A Work in Progress

by David Gibson

"And I am sure of this," Paul wrote, "that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

If we belong to Christ and grow in him, each of us is a work in progress. God is currently at work transforming us into the image of his Son. He is enabling us to overcome this world and enjoy the next. He is shaping us for glory. This process involves exchanging our sinful attitudes and habits for qualities in harmony with the Spirit (Romans 8:5-13; Galatians 5:19-23; II Peter 1:4-11).

Paul Had Grown

When Paul wrote the Philippians, think about the tremendous changes he had undergone. He now exalts Jesus, whose followers he had previously persecuted (Philippians 3:6-11). Before his conversion, he would never have addressed Gentiles as "my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown . . ." (Philippians 4:1). He no longer tries to attain "a righteousness of my own that comes from the law," but rather "that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith" (Philippians 3:9).

The Philippians Had Grown

The Philippians also made great progress in overcoming their pagan past as they learned to live for others instead of themselves. They had assisted Paul financially (Philippians 4:10-20). Along with other Macedonian Christians, they had given generously to their Jewish brethren in need (Romans 15:26-27; II Corinthians 8:1-5). Their good works resulted from the good work God had been doing in them.

What God Starts, He Finishes!

God promises to complete the good work he began in us (Philippians 1:6). Unlike us, God always finishes what he begins.

• Can you imagine God’s losing interest midway through Creation Week, leaving the universe only half completed?
• Can you envision that after predicting through the prophets that the Messiah would come, God would then fail to send him?
• Can you conceive of Jesus promising to build his church but at the last moment deciding that the church was not worth dying for?

Unthinkable! Unimaginable!

It is just as inconceivable that God would begin a good work in us and not bring it to completion.