“Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)
”So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24 NKJV)
It’s well worth our time to read Philippians 3:3-11 again…
……“My prayers for you are full of praise to God as I give him thanks for you with great joy! I’m so grateful for our union and our enduring partnership that began the first time I presented to you the gospel. I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this gracious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ! It’s no wonder I pray with such confidence, since you have a permanent place in my heart! You have remained partners with me in the wonderful grace of God even though I’m here in chains for standing up for the truth of the gospel. Only God knows how much I dearly love you with the tender affection of Jesus, the Anointed One. I continue to pray for your love to grow and increase beyond measure, bringing you into the rich revelation of spiritual insight in all things. This will enable you to choose the most excellent way of all — becoming pure and without offense until the unveiling of Christ. And you will be filled completely with the fruits of righteousness that are found in Jesus, the Anointed One—bringing great praise and glory to God!” (Philippians 1:3-11 TPT)
Let’s continue with the first point in our study outline…
…Step 1: Probe the prayer under the light of the Holy Spirit.
Today we will probe verse 6…
…”I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this gracious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!”
Yesterday we noticed that Paul laid the foundation of his prayer in praise and thanksgiving to God. This foundation was laid in light of his relationship with these believers in the Gospel (the good news of Jesus). Because he had such a solid foundation he was able to move forward with “great faith.” The New King James Version reads, “being confident of this very thing.” What is that thing?
The “thing” in which he was confident, or had great faith for, once again found its resting place in God. That is critical. Anything in my life that finds its foundation in me may or may not last for the long haul. I have experienced many times that what I set out to accomplish on my own did not endure to the end. My vision is limited. My understanding is incomplete. My talents and skill sets only go so far. However, God’s vision is without limit. His knowledge is complete. His talents and skill sets have no end.
Because Paul was confident that God was the one who was the beginning and end of what was taking place in the lives of the Philippians he had confidence and great faith that it would come to completion.God started it and he never fails. Therefore, that which was started in them would mature and come to completion. When would it be fully mature and complete?
The good work that had begun would continue growing and maturing until its completion at the “unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The New King James Version says it a little differently. It claims that God will complete this good work “until the day of Jesus Christ.” What I find in the verse is a process started, perpetuated, and finished by God in his son Jesus Christ. It is a process that continues until I either go to be with him or he returns to be with me.
Each and every day I am being perfected into the likeness of Jesus. Moment by moment I am becoming on the outside who and what I am already on the inside. I am beginning to think, walk, and talk more and more like the one that I follow. It is God that by the Holy Spirit is transforming my life. I can have great faith that the work that has begun in me will continue until I see Jesus face to face.
The next time that you feel like you are not the person that you want to be, remind yourself that it is God that started your growth process. He is the one that created you. Remind yourself that he is at work within you. He is always right there working in you. No matter how things look or feel he is with you. He is for you and never against you. Finally remind yourself (especially during the times when it feels like things will never change) that it is God who will bring your growth to maturity. He will see you through to the end. He will never leave or forsake you. He will never make you go it on your own. In Christ, you will make it!
God has started a good work within us. He is currently working within us. He will bring this work within us to completion. Then we will stand face to face with Jesus as mature sons and daughters of God.
I hope you have great faith as the result of……Eric’s Life Lesson # 477: Praying With Paul – Philippians 1:3-11: Part 3