Sunday Preview: God at Work

Philippians 1.6 holds a wonderful message of assurance and hope. In this passage, we find Paul's unwavering confidence in God's ongoing work in the lives of believers. As we step into the new year, let's delve into the significance of God's work from inception to completion, the vital role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, and the enduring hope that sustains us in our spiritual life.

Paul's Confidence in What God Started:
In Philippians 1.6, Paul declares his certainty in the work that God initiated in believers. This work, begun at the point of salvation, is not merely a human endeavor but a divine undertaking. It signifies the beginning of a lifelong pursuit towards holiness, symbolized by passages like Titus 3.5 and Ezekiel 37.27. Our salvation is a submission to God's power, not our agency.

Paul's Confidence in What God Will Complete:
Our baptism marks the beginning, not the end, of God's work in us. The process of sanctification, becoming holy, unfolds over a lifetime. We are called to cooperate with God in this process, as seen in 1 Peter 1.15 and 2 Corinthians 7.1. While we remain in this tension between redeemed souls and sin-weakened bodies, we stand firm by grace (1 Corinthians 1.4; Romans 5.2).

How the Spirit Accomplishes Your Sanctification:
The Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in our journey towards holiness. He not only gives us the desire to be holy (Philippians 2.13) but also transforms our motives for doing good works. Our actions, motivated by love and inspired by hope (1 Thessalonians 1.3), reflect the perfect love of God that drives out fear (1 John 4.18). We love because He first loved us.

Thinking Ahead to Sunday
As we reflect on Philippians 1.6, we are reminded of the ultimate day of Christ Jesus – the day when believers will be glorified, and God's work will be fully realized. It's a day that holds immeasurable significance for us. The question remains: Will we believe in God's promise and His work within us?

In the process of sanctification, let us embrace the assurance and hope found in God's continuous work in our lives. Trust that He who started this good work in you will carry it on to completion. Let the Holy Spirit guide your transformation and may the anticipation of the day of Christ Jesus inspire you to walk in faith and holiness.

As you prepare for worship, you might think on these questions:

1. What does Philippians 1.6 reveal about Paul's confidence in God's work in believers' lives, and how can we apply this confidence to our own spiritual life?
2. In what ways does the Holy Spirit play a role in the process of sanctification, and how can we cooperate with the Spirit in our pursuit of holiness?
3. How does the concept of sanctification as a process rather than a one-time event impact our understanding of Christian growth? What practical steps can we take to continue growing in holiness?
4. According to Philippians 2.13, how does God work within us both to will and to work according to His good purpose? 
5. What is “the day of Christ Jesus?”. What significance does this day hold for Christians? How can our awareness of it impact our daily lives and choices?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt
SONG LEADER
Jason Schofield
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Bob Hoopes
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Randy Mullins
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Collin Schofield
Jeff Livingston
Drew Triplett
Rich Jacobs
SCRIPTURE READING
Kevin Shanesy
Philippians 1.1-6
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Ben Baker
CLOSING COMMENTS
Russ Robins
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Lynne Pyle
USHERS
Rich Walker / Jeremy Price
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Roy Pyle
COMMUNION PREP
Gwen Price
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Mike Rosato