Text:     Philippians 1:6

By:        Emmanuel Adeoye

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Philippians 1:6 (NIV): “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 1:6-7: Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6 is a declaration of the apostle Paul’s confidence that God will complete the spiritual work

HE BEGINS IN BELIEVERS; A PROCESS REFERRED TO AS SANCTIFICATION.

This includes becoming more like Christ, a process that starts at salvation and continues until the “day of Jesus Christ” when He returns.

The exegesis centers on the assurance that God, not human effort alone, is the source and finisher of this work.

• The Assurance Of God’s Complete Work In Believers,
• The Initiating Role Of God In Salvation,
• The Importance Of Perseverance Through Trials,
• The Value Of Community And Mutual Support, And
• The Personal Nature Of God’s Work In Each Individual.

The verse also highlights

• The Importance Of Faith In God’s Faithfulness,
• That Sanctification Is An Ongoing Process, And
• That True Confidence Is Found In God, Not Circumstances.

Finally, It Teaches:

• The Need For Gratitude For God’s Continued Work And
• That Our Ultimate Glorification Is Guaranteed.

TRUE CONFIDENCE IS IN GOD

Confidence should not be based on outward appearances or temporary circumstances, but on God’s power to keep us. 

WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR GOD’S WORK

 We are to thank God for the benefits we receive through others, as it brings Him glory.

GRATITUDE IS FOR GOD’S POWER, NOT OUR OWN ACHIEVEMENT

Paul’s gratitude stems from God’s finished work, not his own efforts. 

GOD GUARANTEES THE COMPLETION OF HIS WORK

Paul’s confidence is rooted in the belief that God will finish what He started in believers.

SALVATION IS A WORK OF GOD’S CRAFTSMANSHIP

The “good work” begins with God’s initiative, as seen in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship”. 

GOD IS THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER

The verse aligns with the idea that God begins the process of faith and will also complete it. 

SANCTIFICATION IS AN ONGOING PROCESS

The “perfecting” of the good work is a process that continues until the day of Christ Jesus. 

PERSEVERANCE THROUGH SUFFERING

The verse provides comfort during difficult times, reminding us that God is at work even when we face hardship.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY AND MUTUAL SUPPORT

Believers who are fellow sufferers in the cause of Christ should be dear to one another. 

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN A CHANGING WORLD

In a world of uncertainty, God’s faithfulness is the constant Rock upon which we can build our lives. 

CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S POWER

Paul’s assurance is not based on the Philippians’ performance, but on God’s faithfulness and power to complete what He started. 

THE “GOOD WORK”

This refers to the work of salvation, justification, and the ongoing process of sanctification (becoming more like Christ) in a believer’s life. 

THE ROLE OF THE BELIEVER

While God is the ultimate completer, believers are encouraged to cooperate with His work by continuing in faith and spiritual growth, as seen in verses like Philippians 2:12-13. 

“THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST”

This refers to the final consummation of God’s work, which some interpret as the rapture, the end of the tribulation, or simply the moment believers meet Christ. 

IMPLICATIONS

The verse provides reassurance for believers, especially during difficult times, reminding them that their spiritual journey is a process of transformation completed by God from beginning to end.

CONCLUSION

HYMN 528 — “I Have Found a Friend in Jesus” [Charles William Fry]

Verse 1: I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me. He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.  The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see. All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole. In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll. He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. 

Verse 2 He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne; in temptation He’s my strong and mighty tower; I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn. From my heart, and now He keeps me by His power. Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore, through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal. He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. 

Verse 3 He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here, while I live by faith and do His blessed will; A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear, With His manna He my hungry soul shall fill. Then sweeping up to glory, to see His blessed face, Where rivers of delight shall ever roll. He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

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