Verse of the Day for Thursday, July 10, 2025

 

Verse of the Day

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Philippians 1:6

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

Introduction

Philippians 1:6 is a verse rich in encouragement and theological depth, spoken by the Apostle Paul at the opening of his letter to the Christian community in Philippi. Written while Paul was imprisoned, this epistle radiates joy, love, and deep spiritual confidence. Paul addresses the Philippians as dear partners in the gospel, expressing both gratitude and assurance in their ongoing spiritual journey. The tone of verse 6 is optimistic and faith-filled—it sets the tone for the entire letter by anchoring the Philippians’ faith not in their own ability, but in the faithfulness of the God who called them.

Commentary

"I am confident of this"

The Greek phrase pepoithō touto auto (πέποιθα τοῦτο αὐτό) conveys a strong sense of settled conviction. Paul is not merely hopeful—he is persuaded beyond doubt. This confidence reflects Paul’s trust in the character and reliability of God.

"The one who began a good work among you"

This phrase points to ho enarchamenos (ὁ ἐναρξάμενος), “the one who began.” The "good work" refers to the initial act of salvation, likely when the Philippians first received the gospel. However, Paul sees this beginning not as a finished event, but as the start of an ongoing divine process in the community.

"Will bring it to completion"

The verb epitelesei (ἐπιτελέσει) means “will perfect” or “will carry through to the end.” Paul affirms that God is not only the initiator but also the finisher of the believer’s transformation. There is a divine promise of fulfillment—what God starts, God finishes.

"By the day of Jesus Christ"

This eschatological phrase points to the future return of Christ and final judgment. For Paul, this "day" is not to be feared, but eagerly anticipated. It marks the culmination of God’s redemptive work in believers and the final realization of their spiritual destiny.

Together, these phrases form a theological arc: God's sovereign initiative, continuing activity, and promised fulfillment—all grounded in the larger narrative of salvation history.

Understanding the Context

Paul wrote Philippians from prison, most likely in Rome, around 60–62 AD. Despite his personal hardship, the letter is filled with expressions of joy and affection. The Philippian church was the first Christian community Paul founded in Europe (Acts 16:12–40), and they had supported him both spiritually and materially. This letter served as both a thank-you note and a pastoral encouragement.

Within this context, Philippians 1:6 serves as a word of reassurance. Paul is reminding the Philippians that their faith, their growth, and their perseverance are not ultimately dependent on their own efforts. Instead, their journey is upheld by the faithfulness of God, who began a work in them and promises to finish it. This verse sets the tone for Paul’s ongoing exhortation throughout the letter to press on with joy and confidence, even amid suffering.

Application for Today

For modern believers, Philippians 1:6 provides a profound source of assurance. In a world marked by uncertainty, setbacks, and spiritual fatigue, it reminds us that we are not left to complete the journey of faith on our own. The spiritual life is not a solo climb but a cooperative walk with the God who is both architect and sustainer.

This verse speaks directly to those experiencing discouragement, whether due to personal failure, doubt, or prolonged trials. It assures us that spiritual progress may be slow, but it is certain—not because of our consistency, but because of God’s commitment.

Moreover, it emphasizes that growth is communal as well as individual. The “good work among you” suggests the transformation of the entire faith community. Churches, like individuals, are called to trust that God is shaping them over time, even when outward circumstances seem bleak.

Sanctification—the ongoing process of becoming more Christlike—is not a sprint, but a lifelong journey, and God has promised to finish what He started.

Reflection

It’s easy to grow impatient with ourselves. We measure progress in short bursts and often conclude that we're failing if we don’t see immediate results. But Philippians 1:6 suggests a different timeline—one measured by divine patience and eternal purpose. Life may feel like a series of unfinished drafts, but there is an Author behind the scenes, still writing. What a comfort to know that our spiritual story isn't complete, and that its conclusion isn’t left to chance. There’s something deeply liberating in realizing that the pressure to “have it all together” isn’t ours to bear alone. We are being shaped, step by step, not for our own perfection, but for a greater day still to come.

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The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse, extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.