God Finishes What He Starts
Scripture: Philippians 1:6
ESV: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
NIV: being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
NKJV: being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Understanding the Context
Paul is writing this letter to the believers in Philippi, a church he deeply cared for and had a long history with. Right before this verse, he expresses his thankfulness for them and their partnership in the gospel. In verse 6, Paul shares his strong confidence in God's faithfulness to them. He knows that the work God started in their lives isn't finished yet, and it won't be until Jesus returns.
"He who began a good work in you"
This "He" is God. Paul is pointing out that our journey of faith didn't start with us; it started with God. He is the one who initiated this "good work" in us, which refers to our salvation and the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus (often called sanctification).
"Will bring it to completion"
This is a powerful promise! God doesn't abandon what He starts. The work of transforming us into the image of Christ is something He is committed to finishing.
"At the day of Jesus Christ"
This refers to the future return of Jesus. The completion of this good work in us will happen when we see Him and are fully transformed, receiving glorified bodies free from sin.
Applying This to Our Lives
This verse offers us incredible comfort and assurance in our walk with God:
Confidence in God, Not Ourselves
It's easy to look at our lives and feel discouraged by our imperfections, our struggles, or the times we mess up. But this verse reminds us that our hope and confidence are not in our ability to perfect ourselves, but in God's faithfulness to complete the work He started in us.
Encouragement in the Process
Sanctification, the process of becoming more like Jesus, is a lifelong journey with ups and downs. Philippians 1:6 assures us that even when we feel like we're not making progress, God is still at work in us. He is patient and persistent.
Hope for the Future
The promise of completion at the day of Jesus Christ gives us something wonderful to look forward to. One day, we will be fully free from sin and perfectly reflect Christ's image. This hope helps us persevere through the challenges of today.
God is Active in Us Now
While the completion is in the future, the verse also implies that God is actively working in us now. We can be aware of His work in our lives today, shaping us and guiding us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for beginning a good work in us. We are so grateful that You are faithful and will bring that work to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Help us to rest in the confidence of Your faithfulness, not in our own abilities. Thank You for working in us even when we stumble. Fill us with hope as we look forward to the day we will be fully transformed and see You face to face. Continue Your good work in us today. Amen.
Additional Thoughts
Philippians 1:6 is a foundational verse for understanding the security of our salvation and the ongoing work of God in the believer's life. It's a truth we can hold onto when we feel discouraged or inadequate. Our part is to cooperate with His work in us, yielding to the Holy Spirit, but the ultimate responsibility and ability to complete the work rests with God alone. What a comforting and powerful truth!
Meet our contributors
Jesu
A woman of faith passionate about inspiring and motivating women in their walk with God. Explore topics on cultivating a deeper relationship with God, overcoming challenges with faith, and discovering purpose and strength in Christ. Join Jesu on a journey of faith and be empowered to live boldly and confidently as a woman of God.
Exodus
Exodus offers insights and reflections on living a life of faith in the marketplace and beyond. Explore "My Daily" for daily inspiration and "Work and Marketplace Ministry" messages for practical guidance on integrating faith and work. Join Exodus on a journey of faithful living and discover how to make a difference in your sphere of influence.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST