God’s Work in You: Completion Promise
The Bible is full of verses that inspire and encourage us in all aspects of our journey. One such verse is found in Philippians 1:6, which reads:
“I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this gracious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (TPT, emphasis added)
This powerful verse reminds us that God is always at work in our lives, and He will continue to work in us until we reach completion (or perfection) in Christ. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this verse and how it can reassure and empower us on a daily basis.
Understanding the Context
Before we dive into the meaning of this verse, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. The book of Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome. The church in Philippi was one of the first churches Paul established in Europe, and he had a close relationship with the believers there.
In this letter, Paul expresses his love and gratitude for the Philippians and encourages them to stand firm in their faith despite facing persecution. He also shares his own struggles and encourages them to imitate his example of perseverance and trust in God, leaning upon God to empower that.
The Meaning of the Verse
Now, let’s take a closer look at the verse itself. The first part of the verse says, “And I am fully convinced of this.” This shows Paul’s confidence and assurance in what he is about to say. He is certain of the truth he is about to share with the Philippians. It also shows that Paul grappled with it, and, in doing so, was fully persuaded.
The next part of the verse says that He Who “began this gracious work in you”. This refers to God, Who is the one who began the good work in the believers in Philippi, all believers, and ultimately in all humanity. This good work can refer to their salvation, their spiritual growth, or the work of the Holy Spirit in any area of their lives.
The final part of the verse says, “will faithfully continue the process of maturing you until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!” This is a promise that God will continue to work in the believers’ lives until the day of Jesus Christ, which refers to the second coming of Christ. This means that God’s work in our lives is ongoing and will not be complete until we are with Him face to face in eternity.
The Significance of the Verse
This verse holds great significance for believers today. It reminds us that God is always at work in our lives, even when we may not see it or feel it. It is a reminder that our spiritual journey is a process and that God is continually shaping and molding us into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29-30).
This verse also gives us hope and assurance that God will bring His work in us to completion. We can trust that He will continue to work in us and guide us until the day of Jesus Christ. This promise can bring comfort and peace to those who may be struggling in their faith, with sinful ways of being, or facing difficult circumstances.
Application to Our Spiritual Walk
As believers, this verse should encourage us to continue to grow in faith and trust in God and His plan for our lives. It reminds us that our spiritual journey is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. We can continually seek God and allow Him to work in us and through us, remembering that we should not and do not have to do anything in our own strength, as if we are apart from God. We are NEVER alone (John 15:5, Phil 2:13).
This verse also challenges us to persevere in faith, just as Paul did. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, Paul remained steadfast in his trust in God. We too can stand firm in the faith that Christ has that we can partake of, empowered by Holy Spirit in us, and trust in Who God is and His good plans, even when we face trials and challenges (Matt. 11:28-29; Gal. 2:20, Phil 2:13).
Other Verses on God’s Work in Us
The Bible is full of verses that speak about God’s work in our lives. Here are a few more verses that complement Philippians 1:6 and further emphasize the idea of God’s ongoing work in us:
- Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This verse reminds us that we are God’s masterpiece, and He has a plan and purpose for our lives.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” This verse speaks about the ongoing transformation that takes place in our lives as we behold the glory of the Lord.
- Philippians 2:13 says, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” This verse reminds us that it is God who gives us the desire and ability to do His will and fulfill His purpose for our lives.
FAQs
How do you reconcile Philippians 1:6 and 1 Timothy 4:1?
When looking at Philippians 1:6 and 1 Timothy 4:1, it is important to consider the context in which these verses were written. In Philippians 1:6, the apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi, expressing his confidence that God, Who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. This verse speaks to the believer’s assurance in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and bring about growth in their spiritual journey.
On the other hand, in 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul warns Timothy about the coming apostasy and people departing from the faith and being deceived by demonic teachings. This verse highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the ongoing struggle against false teachings and deception within the church at that time. This deception was mostly gnosticism: denying that Christ came in the flesh, saying that the material realm is intrinsically evil (and hence that we are separated from God), a belief system that we still struggle with today. It serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant and grounded in the truth of God and His word rightly interpreted, amidst the challenges and temptations they may face.
While these two verses may seem contradictory at first glance, they actually complement each other in highlighting different aspects of the believer’s journey. Philippians 1:6 provides encouragement and confidence in God’s faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in us, while 1 Timothy 4:1 serves as a warning against the dangers of spiritual deception and the need to guard against falsehood. Together, they emphasize the importance of perseverance, discernment, and reliance on God’s strength in navigating the ups and downs of the Christian walk.
What are good works according to the Bible?
Good works, according to the Bible, are actions that align with God’s will and reflect His character (Love and Love’s fruit; 1 John 4:8,16; Gal. 5:22-23). They all stem out of loving as Christ loves (Matt. 22:26-29; John 13:34). These deeds are not done out of a desire for personal gain or recognition, but out of love and obedience to God’s commandment of Love. Examples of good works include acts of kindness, charity, and service to others. The Bible teaches that faith without works is dead, emphasizing the importance of putting one’s beliefs into action (James 2:17). Good works are not a means of earning salvation, but are a natural byproduct of a heart that is being transformed. That heart in us seeks to love, and hence, glorify God in all things. Put another way, good works demonstrate a commitment to following God’s commandment of Love that results in us serving others by loving them. This is what honors Him (Matt. 25:40).
What are some Bible verses that say God is good?
One of the most well-known Bible verses that declares God’s goodness is found in Psalm 34:8, which states, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” This powerful declaration emphasizes the sweetness of experiencing God’s goodness firsthand and highlights the blessings that come from seeking shelter and protection in Him.
Another verse that reflects God’s goodness is found in Nahum 1:7, which proclaims, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” This verse reassures believers that even in times of trouble, God remains a steadfast source of goodness and protection for those who place their trust in Him. This promise offers comfort and encouragement to those facing difficulties and challenges in their lives.
In addition, Lamentations 3:25 reminds us of God’s goodness and faithfulness, stating, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” This verse underscores the importance of placing our hope and trust in God, Who is always faithful to those who seek Him (and even to the ones who aren’t; 2 Tim. 2:13). It serves as a reminder that God’s goodness is always available and will become manifest (readily apparent) as we earnestly connect with Him and place our trust in Who He is.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Philippians 1:6 is a powerful reminder of God’s ongoing work in our lives. It encourages us to trust in Him and His plan and purpose for us and to persevere in our faith. As we continue to connect with God, Who is already one with us, and allow Him to work in us, we can have confidence that He will bring His work in us to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Let us hold onto this promise and continue to grow in our spiritual walk.
Significance for Our Daily Lives:
Philippians 1:6 offers practical implications for our daily Christian walk:
- Motivation to Seek God: Knowing God is actively working in us motivates us to earnestly seek Him through prayer, scripture study, and fellowship with other believers.
- Perseverance in Challenges: When faced with trials or difficulties, this verse reminds us that God’s work continues even amidst hardships. It empowers us to persevere with faith and trust in His ultimate plan.
- Confidence in Our Imperfections: The ongoing nature of God’s work assures us that we don’t need to be perfect. We can embrace the process of growth, trusting that God will use our flaws and weaknesses to refine us.
