Me and my boyfriend have been going through a study of Philippians. So far, we have found that this is a very encouraging epistle, with lots of practical advice on how to walk in genuine faith, be kind to others, and serve well. I would like to share some of the encouragements we gain from this book as we go through, and hope they are encouraging to you, too.
The passage this morning comes from Philippians 1:6. This is in the introductory portion of Paul's letter to the Philippian church, which he wrote while he was in jail. While Paul is in a bleak situation, this letter is overwhelmingly positive and encouraging, as Paul admires this church for helping him and his companions in times of need, and their actions are a source of joy for him. In the midst of sharing this, Paul utters this verse as an encouragement to the church, but it is a universal encouragement to all of us as well.
As we studied this, we noticed the word "complete" jump out at us, and how it's a different word in different translations. Some say "perfect", and others say "finish", as well as other variations that are sure to exist. The root of this word is the Greek word "ergos", which translates to "an action that carries out to complete an inner desire". We realized that with this in mind, perhaps a better translation of this word is "fulfill". Unlike "complete" or "finish", it implies an ongoing joy that can be gained from pursuing something you are genuinely passionate about, and when that's the case, there is never a true endpoint. You can continue to do things that are fulfilling as long as you desire. Also, unlike "perfect", the word "fulfill" does not put any sort of qualitative requirement on what is being done, because this work is never truly perfect. We are not perfect - only God is. So instead of worrying about God making all things "perfect" in us, or worrying about when we will reach the end and "complete" this good work, instead we focus on the peace and joy that is found in the journey of faith that will truly "fulfill" us.
I pray that this morning, God is working in your heart, and he shows you what he is doing in you and in your life, and that he gives you true fulfillment in that pursuit.
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