Many pastors have an entrepreneurial spirit. They like to cast a vision and develop a plan to fulfill that vision. But, so often, the strategy that underlies the vision and the plan are business models. It was so common for churches to apply tactics from Good to Great, that the author, Jim Collins, wrote a separate booklet for non-profits. I remember noting it was required reading for the church planting elective in seminary.
Now, I’m not suggesting we have nothing to learn from the business world. But it deserves nowhere near the attention we give it. When we consider Paul’s model for pastoral ministry, we find very little social analysis and strategy. Instead, we find someone who was committed to building up a community in their love for Christ and one another.
Paul’s joy and gratitude in prayer are explained and defended in verses 6-8 before he prays for their ongoing spiritual maturity. Verse 6 is a pivotal verse that really establishes his gratitude and prayer for the saints in Philippi.
In Philippians, Paul focuses on people not programs and tasks. Our central purpose in and mutual commitment to Christ strengthen the bonds of our affection. And these relationships become the grounds of our confidence in the work God is accomplishing through the gospel.
Paul is confident that God is at work in Philippi because they partake of the same grace supplied by a compassionate Savior. We cannot assume the Philippians lacked assurance in their salvation, but we can know that Paul sought to affirm them in their faith in order to encourage them. Whether or not you struggle with assurance, this passage ought to leave you encouraged in the work God is doing in Christ.
How should we address our lack of assurance? Paul answers this question by modeling the solution. The affirmation of a seasoned saint can strengthen the resolve of a weary soul.
Read https://ref.ly/logosref/Bible.Php1.6-8 (Philippians 1:6-8).
The Preservation of the Saints (6)Paul’s joyful thanksgiving has bolstered his confidence in the work that God is doing through the Philippians. The same God who started the work will complete it upon Christ’s return.
Hebrews 10:14 ESV
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
The work of redemption was accomplished on the cross. And that work was based upon the “everlasting love” of God who remains faithful to his elect children.
This work of applying that redemption in the life of believers is progressive and ongoing, but it is certain. Paul’s confidence is based upon the ongoing fruit that he is witnessing. He knows the partnership he enjoys with the Philippians is a good work that God has prepared for them to walk in (https://ref.ly/logosref/Bible.Eph2.10 (Eph 2:10)).
It is a good work that they are accomplishing in the power of God. Or, we might say, it is a work that God is accomplishing through them. Paul says it both ways (cf https://ref.ly/logosref/Bible.Php2.12-13 (Phil 2:12-13)). Our phrasing can easily trip us up. And it is helpful to be precise when talking about God’s ongoing work of sanctification. But it seems like Paul has the ability to be fluid even in his prayers to go back and forth between thanking God for the work that HE begins and completes and the partnership that the Philippians actively participate in.
Of course, we need to recognize that our sanctification is never perfect in this life. We continue to struggle with indwelling sin, facing the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. But as the Canons of Dordt teach us, “God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms and powerfully preserves them therein, even to the end.”
The same word “complete” is at the root of what Jesus declared on the cross “It is finished!” We can be assured that if Christ has begun that work in you, he will continue that work in you. And he will not stop...
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