… 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.
Summary: God has started a “good work” in everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
If you were wondering why Paul prayed “with joy” every time he prayed for the Philippians, now we know!
Let’s look at the whole passage again:
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.”
Paul’s joy is because he has confidence that God will complete the work of salvation he has started in the Philippians.
Why is he confident this will happen?
Because of their “partnership in the gospel.”
Remember that the word “partnership” is translated from the Greek word “koinōnia.” Koinōnia has several meanings. Its main meaning is “partnership” (Strong’s G2842), but it also means communication, communion, and fellowship.
Paul’s confidence in their salvation is because he can see how God is working in them.
The Philippians can communicate the Gospel with others because they know the one doing the “good work” in them. They can live the Gospel because they are fellowshipping and communing with Jesus.
Are you confident that Jesus will complete the work that has been started in you? You can be! The Bible tells us that “… in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
God never quits (Deuteronomy 31:6).
He wants us to be like the Philippians, in partnership in the Gospel. He wants us to koinōnia, not only to partner in the Gospel, but communicate it, be in communion with it, and fellowship with God and believers.
Jesus wants us to trust him, and he wants us to be in partnership in his work. He says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
Application: Carry on in the tradition of the Philippians.
Food for Thought: What exactly is the “good work” that God is doing in us?
What exactly is the “good work” that God is doing in us?
Revealing God to all He brings into our sphere of influence as we proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We serve God as we submit to His will over our own, allowing Him to speak and demonstrate His perfect and holy will for the salvation of all mankind.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20
Thank you, Ron!
I love the verses you picked! We receive power, and gifts and Light to share with the world! Wow!!
Great devotion brother. And good comments as usual by R2T2.
Part of the good work He is doing is transforming us into the image of His Son with ever increasing glory. Philippians 1: 6 always reminds me of 2 Corinthians 3: 18: And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate a the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Romans 12: 2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Thank you, Rich!!
Great point! We are being transformed and made new. Just like the caterpillar turning into a butterfly! 🙂
What exactly is the “good work” that God is doing in us?
By God’s grace, and through Christ, He provides us redemption and restoration to Him, and continues to make us more into the image of Christ. We become a new creation as Christ lives within us, and redeems our lives from sin. Christ increases within us as we decrease (our self-centered, sinful nature). As Christ increases in us, the light of truth and love is evident, both in word and deed, leading others to Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Romans 6:13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
Romans 6:19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Chris!
You mention two of the most important gifts we can receive: Redemption and restoration. God’s willingness to forgive and love us in spite of what we have done or who we have been in the past is nothing short of miraculous.