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 WEB
The first half of Paul’s letter to the Philippians is an expression of appreciation for the believers in Philippi. The members had been generous in their support even when Paull was in prison. More to the point of the scripture we are considering today, the apostle is expressing his hope that the church will continue to grow, mature, and strengthen in their relationship to Christ.
The generosity and loyalty of believers in Christ is essential to any ministry. The hardships of ministers, church members as well as the suffering of those we intend to bring to the Lord are overcome by love and loyalty to the principles of God. The church has an important role to play and we, like Paul, are grateful for the generosity of those who devote their time and resources to accomplish the will of God on earth.
The Lord Is Faithful
The promise of this scripture about he who began a good work is profound. The Lord is faithful. When God begins a good work in anyone, he will bring his work to completion. This reveals our walk with God as a process of growth. We grow in understanding. Christians grow in spirit and also in relationship to God. Salvation from sin happens the moment a person accepts Christ. Becoming more and more like Christ happens over time.
The day of Jesus Christ is still to come, and we look forward to that blessed occasion when we are in his presence. Until then, we will study his word, do his work, and develop in the Holy Spirit. We live with the confidence that he who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your saving grace and for salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. Guide me in your way and increase my understanding as you help me develop in my relationship with you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Citizenship in Heaven
