Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 72

March 13;    Philippians 1:25;    72/260(II);    ‘His Job’s Not Over’

Philippians 1:25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,

The Apostle Paul was in prison, when he wrote this powerful letter to the church at Philippi.  It is called ‘The Epistle of Joy.’  Greek Scholar, Rev. Rick Renner, has said that the Apostle Paul was chained and stood in sewer water, up to his waist, as he wrote this letter.  2 Corinthians 11:22-28 lists all of the things Paul had been through, the price he willingly paid for preaching the gospel.  Nothing could stop Paul, but naturally speaking, his body was badly beaten up and he probably was tired.  He was not afraid to die and actually says it was far better and the he desired to die and be with Jesus.  Paul knew the Lord so well and had intimate fellowship with Him.  To be with Jesus had to be the longing of his heart.  But Paul, in spite of his broken body and his longing to be with his Lord and Savior, still knew that he had the responsibility to teach the congregation of Philippi additional things.  It was Paul who taught us about being led by the Holy Spirit.  He had to know by the revelation of the Spirit of God, that he still had work to do here on earth.  As we learn more and more about the Apostle Paul, it has to be increasingly clear what an incredible man of God he was.  In I Corinthians 11:1, Paul encourages us to imitate him as he imitates Jesus.  He has every right to encourage us in this manner, since he surely is someone we can be proud to emulate.  In 2 Timothy 4:6-7 Paul knows now, in this autobiographical Book, that the time has come for him to be martyred.  He tells us he has fought the good fight and finished his race, now was time to go Home.  What a way to go.