Completion of God's Work

by Charles W. Wages

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 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.” (Phil. 1:3-6)

The apostle Paul in writing to the Philippian saints, reminds them of the “good work” God had begun in them. This “good work” can be seen in two ways. One has to do with the salvation He had so freely given to those who had believed the wonderful gospel of grace proffered them. The other way this “good work” could be viewed is in the manner in which the “saints” conducted their worship and labor for the Lord.

This wonderful verse clearly teaches and enforces the great truth of eternal life given to those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. This is emphasized in the use of the personal pronouns “you” and “yours,” found in verses 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this chapter. It also emphasizes that salvation is God’s work, not the sinner’s. It is so clear in the phrase “that which He has begun in you.” Also, this “good work” is not for the purpose of making us look better on the outside, but it is performed “in you.” Salvation is not only personal, it is permanent.

Now, this wonderful work God has begun is called a fellowship. He phrases it, “for your fellowship in the gospel.” The word “fellowship” simply means “communion” and is sometimes translated “communicate” as in Philippians 4:4-5. This brings forward a beautiful truth in that this “good work” is not only to be enjoyed but shared! While God is performing, we should be performing. While God is communicating, we should be communicating in the community. It certainly appears that God led Paul to speak of a continuing communion or fellowship. The expression “first day until now” speaks of perpetuity, or an endless time. Just as salvation is eternal, God has and will always work through His children! God always finishes what He begins!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:8-10)

We are reminded of the Lord’s last words from the cross, “It is finished.” We must be aware at all times that God’s work for us and by us “has only begun.” Note the phrase “hath begun a good work” in Philippians 1:6. God desires to work in and through the believer for His glory. God is continuing to save sinners through a finished redemption! God is continuing to work through His redeemed ones. That work must continue “until He comes.” What a privilege! When God looks at a sinner saved by grace, He sees the work of salvation “complete.” In fact in Colossians 2:10, we are told,

“And ye are complete in him which is the head of all principality and power.”

Salvation is not a process in motion, but a completed transaction. However, we are admonished in Philippians 2:12-13,

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Salvation is a finished work, but it is also the means for the believer to begin working for Him who makes all things possible. We must always be aware of Ephesians 2:8-10. Remember, we are His workmanship, but we were “created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

God’s work needs no competition, doesn't have to be contemporary, (marked by characteristics of the present period; modern). It should be continuous, compassionate, confident labor for the Lord, knowing that He is able to complete His work.