Being Confident: Confidence Beyond the Grave

 Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Lesson 3 - Tuesday

Being Confident

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:23–24

Paul writes from prison, caught between two realities: remaining alive to serve the church or departing this life to be with Christ. He calls this a “dilemma,” yet his words reveal remarkable confidence. “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Phil. 1:23–24, NKJV).

When Paul says that to “depart, and be with Christ” is “far better,” he is not expressing despair with life or an unhealthy desire for death. Rather, he is expressing absolute assurance in what awaits the believer. Paul knows that death is not loss for the Christian—it is gain (Phil. 1:21). To depart this life means to leave behind sin, suffering, injustice, and weakness, and to enter into the presence of Jesus Himself. For Paul, being “with Christ” is the ultimate good, surpassing even the most fruitful ministry on earth.

This confidence is rooted in Paul’s understanding of the gospel and the resurrection hope. Death, for the believer, is not a dark unknown but a settled transition. Scripture consistently teaches that those who die in Christ “sleep” until the resurrection (1 Thess. 4:13–16). From the perspective of human experience, that sleep is instantaneous. However much no one wants to die, there is a profound comfort in this truth: the moment you close your eyes in death, the next thing you will know is the voice of Christ calling you to life at His return. There is no awareness of passing time, no prolonged waiting, no fear-filled consciousness—only rest, followed by reunion.

This thought helps us understand Paul’s mindset. For him, death meant no delay in joy. Whether Christ returned during his lifetime or centuries later, Paul knew that his next conscious moment would be face-to-face with Jesus. That assurance stripped death of its terror and gave him freedom to live courageously. He could serve sacrificially, suffer patiently, and even face execution without fear, because his future was secure.

Yet Paul’s confidence did not make him self-focused. Though being with Christ was “far better” for him personally, he recognized that remaining alive was “more needful” for others. True Christian confidence balances hope for heaven with commitment to mission. We live fully for Christ now, not because this world is all there is, but because our future with Him is guaranteed.

For us today, Paul’s words invite reflection. Are we confident in Christ enough to face life—and death—without fear? Do we see our lives as purposeful service, knowing that when our work is done, rest and resurrection await? When we grasp that our next conscious moment after death is Christ’s return, it anchors us in peace, steadies us in suffering, and frees us to live boldly for Him now.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the confidence we have in You. Thank You that death is not the end, but a rest that leads to resurrection and eternal life in Your presence. Help us to live faithfully and courageously, serving others while we wait for Your return. When fear arises, remind us that our future is secure in You. Teach us to say with Paul that to live is Christ, and to die is gain. In Your precious name, Amen.

More on Lesson 3 Life and Death

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians