Confidence In God’s Work

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul had a deep joy in his heart for the Philippian believers. Throughout chapter 1, he tells them over and over again how he is in continuous thanks to God for them and how much he loves them. In this verse he wanted to remind them that God began a work in them and God would keep this work going if they only allow Him.

When Paul used the word “confident”, he chose a word that means that he was tranquilized with persuasion that God would perform this. He was completely confident that Paul had begun a good work in them and God was going to perform this work. Paul’s confidence was in the promises of God (God’s very Word itself). Paul was so completely convinced of God’s work and promises that he gave no thought to anything other than God accomplishing His work.

The same is true for us today. When God begins a work in our life, He will always stay true to His promises. Salvation is one of these promises. When God says that he saves a repentant soul that believes on Jesus, God will deliver that person to heaven at death. The same is true daily. When God begins a great work in us, He will always perform it. But, our obedience is the determining factor on whether or not God can continue to bless us and complete that work. We cannot continue to live in sin and think that God will bless us. God will come through if we allow Him, we just need willing obedience.

David said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it”, (Psalms 127:1a, NKJV). We need to make sure that we are involved in the paths and projects that the Lord Himself wants and approves. God’s promises are throughout scripture, so we need to search the scripture daily, in order to find what these promises are and obey them. But, we all have individual purposes, gifts, talents and opportunities. Seek God with all your heart and He will show you what you need to do individually – both daily and long term.

Always remember that God’s time table is usually different from ours. Always be willing to accept God’s plans for your life. If we get ahead of God then we are just as much in disobedience as if we openly walk away or disobey God. Ask God daily for understanding, willingness and a filling of His Spirit in order to always be ready to follow God and not our own ways.

Thoughts, comments, objections.



Daniel A. Smith