The Believer’s Confidence In Christ Phil. 1:6

The Believer’s Confidence in Christ

Phil. 1:6

Exegetical Idea: Paul is rejoicing not only in their gift but also in their sanctification and salvation, because it is guaranteed by God.

Phil. 1:6 “I am sure of this…” Paul is _Certain_ the Philippians are saved.

How can we be sure of our or others’ salvation without being arrogant or _sinfully_ prideful?

Knowing things does not necessarily make you _arrogant_.

The Bible tells us we can know we are _saved_. 1 John 5:13 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Our salvation does not depend on us. It is a gift from God, so there is no cause and little temptation to become _conceited_.

Where the Christian is tempted is to believe that we live _better_ lives than those around us; that we are holier, work harder, smarter, or are more obedient. Christians need to remember that even our _sanctification_ process is a gift from God, not just our _salvation_. This is new to many Christians.

Obeying God’s Word

If we can have confidence in our and others’ salvation, certainly we can have confidence in other far _less_ important areas of life!

If you are uncertain as to your path in life, come make an appointment with me and let’s pray about it.

Phil. 1:6 “...He who began a good work in you…”

The “good work” refers to the salvation begun at their conversion.

Where the Christian is tempted is to believe that we live _better_ lives than those around us; that we are holier, work harder, smarter, or more obedient. Christians need to remember that even our _sanctification_ process is a gift from God, not just our _salvation_.

Christians think we are superior because we have the truth. Someone said “The fish has gills, the bird has wings, and the leopard has strength; these are all gifts. This having and possession is not a possession of origin but of receiving. We Christians possess the truth not because we created it, but because we received it. We did nothing to earn it.”

Obeying God’s Word

God began this good work in us, this inspires us to grow in _humility_. The best thing about us–our salvation–we did nothing for. The greatest gift we possess, we did not buy.

Phil. 1:6 “...Will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ…”–perseverance of the saints, do we lose our salvation, what about backsliding,

Where the Christian is tempted is to believe that we live _better_ lives than those around us; that we are holier, work harder, smarter, or more obedient. Christians need to remember that even our _sanctification_ process is a gift from God, not just our _salvation_.

Your “betterness” is a _gift_ from God, too, not just your salvation.

God not only initiates salvation, but continues it and guarantees its ultimate success and completion.

Phil. 1:6 “...At the day of Jesus Christ…”–what does this mean? Reward or judgement?

“The Day of Christ Jesus” occurs six times in the N.T., three of them in Philippians (1 Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16). “The expression is similar to ‘ day of the Lord’...Amos 5:18-20…” In the O.T.., “Day of the Lord” has a lot to do with judgment. In fact, judgment is the primary focus. In the N.T., “Day of Christ Jesus,” refers to his saints, the church. It is the time of reward for Christians and time of the completion of Salvation. This makes sense, since Christ Jesus transforms our relationship with God from one of fear, terror, and impending judgment to one of forgiveness, closeness, reconciliation and even reward.