Do you know a Paul?

Philippians 2:17-18

Where has all the Paul’s gone?  How many people do you know that are unselfish, who love God and you see in their actions, a heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the best for those in their circle of influence?  This is what Paul is saying to the churches at Philippi, “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”  I’ve never been where a drink offering was given, so I did a little investigating.  Drink-offering: consisted of wine (Numbers 15:5; Hosea 9:4) poured around the altar (Exodus 30:9).  Wine is a symbol of joy both to God and to man (Jud.9: 13, Ps.104: 15), and this characterizes the drink offering.

Paul’s life is an example of giving to Christ, it is a drink offering, and it is why the Holy Spirit gave us so much information on Paul’s life.  Paul’s instruction to Titus 2:7-8a, are also to everyone who desires to let go and let God do it all for you.  In Philippians 1:21 “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”, Paul was being poured out so that the joy and peace of Jesus Christ could enter into us.

Earlier, I asked, where have all the Paul’s gone, not far, I’ve known a few, and in fact I live with one.  If you spend time with Jan, her real identity cannot be hidden, she loves God, she knows Him as her Father, and she loves His only Son, Jesus Christ.  Long ago it became clear that Jan puts others first, she puts their interest first.  Jan is not a grumbler, she trusts her Father to guide and protect our Family and His church.  Did I tell you she enjoys serving, did I tell you that she is mighty in prayer, did I tell you she very tender.   

I did not say Jan was without sin, nor was Paul, but like a Paul; her heart is to abide in Christ, and believe that in Christ she can do anything.  You may be a Paul!  The enemy of our souls is good at deception, he is good at pointing out our failures, but I bet you do more acts of righteousness than you have noticed.  We are living in a crooked and twisted generation, and your light counts, both the angels and demons are watching to see what you will do with this great gift of choice, to abide in Christ and be poured out as a drink offering, or to live the empty self life.  It’s our choice and I’m praying that you and I will choose to be a Paul.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice