For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. - Philippians 1:21 –22 (ESV)

Imprisoned. Silenced from preaching and planting churches. Restrained from traveling. The real possibility of execution looming. How would you respond? Hopelessness? Despair? This was the plight of the Apostle Paul. What would happen next was unknown.

With all of this, Paul's mindset was different. He wanted to help both the Philippians and us to consider what that mindset looks like and where it comes from.

This week Carson opens Philippians 1:18-30 to us. I want to encourage you to take some time to read through this passage. It might be familiar, but read with fresh eyes. Maybe even in a different translation. What is he saying? How does he want us to think? How does the gospel change our thinking?