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I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. -Philippians 1:6 AMP

This verse, written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, is packed with meaning, encouragement, and assurance for every believer. It speaks to God’s ongoing work in our lives, His faithfulness, and the certainty of our transformation. No matter what you are struggling with, Philippians 1:6 is a reminder that God is not done writing our story. There is more to be completed.

1. GOD IS THE ONE WHO BEGINS THE WORK

The verse starts with a declaration that God is the one who begins the good work in us. Salvation is not something we achieve by our own merit or efforts but it is a gift from God. Before we even had enough sense to seek Him, He was already bringing us closer to Him. We should be able to find comfort in that because that means we are not dependent on ourselves but we are dependent on God.

When we accept Christ, God begins a transformative process in us. This "good work" refers to our sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of growth, refinement, and spiritual maturity.

2. CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Paul says he is "confident" that God will complete what He has started. This confidence is not based on human ability but on God’s unwavering faithfulness. Unlike us, who often start thing and put them down, God is faithful to complete what He has started.

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of God’s faithfulness: Abraham, who was called by God and, despite many obstacles, saw the fulfillment of God’s promises. Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, and even though there were setbacks, God remained faithful in leading His people to the Promised Land. David, who was anointed as king a long time before he actually took the throne, yet God was faithful to His promise.

If God was faithful to complete His work in them, He will be faithful to complete His work in us. No matter how far we feel from our purpose, God’s hand is still on our lives.

3. THE PROCESS OF COMPLETION

The phrase "will complete it" implies that this is an ongoing process. Spiritual growth is not an immediate process. There are many seasons, both good and bad, but God is always at work. There are time in which we may feel stuck or stagnant but this verse gives us the assurance that God is still moving even when we are unable to see Him moving.

Consider the ways that God works. He works through trials and tribulations which allows us to mature spiritually. He works through the Holy Spirit which convicts, leads, and empowers us to live according to the will of God. He works through His Word which is our Guide as the truth of God.

Even when we fall short, God’s grace sustains us. The key is to remain yielded to Him, trusting that He is working in us for His glory.

4. UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST

The final part of Philippians 1:6 tells us that God will continue His work "until the day of Jesus Christ." This phrase refers to the return of Christ when all things will be made complete. Until that day, we are in a lifelong process of transformation, maturation, and completion. But the ultimate completion of God’s work will be when we stand before Him.

This gives us hope and perspective. The struggles we deal with now are only for a season. One day we will see the fulfillment and fullness of what God has been doing in us and in our life. 1 John 3:2 says, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

APPLICATION

1. Trust God’s Timing: We often want instant results, but spiritual growth takes time. Trust that God’s timing is perfect. Trust the process.

2. Stay Committed: Keep seeking Him through prayer, studying His Word, and walking in faith, even when we don’t see the progress.

3. Rest in His Grace: When we feel discouraged, inadequate, or unworthy, remember that God’s work in us is not dependent on anything we can do or our perfection but it is His grace.

GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH US

Philippians 1:6 is a verse of hope, confidence, and assurance. It reminds us that God started a good work in us, and He will bring it to completion. No matter what challenges, setbacks, or failures we face, God’s faithfulness remains. He is shaping us, refining us, and preparing us for His purposes.

If you feel discouraged in your spiritual journey, hold onto this truth…..God is still working. He will not abandon you, and He will complete what He started in you. Keep trusting, keep walking, and keep believing.