Scripture:
Philippians 1:3-11 ESV
[3] I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, [4] always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. [6] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ. [7] It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. [8] For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. [9] And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, [10] so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Observation:
I absolutely love the way Paul writes. What an amazing man. I believe his words are inspired by the Holy Spirit. The first part of my reading started in Proverbs this morning, where I got a better understanding of what a godly wife looks like. Given my current situation. I felt unqualified to write on that, so I turned to Philippians and found this. Paul is writing to a group of people who hold a special place in his heart. Making sure they know that the help they have given him is greatly appreciated. By assisting him, they have, in fact, spread the gospel themselves. Becoming partners in the great commission. But the work was not over yet, and Paul wanted to make sure that they knew Jesus was not finished, and HE would not leave them the way HE found them. As Paul was sitting in prison, he knew that GOD was not done. HIS plan was perfect and would be completed no matter what. Paul rested on the fact that GOD was in control. He knew the tge work HE started in him would not go unfinished, and the work that was started in the Philippine church would be completed as well. They may have to wait until Jesus comes back, but the perfecting of their faith will happen. Paul’s life would be a part of that work. To see a man who started on his path by going to the high-level officials to get a letter saying he could do what he wants to those who believe in the Christ. Later, he gave his life for the same Jesus he was persecuting. Made a bold statement. I’m sure those watching could not ignore what the father had done. This act of complete submission to GOD’S plan had to confirm the gospel. As Paul was pouring out his life, he was also pouring into the Philippians. Teaching them what it means to follow Jesus, showing them how to trust that GOD is bigger than anything they are going through. Encouraging them to love harder. Not wanting them to stop pressing into Christ Jesus, bearing fruit that would confirm that the Holy Spirit was present in their lives. Experiencing the grace that calls them out of their sin.
Application:
GOD is not done yet. In 2016, I was praying to GOD for something very specific. A few months later, I thought I had received it. Turns out the enemy is good at producing counterfeits. You honestly don’t know how hard that was to type just now. But it seems to be true. So it had to be said. If something is from GOD, it will follow HIS word. If it contradicts HIS word in any way, you might pray and wait before you act. Can I tell you GOD hears your prayers? HE knows your heart, and HE wants your desires to line up with HIS will for your life. When they do, HE will release them to you. If it’s not good, HE is not done. HE is not going to leave you unfinished. HE is a master carpenter. As you may know, when you are building a house, things start out looking a little rough. First, you have to break ground. To prepare for the foundation. Once that is set, you can start the framing process. All that is very exciting. But where the concern is, is the finished work. Trim, cabinets paint, and so on. If that is not done and done right, the rest of it just looks unfinished. GOD’S plan for you is perfect. HIS trim package involves only the best. If it’s not good, then HE is not done. The sin that seems to want to find its way back into your life…He is not done… the way you think at times when things don’t seem to be going your way… HE is not done… HE is the author and perfecter of our faith. HE will complete it. Steadily calling you out of where you were into HIS marvelous light. Don’t give up on you. Press on HE will not leave you hanging.
Prayer:
Father, if we are reading this. You have started something in us. First and foremost, thank you for thinking enough about us to begin the work. You are so good to us. We also want to thank you for not giving up on us. You could stop at any time and be justified in doing so… but you don’t. You show us your grace and move us forward despite ourselves. How amazing is that? When everyone else gives up, you never will. You will make sure that we are who you made us to be. This does not mean that we do not have to participate. However, because we do, your grace is given so that we do not have to be a slave to the sin that so easily overtakes us. As you show it to us through the Holy Spirit, it can be removed steadily, moving us forward to the goal of being molded and shaped to look like Christ. We are the lump of clay. And you are the potter. Thank you for finishing the work you started. Even if we don’t see it, tell Jesus to come back. we know that on that day, we will be ready because you won’t stop the work. How amazing is your love? It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.