Skip to main content

I am Certain of This

                 There are not many sure things in this world.  Invest your money and you could gain or lose.  Your favourite sports team may win or not.  Local weather says it is going to be sunny this weekend?  Better bring an umbrella just in case.  Most of life is defined by uncertainty.
                Therefore, it may come as a surprise that Paul says he knows a few facts that are unchanging:  “I am certain of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). 
                Note the word “he” at the start of the verse.  Paul is certain that God is at work within that church and those Christians.  Occasionally, I hear someone say, “God will not do anything for us.  It is up to us to study, learn and be obedient”.  While I agree that God will not force anything on us, I completely disagree with the notion that he is doing nothing.  Never, in the recorded history of God and his people, are we told that God ever left his people on their own, so why would he start now?  Even more strange, the same people who say God does nothing, are quite eager to urge against the influence of Satan in the lives of God’s people.  If we believe Satan is at work in and around us, we better be certain that God is too!  (Hebrews 13:20-21)
                I also like the words “began” and “completion”, because they remind us that spiritual growth is a process.  Faith is less like a one-time inoculation and more like on-going dialysis. 
                Lastly, I like that God’s work is defined by the work “good”.  Ultimately, that good work is a reference to our eternal salvation.  However, do not discount the idea that God is working goodness into our lives right now.  Even our trials can be to our benefit (See Romans 5:1-5).
                In a world of uncertainty, Paul is certain that God is at work, constantly shaping his people into something good.  I am not sure what you are up against right now, but I hope that you find that certainty too.
                After all, being sure of what we hope for and confident about what we do not yet see is the very definition of faith! (Hebrews 11:1)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Article: Thanksgiving in Real Time

                    Thanksgiving weekend means that many of us will spend time together with family and friends, eat a lot of food and think about what we are thankful for in our lives.   Unfortunately, after that, most will go back to their normal routines and leave thankfulness behind.                   What would happen if thanksgiving were part of our everyday life, rather than something we focused on a few times per year?   Where would we even start?                 According to Philippians 1:18-26, the apostle Paul remained joyful and thankful, even while imprisoned for his faith, by holding on to three important practic...
Post a Comment
Read more

Darkness to Light (Colossians 1:9-14)

 Our transition from lost to found is a gift of God. It is because of God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice.  However, our growth in that new life is at least partially our responsibility. So, what needs evaluation?  Where should this growth begin? What does it look like to walk in the light? Colossians 1 highlights three starting spots.  https://youtu.be/1nWWWj4awh8  
Post a Comment
Read more

Do You See the Angel?

          In the gospels, the story of Jesus’ birth is preceded by the prediction of the birth of “John the Baptist”.              John’s father, Zechariah, was a priest at the temple in Jerusalem.   One day, while he was burning incense to God, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John” (Luke 1:13).               This was surprising news to Zechariah and so he asks, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years” (verse 18).   That is a logical question, right?   I mean, he is asking for a sign so that he can believe something that seems quite unbelievable.   Who would fault him for that?        ...
Post a Comment
Read more