He which hath begun a good work in you • Deshen Daily

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6, KJV)

The Apostle Paul reminds us that the God who began a good work in us will complete it. What good work did Paul have in mind? How did God begin that work, and how will He finish it?

In verse 5, Paul said, “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” (Philippians 1:5 KJV). It all began on that first day when Paul brought the Gospel to the city of Philippi. Paul remembers well how it all started in Philippi: they preached the Gospel, were thrown in jail and sang earth-shaking praises to God (Acts 16:22-30).

The good work that began that day was the work of salvation—the new birth, conversion. And God will complete this work on the day of Jesus Christ. So, Paul sees our salvation as a process: God begins it at the new birth and will complete it on the day of Jesus Christ. However, he does not describe any events between the beginning and the completion.

In describing salvation as a process, he reminds us to be confident in God’s faithfulness. The God who began the good work in us will complete it. And that same God will take care of the in-between period. We can rest in the faithfulness of the Lord. Besides, He is faithful to handle the beginning and completion of salvation and can deal with the practical problems now.

Meditate

What is the meaning of “the day of Jesus Christ”? Read recent translations to get an idea of what Paul had in mind.

Apply the Word

Ever felt as though you might not make it to the finish line? Remember that as you started in faith, trusting in God to save you, so shall you live now and complete your walk entirely relying on Him. Be confident in this very thing.