christ to be proclaimed (1:18). Why? He wants Christ to be proclaimed because he wants Christ to be honored and exalted (1:20). Why? Because (this is the deepest level of all) for Paul life is about Christ, and Christ is life (1:21). One can go no deeper than this! Tonight I want us to think together from this passage concerning the essence and meaning of the Christian life as it pertains to the Christian’s personal experience with Christ. Then, we will contemplate together what this means in terms of its consequence, especially in the reality of death. Finally, we will end with pondering all of this as it pertains to our personhood.