“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
The book of Philippians is the book that follows after the book of Galatians. In Galatians, Apostle Paul teaches about the freedom that has been granted to the Christians, the freedom from the sinners through the blood of Christ. Philippians is the book given to those who already found true joy in the freedom that God has given us. Paul’s emphasis is on the “freedom” from the sin and “joy” in our lives. The book of Philippians not only teaches us about maintaining peace and joy but also the good impact that those freed should have in the world, around them.
In verses 3 and 4, Paul says, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” He says that he always remembered them and prayed for them with joy and gratitude. Where is he writing this letter to Philippians? In the prison. In the consecutive verses 5-6, he reveals the source that he can be joyful of. It is Philippian believers’ dedication to the Gospel and the confidence in Christ who will accomplish everything he has begun. It is the hope in the future, hope for the Kingdom of God.
Then how is he able to have the hope that is yet to completed and invisible in the present? Paul (assumingly) expressed, “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Through faith as the channel to see the things that are in the future, he brought hope to the present day.
You may be in a difficult situation, may be going through a rocky path or may have already stumbled and fallen to the ground, then remember, “Who began the work you are doing?” Did you begin on your own? By no means! It was, still is, and will be God. God made you go on the path that you are carrying on and it’s Him who allowed you the hardships and sufferings you are facing. There indeed in the One who started the good work. And He called you to that place. Don’t be afraid in the midst of suffering, instead, have hope in God and enjoy the suffering. Though it may sound irresponsible, it is the absolute truth that God promised us that He would not abandon us as orphans. God uses even suffering as the process to lead us to the glory.
Rene Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” Through human reasoning, think of the past of what God has done for you. This is a privilege that only human beings can enjoy and were given.
In Romans 8:30, Apostle Paul fully discloses the secret of the predestination of God. In this aspect toward life, our life is made beautiful. The good shepherd, with his perfect guidance, is ultimately leading us to eternal life, to the glorification. This is, the predestination faith. Faith and hope must always go in pairs.
“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.”
What is your beginning point? Remembering the beginning is remembering the grace. We have begun by the complete grace of God. And He who began and was with you in the past, is walking along with you in the present, furthermore will guide you to the completion of the good work that He has commissioned you. Therefore, remain joyful in the grace of our Lord Jesus.