‘He Who Began a Good Work in You’ Meaning
April 2023
Alberta Vadnais
I love finding ways to feel God in my day, whether I’m going to work or cooking dinner. I make sure I’m connected to Him by listening to Bible stories, sermons, praying, and singing praise songs. All the apps I test are introduced into my everyday life so that I can feel their usability on a daily basis.
The Christian journey is laced with trials, temptations, and uncomfortable situations that we often don’t seem to understand. If you will be honest enough, you would have at one point in your Christian journey asked, ‘Why me?’, ‘Why do I have to go through this, Lord?’
These are the times when what can be seen is in complete contrast to the promises made by God in the Bible. Truth is, God is continually working in every believer with the sole aim of conforming them to the very image of Christ. Every blessing, trial, temptation, and victory is to bring us closer to Him and shape us till we become like His Son – Christ. It is for His good work. And He won’t give up until Jesus comes again.
That is why the Bible in Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
This article will thoroughly explain all you need to understand about the “good work of God” and what it means to you as a Christian in the 21st Century.
Biblical Context of Philippians 1
The book of Philippians is a letter written by Apostle Paul to the people of Philippi. He began his letter to the Christians in Philippi by noting that he often praised God for them because of their cooperation and partnership in proclaiming the gospel.
Paul had earlier planted a church in Philippi many years back. Since then, their Christian journey and growing involvement in the work of God continue to please Paul’s heart. Still, he is certain that God will continue to work in them till Christ comes.
This can be seen in the scripture below;
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Paul wrote this letter when he heard of the tribulations faced by the Philippians. He admonished us to rejoice always, especially in the face of unpleasant situations. Paul was also joyful. Why? Because of the good work of God, he had witnessed in the lives of the Philippians. Day by day they grew in love, unity, boldness to spread the gospel, and in dependence on God.
God’s primary goal in the lives of believers is that we are conformed to the image of Christ Romans 8:29. Every other situation, both the good and the bad, revolves around bringing us closer and closer to this goal.
‘He Who Began a Good Work in You’ Meaning
When people come to give their lives to Jesus, most times, it is a result of a strong conviction of their sin. Suddenly, they begin to realize where they have erred and then come to God for mercy and an absolute surrender of their lives. At this point of salvation, God begins the good work in us. This is when new converts become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
From then on, God continues a thorough work of transformation in the hearts of His people, stripping all layers of self and its desires, till Christ comes again. However, there is a clause; God’s work is fully effective when our hearts are yielded to Him in study, prayer, and fellowship with the brethren.
This was what Paul meant when he said, “He who began the good work in you“. God is the one who starts the work in you and he will surely see to it that it is done. He never gives up on you.
How Can We Be Assured That God Is Good?
The goodness of God is not determined by how much good we see in our lives or in the world. God is inherently good all the time. His plans, desires, thoughts, words, and ambitions are good.
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8 KJV)
All throughout the scripture, we are reminded of the goodness of God, either through what He gives or by the testimony of men who have walked closely with Him.
The sacrifice of His Son is enough evidence of His goodness. If He didn’t stop His son from saving us with His life, will He withhold anything good from us? He wouldn’t stop doing the good He has begun within us. He would use any circumstance, problem, trial, blessing, or promotion to bring us closer to Himself and into the image of God. Daily, as we commune with Him, he leads us into a journey of progressive transformation till we become like Christ.
What Does It Mean For Christians Today?
There is one thing Christians need to understand: God’s ultimate desire is that we are transformed in character and in our hearts until we are like Christ. He is more concerned about sustaining the soul of Christians in eternity. Nothing matters more than our eternal life to God. Not even our comfort here on earth.
As God begins to work in you, convict you through His word, instruct you, or guide you through a path, align yourself. Be at the very feet of the Father, ready to say ‘Yes Lord’ to His will. Be ready to partner with God in working on every faulty character, display of flesh, or ungodly desire within you. It is for a purpose. It is for your eternal soul.
To help you successfully yield to Him during your transformational journey, here are five tips to help you align to the good work of God in you.
- Pray, Meditate and study His word
- Obey every principle in the Bible as led by God.
- Give yourself to consecration. We are not of this world, but of God.
- Create quiet moments each day to hear what the Lord has to say to you.
- Understand that God is good in every situation.
Final Thoughts
God will complete the good work He has begun within you. He will not give up on you no matter the mistakes you make, as long as you come back to Him in repentance. The Bible calls Him the master craftsman (Ephesians 2:10), and just like the Philippians 1:6 meaning, all of the work he is doing inside you will be made whole when he comes back again.
He knows your future. He knows exactly where you’re headed because he planted you by Himself. Stick with Him as He continues to prune you, both in the good times and in the not so great times. And then, on that last day, you will meet up with Him in the clouds, ready to reign eternally with Him forever and ever. Amen.
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