Last week, I talked about a study that I got a little bit carried away with, and we talked about how (1) good work is something to praise God for, (2) it’s something to be joyful about, and (3) it’s centered around the gospel. If you haven’t seen that post yet, go check it out!
Today we’re going deeper into these verses in particular:
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. – Philippians 1:6-7
Have you ever felt discouraged that—no matter how much you tried—you never seemed to get any better? Sometimes my faith seems stagnant. It seems like I’ll never stop sinning the same sins. The flesh seems too strong, and living to the glory of God feels hopeless.
If you’ve ever felt this way, I hope these truths will be an encouragement to you.
#4: Good Work Will Be Completed in the Day of Christ
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:7
Beloved, your toil is not in vain. Christ is coming back, and all we’ve been working for will be complete. We will be whole and perfect, and we will meet the people we’ve shared the gospel with in heaven.
It’s easy to be discouraged when we see little progress in our lives. However, where we fail and fall short today, we have hope in the redemption that Christ promises for tomorrow.
#5: Good Work Partakes in Grace
Paul also describes these Philippian good-work-doers as “partakers of grace.”
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. – Philippians 1:6-7 (emphasis added)
That’s an interesting phrase, isn’t it? “Partake” is certainly not a word I use every day, but it literally means to take part in, eat, or drink up.
Take a long sip of grace, my friend. Did you know that Christ did the ultimate good work and took on the wrath of God so you wouldn’t have to? Do you know that He continues to do that good work in you?
You’re not alone in the struggle.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 4:15
Christ has been there. He knows. And He forgives.
So accept the mercy He freely offers to you. Drink up his forgiveness to the last drop. Eat grace and let it fuel you. It’s going to be a long journey, but God has given us everything we need to get through.
#6: Good Work Defends and Confirms the Gospel
Ok, let’s look at the two verses one more time, because otherwise we’ll just be studying individual words and forget the flow of what Paul is actually saying.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. – Philippians 1:6-7 (emphasis added)
I put certain words in bold to help you see how this all connects together.
Paul is right to feel that the good work in the Philippians will be completed because he holds them in his heart. Why? For they are fellow Christians and partakers of grace, both in being loyal to Paul despite his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
As you can see in this passage, partaking in grace, being loyal, and defending/confirming the gospel are all connected to the good works being done in the Philippians.
The Challenge
Good work is an ongoing process that will be completed in the day of Christ. In the meantime, our good works rely on the life-giving grace of Christ. We learn from the Philippians that good work has everything to do with the gospel, including the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
Here are your challenges for this week:
- Catch yourself if you are feeling discouraged about spiritual progress and reflect on God’s promises.
- Praise God for the work He is completing in you.
- Praise God for the grace He freely gives.
- Find some way to participate in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. Maybe an opportunity will come up in your life, or maybe you can support a missionary who is doing this work.
Comment to let me know if you accept the challenge, and stay tuned for our final post next week!
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