Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Philippians 1:6 – Being Confident – Growing As Disciples
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Confident
I’m confident. You are confident about what? I am confident that you began a good work in me. When did I begin my good work in you? Now, if I were to quickly answer that question, I would give the wrong answer, I’m sure. What would be your wrong answer? I would say that your good work began in me on the day that I began to follow you as my Savior and Lord. You’re right, that is the wrong answer. It isn’t a bad answer, it’s just the wrong answer. What is the correct answer? You began your good work in me before I was born. You designed and created me in my mother’s womb. Yes, I did.
But, let’s talk about the work I have been doing in and through you since the day you started to follow me as your Savior and Lord. I’d like that. How do you know that I have been doing a good work in you? Well, looking back over the years, I can see the dramatic changes you have made in me. How so? I am nothing like the person I once was. My whole perspective has changed. My values are completely different. My hopes and dreams are nothing like what they once were. Go into some detail. At one time my thoughts were entirely on the things of this earth. I gave no thought to the things of heaven. My goal was to pursue the comfort and pleasures of this life. I lived solely to please myself. I lived a dark and sinful life. I was walking on a path that led away from you. I was self-indulgent. I was self-centered. I was self-sufficient. In total, I was insufferably proud. To tell you the truth, I would have been quite embarrassed to have my thoughts and words and deeds held up to your close scrutiny. What has changed? You have and are continuing to change my heart and transform my mind. You have given and are giving me new thoughts to think, words to speak and deeds to do. You are helping me to become like you. It is my utmost and highest desire to do what is pleasing in your sight. I know that I am far from perfect. But, I have been and am willing for you to take a close look at my life. You will find flaws. You will find mistakes. You will find sins. I have no doubt about that. I have no doubt about something else. What’s that? You are not finished with me yet. You will continue to mold and shape my life. You will continue to make me into the person you have called me to be. You will keep on doing your work in and through my life. Yes, I will. For that, I am thankful beyond measure. That is very good.
Heavenly Father, I know you started a good work in me. I welcome your good work in me. Sometimes, I have been impatient and slow to notice your good work in me. Thank you for molding and shaping my life and never stopping doing your good work in me. Amen
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
Mixed Emotions – Philippians 1-6 – Being Confident – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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