Being
confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1 [1.] Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ;
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants: Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God whenever I remember you, always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy, for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1 [7.] It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
Meaning:
- Divine Initiative:
He Who Began a Good Work: The verse begins with a recognition of divine initiative. It's not about our striving or efforts; it's about God, the Architect of our transformation, initiating a good work within us.
A Good Work: This "good work" speaks to the redemptive and sanctifying nature of God's activity in our lives. It's a work that brings forth beauty, goodness, and conformity to the image of Christ.
- Confident Assurance:
Being Confident: Paul's language is not tentative; it's a bold declaration of confidence. This confidence is not in our abilities but in the character of God. It's an assurance grounded in the unchanging faithfulness of our Creator.
In This Very Thing: The specificity of Paul's confidence adds weight to his declaration. It's not a generic optimism but a deep conviction in the particular reality of God's work within each believer.
- Continual Transformation:
Will Complete It: The verb choice is crucial. It's not a mere "might" or "could"; it's a definitive "will." God's commitment to us is unwavering, and His promise is not subject to the ebb and flow of our circumstances.
Until the Day of Jesus Christ: The completion is not a temporal event but extends until the eschatological culmination—the day of Jesus Christ. It's a lifelong journey of transformation, sustained by God's grace until the grand finale of our faith.
- Significance:
A Beacon of Hope: In a world marked by uncertainty and change, Philippians 1:6 stands as a beacon of hope. It assures us that our journey of faith is not a solitary endeavor but a collaborative work between us and a faithful God.
Freedom from Perfectionism: The verse liberates us from the chains of perfectionism. It's not about achieving a flawless state in our own strength; it's about yielding to the transformative work of a God who is committed to completing what He starts.
Relevance for Today:
Comfort in Challenges: In times of challenges and struggles, Philippians 1:6 provides comfort. It reminds us that our transformation is not contingent on our perfection but on the faithfulness of a God who remains steadfast through every trial.
Motivation for Growth: The verse serves as a motivation for intentional growth. Instead of being paralyzed by the fear of failure, it encourages us to actively engage in the process of transformation, trusting that God is at work.
Cross-References:
1 Thessalonians 5:24: "He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it." The parallel theme of God's faithfulness in completing the work echoes in this verse, reinforcing the idea that the One who calls is faithful to bring it to fruition.
Jude 1:24: "Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling and to present them faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy." This verse aligns with the concept of God's ability to keep and present believers faultless, emphasizing His role in the process.
In Our Faith Journey: Philippians 1:6 invites us to walk with confidence in the midst of uncertainty. It calls us to embrace the ongoing work of God in our lives, to yield to His shaping hands, and to trust that the masterpiece He is creating in us will be unveiled in its full glory on the day of Jesus Christ.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible