The One Who Began a Good Work (Philippians 1:6)
Philippians 1:6 – “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”
Introduction
When Paul writes to the Philippians, he speaks with both deep affection and unshakable confidence. As he opens his letter, he reminds the Philippians of something powerful and foundational: the certainty that God is at work in their lives and that the Lord's work will be brought to completion.
“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” This verse, nestled in the beginning of Philippians, holds a message that every believer needs to hear—especially in moments of doubt or difficulty. It reminds us that God is not only the initiator of our faith but the One who ensures its fulfillment.
The phrase “good work” encompasses everything God is doing in us and through us, and it carries an assurance that no matter how incomplete things may seem at times, God will finish what was started.
Philippians 1:6 Meaning and Commentary
“I am confident of this…”
The first words of this verse immediately capture our attention. Paul is not tentative or unsure. He doesn’t say, “I hope this will happen” or “It might be true.” No, Paul is confident. This is not a blind or reckless confidence; it’s rooted in his experience with God and in the steadfast promises of Scripture. He has seen God’s faithfulness in his own life and the lives of others. This confidence doesn’t come from Paul’s own strength or ability but from the character and faithfulness of God.
In our own lives, we often struggle with doubt. We may look at the state of our lives, our spiritual journeys, or even the state of the church and wonder, “Is God really at work here?” Paul’s unwavering confidence encourages us to look beyond our circumstances and trust in God’s commitment to his people. When we struggle with the messiness of life, the failures we encounter, or the incomplete pieces of our stories, this verse offers a firm foundation to stand on. We don’t have to be confident in ourselves—our confidence is in the One who began the good work.
“That the one who began a good work among you…”
Paul is clear about who is doing the work: the one—God. It is God who begins the work, and it is God who will complete it. This eliminates any notion that we can somehow earn or complete the work ourselves. The good work that Paul speaks of is not a human endeavor. It’s a divine initiative. The work God starts in us is God's work from beginning to end, and it is built on the foundation of grace.
The phrase “a good work” refers to all that God is doing in the lives of God's people. In context, Paul is writing to a church that is growing in their faith, their fellowship, and their partnership in the gospel. This good work includes the transformation that takes place in the hearts of believers, the deepening of relationships with Christ, and the spreading of the good news to others.
When we reflect on our own lives, we can recognize that God is doing a work in us. We don’t always see it, especially when we face setbacks or difficulties. But this verse invites us to trust that God’s good work is ongoing, even when it’s hard to see. Our growth in Christ is a process. It’s messy. It doesn’t always happen in a straight line. But God is faithful, and He is always at work, shaping us into the image of His Son.
“Will bring it to completion…”
Here’s the promise that gives us hope in the midst of the process: God will bring the work to completion. There is a certainty to this statement. It’s not up to us to finish the work—God will do it. This verse speaks to the unshakable truth that God is committed to completing what was started in us.
This is an important reminder, especially when we look at our own spiritual journeys. Often, it feels like we’re not where we should be. We still struggle with sin, doubt, or distractions. We get tired, we get discouraged, and sometimes we wonder if the transformation God has started in us will ever be completed. But this verse reassures us that God’s work is not temporary; it’s not a work that will be abandoned or left incomplete. God will finish what was started.
It’s helpful to remember that God sees the bigger picture. We’re often focused on the day-to-day struggles or the incomplete chapters of our stories. But God sees the end result—the full picture of who we are becoming. While we may feel unfinished or discouraged, God is moving us toward completion, toward a time when we will stand before our Creator and Redeemer, fully transformed and made whole.
“By the day of Jesus Christ.”
This phrase marks the end point of God’s work in us. The “day of Jesus Christ” refers to the return of Christ and the final culmination of God’s redemptive work. It’s the day when Jesus will return in glory, and God will complete the work of salvation. This is the moment when our transformation will be made complete, when we will be fully conformed to the image of Christ.
This phrase reminds us that the work God is doing in us is not just about our current lives—it’s about our future hope. The good work God began in us will not be fully realized until the return of Christ. Until that day, we will continue to grow, to change, and to be shaped by God’s grace. But there will come a day when we will be fully perfected, free from sin, and fully united with Christ.
Living with Confidence in God’s Work
Paul’s confidence in God’s ability to complete the good work that was started in the Philippians is a confidence we can share. But how do we live in light of this truth? How does this verse shape our daily lives and the way we view our spiritual journeys?
Trusting the Process: One of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life is patience. We want to see immediate results. We want to be better today than we were yesterday. But the truth is, transformation is a slow and steady process. Walking and living with the Lord is walking in a kingdom of gracious tomorrow. Paul’s confidence in God’s work encourages us to trust in the process. Even when we don’t see immediate progress, we can trust that God is at work in us.
Embracing Our Imperfections: This verse also invites us to embrace the fact that we are works in progress. We won’t be perfect today, tomorrow, or even in the next year. But God isn’t done with us yet. We can take comfort in knowing that our imperfections don’t define us. God is at work, shaping us, molding us, and making us more like Christ every day.
Hope for the Future: Finally, this verse reminds us that our hope is not in our current state but in the future work of God. We may not be where we want to be spiritually today, but we can look forward with hope to the day when we will be made complete in Christ. This hope motivates us to press on, to continue striving for growth, and to rest in the certainty that God will finish His work in us.
Philippians 1:6 Meaning for Today
For us today, Philippians 1:6 offers a powerful reminder: God is at work in us, and will complete the good work. Whether we’re struggling with doubt, feeling like we’re not growing fast enough, or wondering if God is really doing anything in our lives, this verse speaks directly to our hearts.
It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t see immediate results. But we are called to trust that God’s work is ongoing. God is faithful!
And when we look to the future, we can have hope. The work of God in us will one day be fully realized when we see Christ face to face. That’s when our transformation will be complete, and we will be made whole.
Conclusion
“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” This verse is a promise—a promise that God is not finished with us. No matter where we are on our journey, God is at work, and will bring His good work in us to completion.
