Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of May 1, 2022

Weekly reading: Philippians 1; Exodus 25-28; Psalm 111-112
passages referenced: Acts 16:13; Philippians 1:6

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6, NASB

I believe Paul had a special place in his heart for the new and growing church in the city of Philippi. In Acts 16:13, we are introduced to its beginning. “On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate to the side of the river, where we thought there would be a place of prayer, and we sat down and began to speak to women who had assembled there.” While he was in prison in Rome, Paul wrote to the church that grew out of that first meeting, and today we continue to be encouraged through this letter to the Philippians.

When we read this book, we see Paul in a different light than in other letters. For example, in Galatians, we see “Paul the Warrior,” but in Philippians, we see “Paul the Optimist.” Paul is never more upbeat, never more joyful than he is in the Book of Philippians.

When we read Philippians 1:6, we see a statement of great confidence in the Philippian Christians. While salvation from the penalty of sin happens at the moment a person accepts Christ, the process of becoming more Christlike is exactly that: a process. Paul, the optimist, is confident that this “sanctification” will continue in the lives of these believers. This assurance is grounded in the work of Jesus Christ. In other words, because of his confidence in Jesus Christ, Paul has no doubts about the Philippians’ salvation and their faithful service to Christ.

Personally, I am encouraged and excited by Paul’s confidence. It reminds me that even though I mess up, make mistakes, and struggle in my walk with the Lord, I am a “work-in-process.” God has started a good work in me. He’s not completed it yet, but He’s started it. And the good news is that He hasn’t given up on me. He hasn’t been frustrated with me messing up time and time again. He’s not decided I’m not worth the effort. No, instead, He’s with me every step of the way. My part is to continue to mature and strengthen my relationship with Christ as He does only what He can do.

I must admit, when I read this passage, I have been a little self-focused, thinking primarily of my own personal growth. After all, I need encouragement to keep moving forward in my walk with Him. However, I see another viewpoint. Do I have the “confidence” that God is working in the lives of other believers, that He is able to complete the good work He began in them? Like God does with me, do I extend grace to them when they miss the mark? Do I make allowance for their imperfections? That’s something for me to think about.

No matter where this week finds you, as you trust in God, you can find encouragement in Philippians 1:6. – EJ Underwood

Here are some additional verses you can look up this week for encouragement:
Romans 5:10; 8:28, 31
Ephesians 2:4-5, 10
Philippians 2:13
Hebrews 13:20-21
1 Peter 1:3; 5:7
Psalm 71:5
Isaiah 50:4 (NLT)
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)