"King of Completion"

August 25, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

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Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are too and we are here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: “King of Completion”

Scripture Passage: Philippians 1:3-10

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,

10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

PRAY

Three Points:

1. The Certainty of Completion

2. The Community of Completion

3. The Character of Completion

Introduction: A Masterpiece in Progress

Imagine a sculptor standing before a massive block of marble.

To the untrained eye, it’s just a rock, rough and unformed.

But to the artist, it’s a masterpiece in progress.

Each strike of the chisel brings the vision closer to reality. The process may seem slow and sometimes painful, but the sculptor sees the end from the beginning.

In our lives, God is the divine Sculptor, shaping us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Just as a masterpiece takes time, so does our spiritual growth.

But the King of Completion will see His work through to the end.

(You do not realize how true the statement is that “I am a work in progress”….but it is not a self work!!

I. The Certainty of Completion

A. Confidence in God's Sovereignty (v. 6)

Paul expresses a pepoithos (πεποιθὼς), a strong confidence or persuasion, in God’s ability to complete His work.

The work God began in us is not based on our ability but His sovereignty.

Philippians 1:6 says, "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

The Greek word for "complete" is epiteleo (ἐπιτελέω), meaning to finish, accomplish, or bring to an end.

God is not just starting a project in us; He is determined to bring it to fulfillment.

B. Continuation of God's Work (v. 6)

The verb enarchomai (ἐνάρχομαι) means "to begin."

God’s work in us is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.

This ongoing work assures us that our struggles and failures are not the end of our story.

The phrase "until the day of Jesus Christ" signifies that this process will continue throughout our lives, culminating in Christ's return.

God’s timeline for our growth extends beyond our understanding, yet it is perfectly orchestrated.

II. The Community of Completion

A. Partnership in the Gospel (v. 5)

“5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Paul highlights the koinonia (κοινωνία), or fellowship, that he shares with the Philippians in the gospel.

This partnership is not just a superficial relationship but a deep, spiritual connection rooted in their shared mission.

This fellowship is not merely a passive association but an active participation.

The Philippians supported Paul financially, spiritually, and emotionally, showing that the work of completion is a community effort.

B. Prayer for the Saints (v. 9)

“9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,”

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is that their love may abound more and more in knowledge and discernment.

The Greek word for "abound" is perisseuo (περισσεύω), meaning to overflow or excel.

As believers, our growth is fueled by prayer, both personal and communal.

We need each other’s prayers to grow in love, wisdom, and understanding, which are essential for our spiritual completion.

III. The Character of Completion

A. Purity in Life (v. 10)

“10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,”

Paul prays that the Philippians may be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.

The word "sincere" comes from the Greek eilikrines (εἰλικρινής), meaning pure, tested by sunlight.

Did you know…Sunlight offers a useful means of purifying water, particularly in countries that lack reliable energy sources.

Our character should reflect the purity of Christ, free from hidden motives and deceit.

"Blameless" is from the Greek aproskopos (ἀπρόσκοπος), meaning not causing offense.

As we grow in Christ, our lives should become increasingly free from actions or attitudes that could cause others to stumble.

B. Fruitfulness in Service (v. 11)

“11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Paul speaks of being "filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ."

The word "filled" is pleroo (πληρόω), meaning to be complete, to be fully furnished.

The fruit of righteousness is the outward evidence of the inner work of Christ in our lives.

This fruit is produced by Christ working in us, not by our own efforts.

It brings glory and praise to God, which is the ultimate purpose of our completion.

Conclusion: Life Applications

1. Trust in God’s Timing: Just as the sculptor patiently works on his masterpiece, trust that God’s timing in your life is perfect.

He sees the end from the beginning and is faithful to complete what He has started.

2. Engage in Community: Spiritual growth is not a solo journey. Engage deeply with your faith community.

Encourage and support one another as partners in the gospel, knowing that you are all works in progress.

3. Pursue Purity and Fruitfulness: Aim to live a life of sincerity and blamelessness, allowing Christ to shape your character.

Let your life bear fruit that glorifies God, knowing that your ultimate completion will be in His hands.

Remember, the King of Completion is not just starting a work in you; He is committed to finishing it.

Trust Him, stay connected to the body of Christ, and live a life that reflects the character of your King.

PRAY

Invitation

“Are you born again?”

Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life?

“Have you surrendered/repented to Jesus?

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – Jesus in John 13:35

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8