Philippians 1:6 - "Confidence and Joy in Christ Jesus"

Philippians 1:6

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

In Philippians 1:6, Paul assures the saints that God, Who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion. This verse reveals the Anchor of our salvation and the joy we have in Christ. The confidence and thanksgiving Paul expresses are not rooted in human effort or merit, but in the Sovereign Grace of God and His unchanging purpose to redeem His chosen people. From the very beginning, God has been at work, effectually calling His elect, redeeming them by the blood of Christ, and preserving them for the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6; John 1:13).

Paul’s gratitude flows from the recognition that the fellowship of the Gospel, the faith, and the love of the Philippians are the work of God in them (Philippians 1:3-5). Their preservation is not by human accomplishment, but the sustaining work of God from beginning to end. He blesses them with grace and peace from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:2), reminding us that grace always precedes peace. God’s favor toward us is because of what Christ obtained when He finished the work by His death, giving us peace with Him (Romans 5:1,2).

The love of Christ expressed in the hearts of the saints is the work of God's Sovereign Grace, growing through knowledge and discernment, leading them to learn what is excellent and to live without offense until the day of Christ (Philippians 1:9-10). This growth is by Christ Himself, not by human striving. Paul affirms that the fruits of righteousness are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:11). Our confidence is anchored entirely in the finished work of Christ at the cross, by which He has saved, justified, sanctified, and preserved His people.

Even in our trials and suffering, Christ’s work prevails. Paul recounts how his imprisonment furthered the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-14), demonstrating that God rules and overrules all things according to His purpose. Both the motives and means of men are subject to God’s sovereign will and purpose (Philippians 1:15-18). What matters is that Christ and His finished work are preached and magnified, whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20).

Paul expresses the deep conflict between living and dying, yet both are according to God’s purpose. To live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). Remaining in the flesh is necessary for the benefit of the saints, furthering their faith and joy (Philippians 1:24-26). The confidence of the believer is rooted not in personal strength but in Christ’s preservation and God’s faithfulness to complete His work in us as we live out our lives in these bodies of fallen flesh.

Therefore, let the church live in steadfast devotion, unity, and fearless witness, knowing that all things, including opposition, are under Christ’s sovereign Hand (Philippians 1:27-28, 30). Faith is the gift from God, and so is the ability to endure for His sake (Philippians 1:29). The work begun in the hearts of the saints will be preserved and brought to perfection in Christ, and all glory is due to God alone.