I have an interesting question for you today, writer. How do you know you will finish? How do you know you will finish that book? Or for that matter, that project? That God-goal? Some may say no one can know for sure. But I want to tell you why you can know. And how you can guarantee it. Want to know?
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. – Philippians 1:3-6
First, we must understand one thing. For every God-goal—our King has a plan to bring it to completion. There’s only one role we have to play here…
Seek His Kingdom First.
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:7-8
When we seek His Kingdom, it gives our King the space He needs to work in our lives. And here’s the interesting thing, writer. When we give ourselves wholeheartedly to Him and to His work, He begins to accomplish great things in and through us.
First it gives Him space to give us His wisdom
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:9-11
When we pour ourselves into seeking Him and His Kingdom advancement, He shows us how to prioritize our lives.. and as we do, we grow in confidence in Him and in fruitfulness. Because wisdom and confidence only come from Him. And when you pursue wholeheartedly and grow in wisdom and fruitfulness it bring praise and glory to Him. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
But here’s the second thing, writer. When we give ourselves wholeheartedly to our King, He changes our perspective. We don’t view our trials or difficulties in the same way—or even our persecution. We begin to say with Paul…
12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard,knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:12-14
Now, here I must note that for this, our King’s Body is key!!! We need His people’s prayers and support for His work! And they need ours…and our words. And this is another key. For when we remember it’s not just for our King we write but also for His people, it brings His dream in us livingly into focus. This is no mental exercise. Real lives are waiting to be changed! And so we know our life is significant. And our work for Him is significant. And we are no longer willing to lay halfsies with it or do things that are a detriment to it.
For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me. – Philippians 1:19-25
And so it changes the way we live. And it enables us to say no to lesser things…so that we can say yes to our King and His people. And that, writer affects everything. We begin to develop different habits, different values, different reactions, different associations, because our goal is now Christ’s glory reaching His people. And we simply are not satisfied with what is less.
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. – Philippians 1:27
And as our framework begins to change…we begin to grow more fearless…because fear has to do with loss, and when we no longer cling to temporal things easily lost, we grow strength. For our King and His King can never be lost. And so our hope and expectation and consolation become steadfast.
28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. -Philippians 1:28
Does this sound high and mighty, writer? That’s because it is. And it is also the glorious and fruitful life our King has called us to. But never fear! You were not made to walk this alone. Our King is a faithful guide to lead us there. He will give you wholeheartedness as you day by day surrender to Him. And you will finish that book…and as many as He calls you to. For when He’s at the helm, you cannot fail to reach your destination.
#finish #faithful #everywritingwriting
