Chapter 17

He Sees the End of Faith

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.[1]

Paul struggled with the Lord’s injunction, “take no thought for tomorrow”. Stoic though he was concerning his personal well-being, completely unmoved by pain or hardship, his care and concern for others were agonizingly intense almost to the point of despair but for the help of God. Long years of missionary labors wrought in him a deep abiding faith that God was in the details—of everything. He thoroughly learned the most searching lesson of faith, namely, that all things work together—all things! It was easy for Paul to trust God with his own life and destiny but others were a different matter. He disparately desired that his followers imitate him in the faith but he came to realize how utterly weak and prone to failure they were. So his message to his people was not one of stoic determination in spite of circumstances, a duty for duty’s sake proposition. Renunciation misses Paul’s point, its surrender he is proposing.

The pagan notions of appeasing the Gods for favor, or self-mastery for worldly success; was precisely what Paul opposed. God is surely in all circumstances, good and bad. Providence, for Paul is pervasive, all-encompassing and purposeful. The purpose of God, the mysterious counsel of God is a stone stumbled over by those with a short view. The human mind is offended by a God who allows for suffering, yes, even plans for it, and then enjoins His people to suffer long. But that is the point; suffering is time-limited. It seems long in terms of the human experience but it has an appointed time and an appointed purpose, mysterious and veiled nonetheless. Clarity will come at the end, though it tarries, wait for it, for it will surely come. Indeed, the just shall live by faith.[2] Faith, not as an abstract concept or formula for instant gratification, but a radical, steadfast belief in the dispensation of the fullness of times in which God is working all things according to the counsel of His predetermined will.[3] Paul is not at peace with what is, but what will be, in fact, all the fruit of the spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 are based in eschatological reality as opposed to the works of the flesh which are inspired by the need for here and now gratification.[4] In “due season” after much and prolonged difficulty reward shall come for the faithful.[5] Therefore those in Christ are free to fully engage life, enthusiastically cooperating with whatever circumstances bring.[6] Mature believers are consummate optimists. With Paul they are persuaded of God’s unfailing love in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, they agree with Paul’s amazing proclamation that all things are for their sake.[7]

What’s more, the conclusion of his brief letter to the Philippian’s unfolds with the marvelous affirmation that their names are in the Book of Life.[8]