And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. [Philippians 1.6]
This verse comes after Paul is declaring his thanksgiving about the people of Philippi being his partners in spreading the Gospel.
But what does the is verse really say? Does it have any contemporary application for modern believers? Is it really a verse that can be memorized, quoted, and held to by Christians?
I think the verse is in fact timeless in its statement! Likewise I believe it does have contemporary application and therefore should be memorized, quoted, and held to by Christians!
Furthermore, I firmly believe that I should believe this verse's contemporary application in my life right now - today - in my very current circumstances! I believe that, regardless of what I see around me at this very moment, God is at work to finish what He has begun in me.
And what has God begun in His followers (including me)? To be part of His Body, the Church, and as such to "...display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places" [Ephesians 3.10 - see 12/7/14 post]
Yes, I am to join with the Body of Christ to display the very Wisdom of God - not to the world, but to the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places! Back on the November 30 OYCB reading Paul wrote this explanation to the Corinthians: "We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient." [2 Corinthians 10.3-6]
Plainly put, we are engaged in war, not with people, but in the realm of the spirit for people! And our weapons for engaging in this war are not physical armor, but instead spiritual armor! Once again, just a couple days ago, we read Paul's explanation of this to the Church in Ephesus: "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." [Ephesians 6.10-18]
It all makes perfect sense. This IS God's work in you and me!
Father, thank You for Paul's letters that consistently reveal our role as believers! Help us to engage in the war at hand in Your power and might and WISDOM!
Yes, I am to join with the Body of Christ to display the very Wisdom of God - not to the world, but to the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places! Back on the November 30 OYCB reading Paul wrote this explanation to the Corinthians: "We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient." [2 Corinthians 10.3-6]
Plainly put, we are engaged in war, not with people, but in the realm of the spirit for people! And our weapons for engaging in this war are not physical armor, but instead spiritual armor! Once again, just a couple days ago, we read Paul's explanation of this to the Church in Ephesus: "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." [Ephesians 6.10-18]
It all makes perfect sense. This IS God's work in you and me!
Father, thank You for Paul's letters that consistently reveal our role as believers! Help us to engage in the war at hand in Your power and might and WISDOM!
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