October 7, 2018

God Always Finishes What He Starts (Philippians 1:3-8)

Pastor: Ben Muresan Series: Philippians: Finding Joy in the Gospel Topic: Philippians Scripture: Philippians 1:3–8

First Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Matthew 22:34-40

Second Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Sermon Text: Philippians 1:3-8

When Jonah prayed to the Lord from the belly of the fish, he confessed that “Salvation belongs to the LORD!” (Jonah 2:9). It is all of God. Our salvation began with God’s initiative in election. Christ then, “in the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4), accomplished all that was necessary for our redemption. The Spirit is now applying and sealing the benefits of Christ to us, and we are assured that it will all be brought to completion “at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Sinclair Ferguson writes:

The verb Paul uses “bring it to completion” suggests the idea of “putting the finishing touches on” something. That is what God is doing in our lives. From one point of view we may seem to have a long, long way to go in growing in grace and holiness. But from another point of view the major part of the work has been done. The Philippians were already Christ’s; now God was completing his great work.

other sermons in this series