A good work that will carry on until Christ returns.

I have clung to this truth since I choose to follow Jesus and throughout my ministry. It stems from a single verse that has made all the difference in my life.

This verse is found in the New Testament and has guided me through many big decisions and challenges. This verse is packaged in an amazing encouragement that Paul offers for the Church of Philippi.

^“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)

There’s power in these words! Paul is writing to the Church of Philippi, who from reading the entire book, we realize has a few problems. Yet, instead of dealing with their issues, he starts with this amazing encouragement.

Why doesn’t he just hammer them right away? He loves them. He loves the Church. He wants them to grow out of their struggles and thrive.

Paul’s leadership is evident in this passage.

First, he thanks God when he remembers them. (1:3) I don’t know about you, but when I reflect on my life and ministry, the church wasn’t always kind. We’ve all had experiences with the church where we would seriously struggle thanking “God every time” we remembered them.

And yet, Paul shows us that we should. And he doesn’t stop there! Look at the next verse.

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,” (1:4-5).

As we consider these words, think about all the Believers that we might disagree with, or ongoing denominational discord amongst various churches. Perhaps consider the devices of preference and practice that rule our thoughts.

Paul shows us that instead, we should just be joyful that we have “partnership in the gospel“. And we should be praying for them.

Easier said than done.

I know what you’re thinking. At least some of you have been reading this and have been reminded of the church folk who have caused you frustration over the years. Perhaps, you’re thinking of that one church that always seems to rock the boat?

You’re likely asking the same question that we’ve all asked. “How can I pray with joy for these people?“

Don’t give up so quickly. Remember that verse five ends with a comma. And that comma leads us to our key verse and the most important truth in this passage. This verse gives us the how.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (1:6)

You see, whenever we feel like we can’t deal with those members of the body who drive us crazy, we can lean into Paul’s instruction Philippians 1:6. Despite all the troubles that the Church of Philippi was having, Paul, could be “confident” because Christ “began a good work” in them, and “will carry it on to completion.“

This still applies today.

We can be “confident” in all those Believers, and local churches that cause us strife. It might not always be easy, but we can focus on the fact that they are partners in the Gospel. We can trust that God “began a good work” in them and that He “will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.“

Remember this also works on a personal level. And this is why Philippians 1:6 has become the verse I cling to the most in life. You see, I have had some huge failures in life because of my sin, and the choices I’ve made. I’ve also had some tough trials that almost broke me. Perhaps you can relate?

In those moments when life was at its worst, and I felt like the world was closing in on me, this verse has been an anchor.

Be confident.

God has led me back to this verse time, and time again. I have repeatedly been convinced that my confidence should remain in “He who began a good work” in me and that He “will carry it on to completion.“

The same is true for you. This verse can be a consistent reminder to focus on God’s sovereign hand directing your life and guiding you. Even as you struggle with sin, and the sin of others, He is with you, and His goal is for your completion in Christ!