GOD BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN US

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." The church in Philippi was predominantly Gentile because it was one of the colonies of the Roman Empire. There were very few Jews living in Philippi. Lydia, a converted Jewish businesswoman who sold purple linens, was the first convert to Christianity when Paul began to preach in Philippi (Acts 16). The Roman jailer was also a Gentile who converted to Christianity and became a member of the Philippian church. Since the church in Philippi was predominantly Gentile, it is important to note that many members came from worshipping Roman gods, which is based on religious performance and sacrifices. They had to offer sacrifices and perform religious rituals in order for their gods to bless them. It was all about performance to be accepted by their gods. However, when they became Christians, they learned that it was only through faith in the Lord Jesus that they could have a relationship with the true living God. 

Paul was encouraging the believers in Philippi that their relationship with God was not based on performance and rituals, but it was based on their relationship with God through faith in the Lord Jesus. As a result, God was faithful to continue the good work that God started in their lives. God began to transform their hearts and minds with truth, leading to godly attitudes and behaviors. In the same way, God is changing us day by day to become the people that God wants us to be. Christianity is not just about getting blessings from God, but becoming more like Jesus in attitude and behavior. God is the only one who can change our hearts. He is the only one who can humble us to our knees that we may worship Him with all of our hearts. Eventually, God will change our stubbornness and deliver us from pride and self-reliance. As the Spirit of God works in our hearts, convicting us of our daily sins, we become more aware of our need for God to change our hearts. 

When we surrender to God by repenting from our sinful attitude and behavior, He then changes us to be the person God wants us to be. The way we talk, behave, and treat others matters to God. God is transforming us into godly people who seek to please Him.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What is God doing in our lives on a daily basis? Does the way I live matter to God? How does God want me to live my life on a daily basis?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for starting a good work in my life since I became a Christian. Although I have a long way to go, thank you for the change that you have made in my life thus far. I look for the day when I am completely changed from a sinful attitude and behavior. In the meantime, please continue to renew my mind and change my heart that I may live a life that is pleasing to you. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.