What is the meaning of Philippians 1:6?

Philippians 1:6 is a verse that has provided comfort and assurance to countless Christians over the centuries. It reads: "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (NIV). To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, it is essential to consider its context within the letter to the Philippians, the broader theological themes it touches upon, and its implications for the believer's life.

Paul's letter to the Philippians is often characterized by its tone of joy and encouragement. Written while Paul was in prison, the epistle reveals his deep affection for the believers in Philippi and his gratitude for their partnership in the gospel. Philippians 1:6 is part of Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer for the Philippians, where he expresses his confidence in God's ongoing work in their lives.

To understand Philippians 1:6, we must first recognize that Paul is speaking about a "good work" that God has begun in the believers. This "good work" refers to the work of salvation and sanctification. Salvation is the initial act of God bringing a person into a right relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Sanctification is the ongoing process by which a believer is made more holy and Christ-like through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Paul's confidence is not rooted in the Philippians' ability to maintain their faith or perform good works on their own. Instead, it is rooted in the character and faithfulness of God. Paul is confident "that he who began a good work in you"—that is, God Himself—"will carry it on to completion." This assurance is based on the understanding that God is both the initiator and the sustainer of the believer's faith. As Paul writes elsewhere, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13, NIV).

The phrase "until the day of Christ Jesus" points to the eschatological hope that undergirds Paul's confidence. The "day of Christ Jesus" refers to the future return of Christ, when He will fully establish His kingdom and bring His work of redemption to its consummation. This future orientation provides believers with hope and motivation to persevere in their faith, knowing that God's work in them will ultimately be brought to completion.

In addition to its immediate context, Philippians 1:6 resonates with broader biblical themes of God's faithfulness and the assurance of salvation. For instance, in Romans 8:29-30, Paul writes about the unbreakable chain of God's redemptive work: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (NIV). This passage emphasizes that from foreknowledge to glorification, God's work in the believer's life is comprehensive and certain.

Similarly, Jesus Himself assures His followers of the security of their salvation in John 10:28-29: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand" (NIV). This assurance is grounded in the power and sovereignty of God, who is able to preserve His people.

The implications of Philippians 1:6 for the believer's life are profound. First, it provides a deep sense of security and assurance. Knowing that God is committed to completing His work in us can alleviate fears and doubts about our salvation. This assurance is not based on our own efforts or merits but on the faithfulness of God.

Second, Philippians 1:6 encourages perseverance and growth in the Christian life. The knowledge that God is at work in us motivates us to cooperate with His sanctifying work. As Paul exhorts the Philippians later in the letter, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV). Our efforts in the Christian life are not in vain but are part of God's ongoing work in us.

Third, this verse fosters a sense of community and mutual encouragement among believers. Paul's confidence in God's work in the Philippians is expressed in the context of his deep relationship with them. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to encourage one another and build each other up, confident that God is at work in each of us. This communal aspect is reflected in Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (NIV).

Finally, Philippians 1:6 calls us to live with an eternal perspective. The "day of Christ Jesus" reminds us that our ultimate hope lies in the future return of Christ and the consummation of His kingdom. This future orientation shapes our values, priorities, and actions in the present. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:1-4: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" (NIV).

In summary, Philippians 1:6 is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance of His ongoing work in the lives of believers. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign grace, persevere in our faith, support one another in the Christian community, and live with an eternal perspective. As we reflect on this verse, may we be filled with confidence and hope, knowing that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."