There Is Work To Be Done

Philippians 1:6-11

Introduction:

We are back in Philippians today, it’s the second message in our new series Joy In The Journey.

Todays title and text is: There Is Work To Be Done and we will be in Philippians 1:6-11

How many of you are guilty of starting a project and not finishing it?

I am the number one guilty culprit of this!!

Unlike me starting and not finishing many projects, Paul is going to remind us in the text today, that God always completes what He begins!

Prayer:

Read The Text:

Philippians 1:6-11

Central Idea:

There is still Kingdom work to be done here on earth.

Walk Through The Text:

Read Verses 6-8

POINT ONE: Keep serving faithfully until Jesus comes back

Read Verse 6

Explanation: He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ- If you have breath in your lungs today, God can and does want to use you to further His kingdom.

This verse is broken down into 2 parts:

He who began a good work in you- (The Past). When salvation happened in you. This is where the work started in you.

Will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (The future). God doesn’t just start something and not finish it. God’s work has a definite end date, the day when Christ comes back. Which none of us know when it is.

Read Verse 7

Paul is expressing his special bond and gratitude with the Philippians.

He is telling them that they are partakers or participants with him of Grace.

The Greek word for Grace is CHARIS. It’s definition is this: “Of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues”

The Philippians didn’t turn away when things got tough and Paul got thrown into a Roman prison. He is saying they share the same grace of God, both while he is in chains in prison and in the sharing and defending of the Gospel. That is a bond that can not be broken!

Read Verse 8

Paul yearned to be with the Philippians, more-so because he was in a Roman prison.

When you care so much for someone, you want to be with them, spend time with them. Paul is making it evident how much he cares for the Philippians.

Application: Let Christ keep doing a good work in you!

Illustration: Talk about having that one friend who is always reaching out to pray for you, encourage you, check in on you (Hayden is that friend to me). Paul was that person for the Philippians and we should strive to be that person for others!

Read Verses 9-11

POINT TWO: Obeying Jesus is what produces lasting fruit in our lives.

Paul goes from wrapping up his thanksgiving and gratitude with the Philippians in verses 6-8 and then transitions to a time of prayer in verses 9-11 that we will break down.

Read Verse 9

The love described is not an emotional/sentimental love but one with knowledge and all discernment. This kind of love can only be found in Jesus. AGAPE LOVE- selfless and unconditional love for the benefit of others.

What does this kind of love with knowledge and discernment look like for the church and the saint together in today's context?

Following Jesus with all our hearts

Read Verse 10

Other translations say: “So that you may be able to discern what is best” or “For I want you to understand what really matters”

Paul cares about the spiritual growth of the Philippians and making sure they are seeking Christ with all they say and do. From time to time, we all need to have a “heart check” and make sure we are growing closer with Christ, not falling away.

Read Verse 11

It all goes back to abiding in Jesus. When you follow Him, he will do a work inside of you that is incredible. You will want to read the bible more to understand Him better, you will have desires to go and serve others and share the Gospel, you will want to Disciple new believers and other believers who are ready to grow in their faith. None of that can be done or even desired without Christ in you producing the fruit that is to come.

Application: We all have an area in our life that we are not abiding in Jesus. We all need to repent and surrender that area to Him.

Illustration: Share story about Ella’s new sunflower plant she brought home from school. We didn’t water it consistently, branches started withering away. Same with abiding in Jesus. If you don’t take care of your relationship with Jesus, if you don’t water it and tend to it, areas of your life will start to show withering leaves and branches.

Application:

Time to get to work

Time to give all of you to Jesus

Time to praise Jesus

Conclusion:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However God has spoken to you this morning to respond, do it!