”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
Philippians 1:6New International Version (NIV)
Philippians 1:6 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
God will complete the good work He began in you on the day of Jesus Christ
In Philippians 1:6, Paul wrote that “he was sure that God would complete the good work He began in the Philippians on the day of Jesus Christ“. He, therefore, brought two (2) matters to the attention of the Philippians by this statement.
One, Paul informed the Philippians that God had begun a good work in them from the first day he ministered to them His gospel during his second missionary journey (Acts 15:36-16:40). He then added that the Philippians partnered with him in the gospel from the very first day (Philippians 1:3-5). And he told them that they were partakers with him of the grace in his imprisonment and defense and confirmation of the gospel (Philippians 1:7). No wonder when Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he testified of them, stating that “God had given the Philippians grace, consequently, they’d overflowed in a wealth of generosity amid severe test of affliction” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
That is, the Philippians were committed to the cause of the gospel, and actively shared in defending and confirming the same.
God is the beginner of good work in you.
Philippians 1:6 tells us that God is the beginner of a good work in you and me. That is, He initiates the process of producing good work. Because He is the source of the same.
Good work is not something you conjure up yourself. God, by His grace, and His love, sparks the change/transformation within you. When God’s minister ministered God’s gospel to you, and you received the word, that was the beginning of God’s good work.
God will complete the good work He began
But Philippians 1:6 didn’t stop there. In it, Paul went on to write that “God would complete the good work He began in the Philippians”.
Consequently, Paul gave the Philippians hope for their future and eternity. He intimated that God had not started something that He would leave unfinished. Because He was committed to His work and invested in them.
Similarly, God is invested in you because He’s committed to seeing His work through to completion. This is a promise for the long haul, to give you hope for the future. It is also a reminder that even when we stumble, even when we feel like we’re failing, God will still be working.
God the King and Creator
God, being our King and Creator, is like an artist producing a masterpiece painting, who will not just slap some paint on a canvas and call it done. But will paint the piece till the final image or vision, through a process involving layers of color and texture.
Moreover, God referred to Himself as the Potter, and His people as the clay (Jeremiah 18:6). Isaiah referred to Him as the Potter (Isaiah 64:8).
Therefore, the Lord God has our lives in his hands. He incorporates us in the beautiful work He is creating when we receive His word. And He’s committed to seeing it through, just as the verse concludes with the phrase “until the day of Jesus Christ.”
So, the concluding words of Philippians 1:6 point to the ultimate completion. That is the day when we stand before Him in all our fullness.
This is a reminder that our journey of growth and transformation is ongoing. We’re not perfect yet, and that’s okay. God’s work in us is a process, a continuous unfolding of His grace, and He will complete it.
Reflection
Where do you see God’s good work in your life? Take some time to reflect on the ways He’s changed/transformed you, the areas where you’ve grown, and the stirrings of His purpose within you.
Hold onto the promise of Philippians 1:6. God is not finished with you. He’s working, He’s faithful, and He will complete what He has begun.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord God, thank You for the assurance of Philippians 1:6. Thank You that You begin a good work in us and that You are faithful to complete it.
Help me to trust in Your process, even when I don’t and will not understand it. Give me the confidence to rest in your love, grace, and hope of Your finished work. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Romans 14-16 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
Call to Action
Share this blog post with someone who needs a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Because as a pastor, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people through all sorts of seasons of life. The highs and the lows, the moments of triumph and the struggles with doubt. And in every situation, Philippians 1:6 has been a guiding light.
The verse reminds me that God is at work, even when we can’t see it. It gives me confidence to encourage others, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient and His promises are true.
Leave a comment below and share where you see God at work in your life.
