February 18th, 2025
by Tom Bragdon
by Tom Bragdon
God Finishes What He Starts
Philippians 1:1-6
Have you ever felt like you’re not where you should be in your faith? Maybe you’ve doubted if God is really working in your life. If so, you’re not alone. Many believers struggle with feelings of inadequacy, but Philippians 1:6 gives us a promise to hold onto: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
This verse reminds us that God is not finished with us yet. He is constantly working in our hearts, shaping us into the people He created us to be. No matter how far we have to go, we can trust that He will complete His work in us.
1. You Are a Servant and a Saint
In Philippians 1:1, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. He doesn’t boast about his position or accomplishments—he simply identifies as a servant. This is a great reminder that our purpose is to serve God and others with humility. At the same time, Paul calls believers saints, meaning we are set apart for God’s purposes. You don’t have to be perfect to be a saint—you simply need to belong to Jesus.
2. You Are Positioned for a Purpose
You are exactly where God wants you to be. Your job, your school, your family—none of it is by accident. Just as Paul was placed in Philippi to spread the gospel, you are positioned to make an impact in your community. Ask God how He wants to use you where you are today.
3. You Have Been Given Grace and Peace
Paul greets the Philippians with “grace and peace” (v.2). Grace is God’s undeserved favor, and peace is the result of being in a right relationship with Him. When life feels overwhelming, remember that God’s grace is sufficient and His peace is available to you.
4. You Can Have Joy in Jesus
Paul was writing from prison, yet his letter is filled with joy. Why? Because his joy wasn’t based on circumstances—it was based on Jesus. When you focus on Christ rather than your problems, you will find joy even in difficult times.
5. You Are a Partner in the Gospel
In verse 5, Paul thanks the Philippians for their partnership in sharing the gospel. As believers, we are called to work together to spread God’s love. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or action, we each have a role to play in God’s kingdom.
6. You Are a Work in Progress
Philippians 1:6 assures us that God will complete the work He started in us. We are all in process, and spiritual growth takes time. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks—God is still working in you. Just like a construction project, we may not look finished, but God is shaping us into something beautiful.
Final Thought
Imagine a construction sign that says, "End of construction. Thanks for your patience." That’s how our lives will be when we stand before Jesus—completely transformed. Until then, trust that God is still working. Keep growing, keep serving, and keep believing that He will finish what He started in you.
Have you ever felt like you’re not where you should be in your faith? Maybe you’ve doubted if God is really working in your life. If so, you’re not alone. Many believers struggle with feelings of inadequacy, but Philippians 1:6 gives us a promise to hold onto: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
This verse reminds us that God is not finished with us yet. He is constantly working in our hearts, shaping us into the people He created us to be. No matter how far we have to go, we can trust that He will complete His work in us.
1. You Are a Servant and a Saint
In Philippians 1:1, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. He doesn’t boast about his position or accomplishments—he simply identifies as a servant. This is a great reminder that our purpose is to serve God and others with humility. At the same time, Paul calls believers saints, meaning we are set apart for God’s purposes. You don’t have to be perfect to be a saint—you simply need to belong to Jesus.
2. You Are Positioned for a Purpose
You are exactly where God wants you to be. Your job, your school, your family—none of it is by accident. Just as Paul was placed in Philippi to spread the gospel, you are positioned to make an impact in your community. Ask God how He wants to use you where you are today.
3. You Have Been Given Grace and Peace
Paul greets the Philippians with “grace and peace” (v.2). Grace is God’s undeserved favor, and peace is the result of being in a right relationship with Him. When life feels overwhelming, remember that God’s grace is sufficient and His peace is available to you.
4. You Can Have Joy in Jesus
Paul was writing from prison, yet his letter is filled with joy. Why? Because his joy wasn’t based on circumstances—it was based on Jesus. When you focus on Christ rather than your problems, you will find joy even in difficult times.
5. You Are a Partner in the Gospel
In verse 5, Paul thanks the Philippians for their partnership in sharing the gospel. As believers, we are called to work together to spread God’s love. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or action, we each have a role to play in God’s kingdom.
6. You Are a Work in Progress
Philippians 1:6 assures us that God will complete the work He started in us. We are all in process, and spiritual growth takes time. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks—God is still working in you. Just like a construction project, we may not look finished, but God is shaping us into something beautiful.
Final Thought
Imagine a construction sign that says, "End of construction. Thanks for your patience." That’s how our lives will be when we stand before Jesus—completely transformed. Until then, trust that God is still working. Keep growing, keep serving, and keep believing that He will finish what He started in you.
-Tom Bragdon
This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 02/16/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.
Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.
This devotion came from a summary of the Morning Worship Sermon on 02/16/25, to watch the Full Sermon on this topic, simply follow the link below.
Disclaimer:
This devotion was created with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While every effort has been made to ensure the content aligns with biblical principles and spiritual values, readers are encouraged to consult scripture and seek personal guidance for their faith journey.
Tom Bragdon
Recent
Archive
Categories
no categories
No Comments