To assure the congregation of God's faithfulness in completing the work He began in us, and to encourage active participation in this process.
- Emphasize God's Faithfulness: Highlight the assurance that God is faithful to complete the work He began in us. Explore passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:24 and 2 Timothy 4:18.
- God's Work in Sanctification: Discuss how the work of God extends beyond salvation and into the process of sanctification. Explore passages that illustrate this ongoing transformation, such as Romans 8:29-30 and 2 Corinthians 3:18.
- Encourage Active Participation: Encourage listeners to actively participate in the work God is doing in their lives. Share practical suggestions on how they can cooperate with God's work, discussing passages like Philippians 2:12-13 and James 2:14-26.
- Language Suggestions and Cross-References: Consider incorporating language suggestions from the original languages to provide deeper insights. For example, in Philippians 1:6, the Greek word for 'began' is ἐναρξάμενος (enarxamenos), which implies initiation or commencement. Explore other instances where this word is used in the Bible, such as Acts 11:15 and 2 Corinthians 8:6.