AUTHOR OF THE WORK

GOD HIMSELF.

Not the Apostle Paul’s work. The Bible is a record of what God is doing. The gospel is God’s gospel (Rom 1:1). Paul was a persecutor of the church.

Not the Philippian church’s work. Philippians did not start the church.
God is initiator of salvation, Adam where are you? Author and finisher.

NATURE OF THE WORK

THE WORK BEGAN.

When? First believed! Salvation started. Some think that it starts and ends with justification. It started, continues and is completed. Salvation is a process.

THE WORK IS “IN” YOU

Where? Not among you. The work is called regeneration; re-birth; a new creation. Soul, heart, not on surface. Not reformation. The gospel changes a man. Doesn’t just make him a little better. Work of God in the soul of man. Most profound change we can experience.

John Wesley “life of God in the soul of man”

1. Awakens us to our state and condition. Guilty, lost, dead in sins.
2. Creates a desire for God. Longing for him. Desire to be delivered from sin.
3. Experience forgiveness of sins. New life emerges from the ruins…a new man.

WE ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP

Eph 2:10. His handiwork; His product; something of his making. Made and fashioned by God on the inside. Poiema – poem; statue, song, architecture, painting. His work of art, his masterpiece. May not look like it because it is an inner work. It’s what is happening on the inside, can’t see it. Although should be able to see the results… God’s workshop; God’s theatre. God at work.

PURPOSE OF THE WORK

FOR THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST

We are being fashioned and prepared for that day. We are being made ready, prepared. This life is only a dress rehearsal for the real thing. Cover page of the book – C.S. Lewis.

It has started but is not complete yet. The great objective, goal, end of it all. Finally go home.

Parousia – Coming; Phaino – Appearing; Manifesting.

TO PRESENT US FAULTLESS

Jude 24 ...To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy…

The completion of the work. The grand consummation of the ages. The finished work!!

The whole point to which creation is moving. Ultimate redemption. No more tears; pain; suffering; death. The New Jerusalem.

Phil 3:12 …Day of perfection. Resurrection…perfection. We are being prepared like a bride.

Paul’s Confidence of this…started; continue; finish. Phil 3:20…eagerly await a Saviour.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• How did this knowledge affect the Apostle Paul’s outlook on life?
  (Phil 4:4-13)

• Why do you think that the Church in general is not more joyous?

• How should this belief affect our reactions to difficult circumstances?
  (Rom 8:28; 31, 32, 37-39).

• In light of these things, how should we relate towards the things of this world?
  (1Pet 1:17; 11-12)

• Discuss ways God uses in this preparation process? Do you think the process will be easy or difficult, comfortable or uncomfortable?