Introduction
Many Christians live like the apprehensive aunt a young pilot once persuaded to fly with him. It was her first flight, and when they landed eager friends asked how she liked it. “It wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but I never did put all my weight down.” As we see in Philippians 1:6-8, though, Christians can have full confidence that God will fulfill His work of salvation. It is like the dear Christian whose pastor asked her on her death bed if she was still satisfied trusting in God’s promises of salvation. “Oh yes!” she replied. “You see, God has a lot more to lose by not saving me eternally than I do. I only have my soul to lose, but He has His whole character and reputation at stake.” Study Philippians 1:6-8 to gain a deeper confidence in the God who will finish the work of salvation He begins.
Observation
Pray
Pray and ask God to open your mind and heart to hear Him speak to you through this section of His Word.
Read Focus Verses
Read Philippians 1:6-8. Notice the confidence and love expressed in these verses.
Context
Today's passage is part of the introduction of this book of the Bible. Read Philippians 1:1-11 to see how today's passage fits into its context.
Explanation
How do today's verses fit into this context of Paul explaining why he gives thanks for these believers and prays for them?
Who?
In whom does Paul express confidence in verse 6?
What?
What is Paul confident God will do in verse 6?
When?
When does Paul know this work of God will be done according to verse 6?
Affection
How does Paul express the affection he feels for these believers?
Partakers in the Gospel
In verse 7, what does Paul mention is the bonding factor between him and these Christians?
God Is My Record
What does Paul say God can affirm in verse 8?
In Him
Who is the one that provides the reason for this love according to verse 8?
In Your Words
In your words, how would you explain the love Paul had for these Christians based on this passage?
Keyword - Confident
Marking the word confident will help it stand out as a keyword in today's passage.
Confident
Mark the word confident in Philippians 1:6.
Keyword - Gospel
The word gospel appears six times in the first chapter of Philippians.
Gospel
Gospel
Mark the word gospel in verse 7.
Interpretation
Confident in Him
Notice in whom Psalm 27:1-3 says a Christian has confidence of their salvation.
Through Whom
Ephesians 3:8-12 tells us through whom a Christian has this confidence.
In and Through
In and through whom does a Christian have confidence of salvation?
Sign of Faith
Hebrews 3:14-15 explains that strong confidence in God's promise of salvation is a sign of a believer.
Cannot Lie
Titus 1:1-4 tells us one of the attributes of God which makes His people confident in Him.
Stronger than All
John 10:27-29 explains another characteristic of God which gives His people strong confidence.
Strong Confidence
Which two attributes or characteristics of God are pointed out in these verses in Titus and John which give His people strong confidence?
Other Attributes
What other attributes of God can you think of that give His people strong confidence in His salvation? Can you find references to support them?
A Good Work Begun
Romans 8:28-30 tells us more about the good work which God has begun in His people which He will complete.
But God
Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us more about this good work God works in His people.
Chosen to Salvation
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 provides a succinct summary of this work.
Make You Perfect
Hebrews 13:20-21 speaks of another aspect of this work.
In Your Words
Based on these Scriptures, how would you describe the work of God in the lives of His people?
Author and Finisher
Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us that Christ isn't just the one who begins this work of faith and salvation - He's going to finish it.
Faithful
1 Thessalonians 5:24 is very direct about God's faithfulness to finish what He begins.
Confirmed by God
1 Corinthians 1:4-9 expresses a similar confidence in God's faithfulness to complete the work of salvation He begins.
What it Means
Take some time and consider what this confidence in God's faithfulness means for a Christian. What would life be without it? How should it impact life?
No Fear or Unbelief
Consider the words of this powerful hymn expressing the confidence Christians have in God's work of salvation. From whence this fear and unbelief? Hath not the Father put to grief His spotless Son for me? And will the righteous Judge of men Condemn me for that debt of sin Which, Lord, was charged on Thee? Complete atonement Thou hast made, And to the utmost Thou hast paid Whate'er Thy people owed; How then can wrath on me take place, If sheltered in Thy righteousness, And sprinkled with Thy blood? If thou hast my discharge procured, And freely in my room endured The whole of wrath divine; Payment God cannot twice demand, First at my bleeding Surety's hand, And then again at mine. Turn then, my soul, unto thy rest! The merits of thy great High Priest Have bought thy liberty; Trust in His efficacious blood, Nor fear thy banishment from God, Since Jesus died for thee. - Augustus Toplady
Until the Day of Christ
The next passage in Philippians, 1:9-11, mentions the day of the Lord again and how it impacts a Christian's life.
The Day of the Lord
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 also tells us about the coming day of the Lord and how it should change our lives today.
We Will See Him
1 John 3:2 describes the day when God's work of making believers like His Son will be finished.
Like Whom?
According to the Bible, who will a Christian be like when God's work of salvation is complete in the day of Jesus Christ?
Impact
What impact should the coming of the day of the Lord have on a Christian's life?
Partners
In Philippians 4:10-19, Paul explains the practical ways these Christians have partnered with him in his work of the gospel.
Onesiphorus
In 2 Timothy 1:16-17 we read of another Christian who partnered with Paul and helped him in the gospel despite the fact that Paul was a prisoner.
Defense and Confirmation
This short piece explains the significance of the phrase defense and confirmation of the gospel.
Click To Visit WebsiteThe Gospel
This short video explains how the gospel fits into all of history. Explore what the Bible says about the gospel in the study plan, "The Fellowship of the Gospel," from Philippians 1:1-5.
Longed For
Like in verse 8 of today's passage, Paul repeats in Philippians 4:1 that he has an affectionate longing for these believers.
Concern
Paul expresses a similar loving concern for the believers in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-12.
Mutual Love
1 John 3:13-18 explains the mutual love between Paul and the Philippian Christians.
Why?
Why did Paul love these believers and why did they love him?
How?
Based on Philippians 1:1-11 and 4:10-19 which you read today, how did Paul and these believers express their love for each other practically?
Application
Confidence
If you are a Christian, how should your confidence that God will complete the work of salvation He has begun in you change your life today? Take some time to worship Him and thank Him for that confidence.
The Gospel
How does God want you to take part in the defense and confirmation of the gospel today?
Love
How does reading about Paul's love for these Christians challenge you to love the Christians around you?
Encouragement
Paul encouraged these Christians with his confidence in God's faithfulness. How could you prepare to encourage other Christians with that truth?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has increased your confidence in God's faithfulness to finish His work of salvation in your life and challenged you to trust Him completely - to put all your weight down.
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