PHILIPPIANS 1:25

“Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,”

I have had some experiences that required me to continue doing something that was difficult. I had been given a task and couldn’t quit until the job was done. I remember one job in particular. I had to shovel out a grain bin that had gotten water in it and the corn near the bottom had rotted. That grain bin had to be shoveled out into the auger and allowed to dry completely so new corn kernels could be dumped in. Oh, did I say this was in South Georgia in August?

Paul wasn’t shoveling grain, but he was trudging through some very difficult times of ministry. He was on house arrest and guarded by a Roman guard at all times. Yet, he knew his life would not end there. The Lord had given him a task to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. He wasn’t finished, and he was convinced God would free him to continue on. Why? For their “progress and joy in the faith.”

APPLICATION

The Greek word here for “continue” is parameno. “It implies steadfastness and persistence, often in the context of faith, relationships, or circumstances.” (Strong’s Lexicon) What are you steadfast about? Can you say that about your faith? God has given each of us a task to spread the Gospel. Our task is not much different than Paul. The world still needs to hear about Jesus, and God still uses people to do that.

This word parameno is used by James in James 1:25. “But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.” We must continue in the Word. Only by doing that can we walk in freedom and share the good news of Jesus.

Paul was sure he would continue on in his ministry. He had no idea how he would escape the chains he was in right then, but his confidence did not waiver. I want to urge you, beloved, to have that same confidence. God is not done with you yet. He has a wonderful plan for your life and wants to use you for His kingdom work. Continue on!

Lord, give me the peace that passes understanding as I trust You to continue using me for Your work.