Grace Notes – Perfecting Grace
“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
Philippians 1:6 AMPC
What does this passage say to you about grace?
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Grace Perspective:
The Apostle Paul wrote this passage to the believers in Philippi, encouraging them to remain confident in God’s work within their hearts. This truth reassures us as well. As we face the challenges each day holds, we are confronted with the choice to trust in our sufficiency or trust God to supply what is needed for us to serve Him. Paul reminds us that God, Who began the good work within us the day we trusted Christ as our Savior, will continue to mold us and complete us until we meet Him face to face. The work He is doing isn’t comfortable; it’s refining.
This labor of grace assures hearts worn from the constant battle between our flesh and the spirit. God promises this perfecting grace will make us complete preparing us for the day He calls us home. Take comfort in this truth dear, friend. Lay aside any idea that you must work to be perfect for the Lord. It is His job to perfect us, not ours, and He alone knows the best way to accomplish this good work.
A touch of grace:
Where is your confidence?
How is God perfecting you?
Grace Application:
Unbelief is at the heart of self-sufficiency. When we strive to do our work apart from God, in essence, we are telling the Lord we don’t trust Him. I fall into this sin far too often, neglecting the truth of this passage. I find myself confessing my unbelief and asking for forgiveness for falling again into self-reliance.
God is at work within my heart, perfecting me for His purpose is a slow, gradual process that will take a lifetime to achieve. I find myself impatient at the slowness of the process. I want to be further down the road so I can do more work for His kingdom. Yet, God is not in a hurry as He works out the sin that easily entangles me. He reminds me when I stumble that He is there to forgive me. My focus needs to be on Him. My job is to be obedient to Him and trust Him to supply what is necessary for His purposes.
You see, God provides all we need to accomplish His purposes. At the moment of salvation, all our sin is forgiven, and grace begins to work in our hearts, preparing us for the work God has for each believer. Our job is to rest in the knowledge that as we travel the road of sanctification, God will supply the strength, stamina, energy, and wisdom, we need each step of the way. His perfecting grace refines us, scraping callouses from our hardened hearts tendering it to hear His voice. If you are following Christ, trust that He Who began a good work in you promises to finish it. It won’t easy, but when it is complete, you will be ready to see our Savior face to face.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, Thank you for perfecting grace. You promise to continue working in my heart so that I lack nothing when You call me home. Please reveal sin that easily entangles my heart and strengthen me to turn away from it. Keep me from the sin of self-sufficiency and remind me that Your grace is sufficient for all I need. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.
**Today, as you read the Word of God, I pray each of you to know for certain you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubt, please call out to God so all doubt may be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**