Divine Certainty

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.  Philippians 1:6  NIV

Confident – There aren’t many things in life that are guaranteed.  The joke usually involves death and taxes, but neither one of those is very appealing.  Unfortunately, even a cursory review of other candidates usually leaves us startled at how little we can really be certain of.  Perhaps betrayal and disappointment are as universal among human experiences as pain.  So when Paul uses this particular Greek word, pepoithos, we should sit up with attention for its Hebrew equivalent is batach, a word of utmost significance.  Batach is the one word that expresses utter reliance and certainty.  As you recall, it is always present in God’s relationship with men but it is only present in one relationship between human beings.  That relationship is found in Proverbs 31:11.  Even there it is contingent upon a husband’s recognition of the wife’s role as the ‘ezer kenegdo.  When Paul uses this Greek word, he has in mind the unbreakable certainty of God’s promise.  That is even more reliable than death and taxes.

The Greek verb peitho in this verse is a perfect, active participle.  This means Paul is expressing an action in the past that has continuing effects in the present.  He knows God and what he knows about God guarantees that God will deliver tomorrow and the next day and the next day.  He is convinced of it.  He uses peitho in the full sense of the Hebrew batach – to feel secure and be unconcerned about the outcome.  Notice that the Hebrew nuance is not about hopeful optimism or positive thinking.  Doubt is not the opposite of batach.  The opposite of batach (trust) is insecurity and risk!  This is not a mental exercise.  It is about tangible personal protection.  What Paul expresses is utter conviction in God’s reliability.  Circumstances do not matter.  Surprises don’t count.  Disappointments, betrayals, failures, even sins will not deter God from achieving His purposes.  He will prevail!  And the fact that God has prevailed over and over in the history of Israel is evidence that He will never forsake those who follow Him.  This is the basis of Paul’s confidence.  The evidence of transformation in the lives of the Philippian believers only serves to confirm the handiwork of God, not the boot-strap efforts of men.

Isaiah, Hosea, Jeremiah and Zechariah provided the prophetic foundation for Paul’s assertion.  Each of these men of God proclaimed His promise that His children would “lie down securely in safety” (e.g. Isaiah 14:30).  No man can guarantee this, but God can!

When Paul wrote to the Philippian believers, he drew on a rich tradition in Scripture.  God is able.  God is willing.  God will overcome.  The same tradition applies to us.  Paul could have absolute confidence that we will be carried by Him until the day of Yeshua’s return.  Do you know this to be true for you?  Can you stand up today certain that God will see you through to the end?  Will you shove aside doubt, dismay and discouragement because God promises?

Topical Index:  confident, peitho, batach, security, safety, Philippians 1:6