Not Done Yet (Philippians 1:6)

... he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6

“I’m not done yet. I’ll have to come back next week.” The clothes dryer repairman had started his work, but he was missing a part. The said part was on order. Hence, not done yet. What a frustrating statement. For a family of five, this was, at best, a challenge. 

In the Christian life, much of our time on earth falls into the category of “not done yet.” There is the moment of salvation when Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, opens your eyes to the reality of your sin, God’s righteousness, and Jesus Christ as the only way to be right with this good and holy God. At that instant, we are declared righteous in God’s sight—saved—a believer. But there’s also a future day when we will stand before Him, perfect in His sight. In the meantime, we experience a process of spiritual growth in our lives that is practical, and painful.

This growth–sanctification–is what Paul is talking about in Philippians 1:6. He’s speaking to believers in Philippi, a church that was doing well in their pursuit of Jesus and proclaiming Him as the only way of salvation. Paul prays for them with joy that flows, in part, from what is yet to come. Because they have been saved by faith he can look forward to the day of glory when the good work that Jesus is doing in their lives will be complete. This is what Paul celebrates. 

The He in “He who began” is God. God will bring this work to completion. If you are in Christ by faith, God will finish His work in your life. He will not abandon you. This promise is unshakably rooted in the character of who God is. He is faithful.

This promise is precious, especially in the challenges of daily life. It also answers questions many believers have: If I’m saved, why do I still sin? If I’m justified by faith, righteous before God, why do I sometimes act in ways that are unrighteous? The answer, contained in this passage, is that you’re not done yet. But someday you will be. Your victory is guaranteed. Paul says, “I am sure of this.” He’s not expressing a want or a wish. 

I have no guarantee that the dryer repairman will keep his appointment, show up next week with part in hand, and get us back in clean clothes, but you have a guarantee that is unshakeable. The God who has saved you by faith will finish His work in your life.

Notice when this work will be finished: “at the day of Jesus Christ.” When is that? Either the day Jesus comes back, or when you die and enter His presence. On that day—the day of Jesus—your transformation will be complete. For those who are in Christ, future perfection and glory is coming. It’s Guaranteed. 

---

For Reflection

1. Why do you think so many Christians become discouraged by their ongoing fight against sin?

2. How does the promise that God will finish His work change the way you view your struggles with sin?

3. How does the certainty of this promise change your view of God’s power? 

---

Nate Miller is the Associate Preaching Pastor at Revive Church in Brooklyn Park, MN. Nate and his wife, Angela, live in Brooklyn Park and have three children.