West Loop Church UBF

Key Verse: Phil 1:6

"...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

How reassuring it is to know and to hear that it is God (not me) who began His work of salvation in me, and that it is also God (NOT ME) who will complete His work of salvation in me! Inadvertently, we might teach the Bible as though it is God who saved us by His grace. But after that it is up to us to make sure we don't lose our salvation and blow it! With such thoughts, we are guilt ridden when we sin, and we guilt trip other Christians when we think that they are not living "up to par" or living as they should. In Php 1:6, Paul is crystal clear that the work of salvation begins with God, and that is is completed by God (not by me, or by Paul). The New Testament emphasizes this over and over again, repeatedly (Php 1:29, 2:13; Eph 2:1,5; Col 2:13; Jn 1:12; Acts 11:18; 2 Th 2:13-14; Heb 11:29, 40).

Philippians 4:2-23; Key Verse: 4:7a,9b

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding ... And the God of peace will be with you."

Don't we all want to know a peace that is beyond knowing? Comprehend a peace that is beyond comprehension? Experience a peace that passes all understanding?

What compelled me to Christ before I became a Christian was that I had no peace, serenity, or tranquility. This really bothered me. I could study well, become a doctor, have loving parents who never hurt me, have an inner spirit of resolve to never be defeated by life or by anyone, and yet I had no peace!