WORD: OC's 60-Day New Testament PlanSample

Paul: A Proud Father My wife’s father passed away almost 20 years ago and since then there have been so many times when we have remembered how much joy he took in every good choice we made and in every success we enjoyed. We often remember him and know that he would be proud of something one of the members of our family accomplished or experienced. It’s in that framework that I read the book of Philippians. I see Paul, who is in prison and can’t see personally to his children in the faith in Philippi, caring for them as a father does. The entire book can be read in light of a worried father who loves his children, takes great joy in their lives, knows they are enduring trials, and wants to encourage them to keep walking in the faith! From the first chapter’s encouragement to them that God is working in them until the end when he reminds them that God will supply all of their needs in Christ Jesus Paul is building them up. As you read the book keep this context in the back of your mind and see how forward looking Paul is, how encouraging he is, how often he speaks of building them up in spite of his or their hardships. It is one of the greatest books for Christians because it is a book of hope and encouragement, one that looks forward with expectation about both this life and the life to come. One that is written by a proud father to children he loves! Written By Pat Smith Computer Engineering Professor, Oklahoma Christian University