Friday, March 2, 2012

Certainty

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 1:6

This is a verse which broadcasts Paul's understanding of Christian dependence and which also highlights the incredible hope he had for the Philippian believers. Paul knew something that many of us miss - that our faith journey and our progress in becoming more like Christ (sanctification) are works of God. While we certainly have the responsibility to believe and to strive for holiness, unless God is at work, any attempt on our part will be futile. Therefore, when we are struggling with our beliefs or when we are feeling crushed by our addiction to a particular sin, perhaps the best place to begin is on our knees in front of the God who works in us.
Furthermore, Paul was also filled with hope - not merely "wishful thinking" hope but certain or confident hope. He knew and trusted that the God who had started working in them was going to finish His task. Their salvation would be realized.
May we learn to lean on God for our progress in the Christian faith, and may the Spirit fill us with confidence that we are in good hands - hands that will complete the task He has begun.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Partnership

because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Philippians 1:5

Paul, the greatest missionary the world has ever known, himself knew the value of partnership. The Philippian Christians were an incredible blessing to him and his ministry. I imagine that many prayers were offered on behalf of Paul and that words of encouragement from Phillipi touched his heart. And we know that this church offered financial gifts to aid him in his ministry.
May God protect us from an "island" mentality - believing that we stand alone and can do all things without the help of others. May God build into us an appreciation for the body of Christ and all its gifts - working as one towards a common goal.