Paul is under house arrest after being arrested in Jerusalem in 59 AD. He was in Rome awaiting trial in Ceasar’s court. It is now 62 AD. Paul wrote four letters (now in the Bible) while waiting; Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, and this letter. He states in this letter that he would be released soon.
Paul’s beginning remarks consist of two often quoted verses, “…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 (6).” And, “…this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ…” (9,10). These three verses are worth quoting.
God is “in charge” of the whole universe. Yet, in regards to his kingdom, of which I am a member, God is “in control” for we submit to his rule. God’s control ensures these truths; that God is working for good IN ME and he WILL carry it out.
Confusion arises when I look at my life circumstances and conclude, “God is not working good in my life,” or “God is using these bad string of events to bring out good in my life.”
The truth is that God is most concerned about my character, my being, my essence. Thus, he is working IN ME first and foremost. The mere fact that God sent his one and only Son to suffer and die for my essence is evidence enough that God is working for good IN ME first and foremost.
God wants me pure and blameless until Jesus comes again (10). So he sent his Spirit to guide me in the way of love (9). As I practice Jesus’ way of love my knowledge and depth of insight grow. I am able to better discern what is best. I am able to live in God’s will for my life. This is God’s good work IN ME.
Read more on this at:
https://stephenricker.com/study/philippians/PhilippiansStudy1comments.htm