God is Faithful

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Scripture: Philippians 1:6 (NRSV)

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.

Devotion:

            Paul the writer of this letter is expressing his belief that God would be faithful to the members of the church at Philippi. What is the “good work” that the members of this church had started? It is likely that he was referring to their being made increasingly into the image of their lord Jesus Christ. Our God will always finish what he starts. The beginning is our salvation. The ending is not until that glorious day when Christ returns for his church.

            Just as these words were addressed to the ancient church at Philippi so we can appropriate them for our own church context. No church can exist apart from God’s direct instigation and provision. God helps each church and each individual member of the church to grow into Christlikeness. This is God’s promise to us as believers. That he will never leave us or forsake us because his love for us is so deep. Because God’s love for us is so deep we can love each other deeply. If we have this deep love for God and our fellow pilgrims in the church, then we can be assured of God’s care and provision for us.

            Let us encourage one another to abide in this love. As our culture turns away from God help us to be steadfast in our love for God. We must always lift each other up in prayer and be willing to sacrifice our own comfort for a brother or sister in need. God honors such love for our fellow believers. God will guide us and if necessary, carry us to the finish line. The One who calls us will certainly sustain us until our death or until the Day of the Lord. Let us pray for God’s love to be seen in us as we live our daily lives.

Prayer:

            O Holy Lord, thank you for beginning your saving work within us as individuals and as a church body. Lord help us be about your kingdom work until our life is over, or until you return. We ask you to bring your work to full flourishing in our lives. May the world see us and marvel at our love given freely to others as we live for you in the world. Grant us pure hearts devoted to bringing your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

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