Embracing the Journey: God’s Work in Progress

Summary

Today’s focus is on the powerful truth that God is not finished with us—especially with fathers and men who often feel the weight of needing to have it all together. Drawing from Philippians 1:6, the assurance is clear: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” This is not just a promise for the future, but a present reality for every believer. The journey of fatherhood, manhood, and faith is not about achieving perfection, but about embracing the process of being “under construction.”

There is a unique pressure that men, and particularly fathers, face: the tension between the expectation to provide and the promise that God will complete the work He started. Many try to build their lives and families without consulting the “manual”—God’s Word—and end up feeling inadequate or behind. Yet, the message is that we are not failing; we are simply in process. God is the author and finisher, the potter shaping the clay, and He never abandons a project. Our role is not to be perfect, but to remain present and in His hands.

Paul’s confidence in God’s ability to finish what He starts is rooted in Scripture, history, and personal experience. From creation to the cross, from the promises of the Old Testament to the completed work of salvation, God’s pattern is to finish what He begins. Paul, writing from prison, demonstrates that confidence is not based on circumstances but on God’s faithfulness.

Practical steps—“Bible-backed hacks”—were shared to help men walk confidently in this truth: track God’s track record, build brotherhood, and speak faith even when it doesn’t feel true. Staying connected to God, like a phone to its charger, is essential for sustaining the work He’s doing in us. The call is to release the pressure of perfection, forgive ourselves, and trust God’s process. Our families and our God don’t need us to be flawless, just faithful and present. We are under construction, and God is committed to finishing the good work He began.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Promise Is Completion, Not Perfection
God never asks us to finish what He hasn’t started, nor does He expect us to be perfect. The journey of faith and fatherhood is about progress under grace, not flawless performance. We are vessels, not authors, and God’s commitment is to carry His work in us to completion, even when we feel unfinished or inadequate. [44:18]

- Grace for the Process: Embracing “Under Construction”
We often give more grace to buildings under renovation than to people, especially men. Scripture reminds us that we are clay in the potter’s hands—unfinished, in process, and dependent on God’s shaping. Embracing our “under construction” status frees us from the silent weight of perfectionism and allows us to grow in God’s timing. [47:09]

- Confidence Rooted in God’s Track Record
Paul’s confidence wasn’t wishful thinking; it was anchored in God’s historical and personal faithfulness. From creation to the resurrection, God has always finished what He started. Remembering God’s past deeds—keeping a “God-did-it” list—builds faith for the present and future, reminding us that if God started the work, He will finish it. [52:45]

- The Power of Brotherhood and Community
Confidence grows in community, not isolation. Men need other men—brothers who can pray, encourage, and hold them accountable. Weekly connection, even if brief, is vital for spiritual health and resilience, echoing the biblical principle that “iron sharpens iron.” [01:08:24]

- Staying Connected to the Source
Like a phone that looks fine but is dying without its charger, we can function for a while disconnected from God, but we operate in a deficit. Staying connected through prayer, worship, community, and rest is essential for sustaining the work God is doing in us. God doesn’t need us to be perfect—He needs us to stay present and in His hands, trusting Him to finish what He started. [01:17:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:11] - Honoring Fathers and Graduates
[38:16] - Celebrating Fatherhood
[40:43] - Philippians 1:6: The Good Work Begun
[42:01] - Prayer for Change and Illumination
[43:23] - Building Without the Manual
[44:18] - The Pressure to Provide vs. God’s Promise
[46:01] - Grace for Men Under Construction
[47:09] - We Are Clay, Not Finished Pottery
[48:07] - The Silent Weight Men Carry
[49:30] - Releasing the Pressure of Perfection
[50:20] - You’re Not Finished, You’re Forming
[51:54] - Paul’s Confidence in God’s Faithfulness
[52:45] - God’s Pattern: Creator and Finisher
[01:03:17] - Bible-Backed Hacks for Men
[01:08:24] - The Power of Brotherhood
[01:11:28] - Speaking Faith Over Your Life
[01:17:00] - Staying Connected to the Source
[01:18:33] - The Call to Be Present, Not Perfect
[01:22:18] - Baptism Stories and New Beginnings
[01:24:58] - Invitation to Salvation and Celebration

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Under Construction: God’s Not Finished”

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### Bible Reading

- Philippians 1:6
“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.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Philippians 1:6, who is responsible for beginning and completing the good work in us?
2. In the sermon, what is the difference between being “perfect” and being “under construction”? [[44:18]]
3. What does the image of clay and the potter (referenced from Isaiah 64:8) teach us about our current state as believers? [[47:09]]
4. What are some of the “Bible-backed hacks” the pastor shared to help men walk confidently in God’s process? [[01:03:17]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul could be so confident in God’s ability to finish what He started, even while he was in prison? [[51:54]]
2. The sermon says, “God’s promise is completion, not perfection.” What does this mean for how we view our own progress and struggles? [[44:18]]
3. How does the idea of being “clay in the potter’s hands” challenge the way we see ourselves and others, especially when we feel unfinished or inadequate? [[47:09]]
4. Why is it important to remember God’s past faithfulness (“track God’s track record”) when we feel stuck or discouraged? [[01:04:07]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor talked about the silent weight men carry and the pressure to be perfect. What are some specific pressures you feel in your role (as a father, husband, friend, or believer)? How do you usually handle them? [[48:07]]
2. When was the last time you tried to “build without the manual”—to handle life or family without turning to God’s Word? What was the result? [[43:23]]
3. The sermon encouraged us to “release the pressure of perfection” and forgive ourselves. Is there an area where you’re holding onto guilt or shame? What would it look like to let go and trust God’s process? [[49:30]]
4. The “Bible-backed hacks” included tracking God’s track record. Can you name one or two times God has come through for you in the past? How can you remind yourself of these moments when you feel discouraged? [[01:04:07]]
5. The pastor said, “Confidence grows in community, not isolation.” Do you have a brotherhood or community that encourages you? If not, what’s one step you could take this week to connect with another believer? [[01:08:24]]
6. The phone illustration showed that we can look fine but be running on empty if we’re not connected to God. What are some practical ways you can “stay on the charger” this week—through prayer, worship, rest, or community? [[01:17:00]]
7. The call was to be present, not perfect. What is one way you can be more present with your family or with God this week? [[01:18:33]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you trust His process, release the need for perfection, and stay connected to Him and to others as He completes His good work in you.

Devotional

Day 1: God Finishes What He Starts

There is a deep assurance that God, who began a good work in you, will be faithful to bring it to completion. This truth is not just a comfort but a promise that you are not responsible for finishing what God alone has authored in your life. You are not the author, but the vessel; your journey is not about achieving perfection, but about trusting the One who is committed to your progress. Even when you feel the pressure to provide or to be enough, remember that God’s promise is to complete the work He started in you, and He never abandons His projects. [44:18]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel pressure to finish or perfect something on your own? How can you release that pressure to God today and trust Him to complete what He started?


Day 2: We Are Clay in the Potter’s Hands

God is the potter and we are the clay—unfinished, in process, and continually being shaped by His hands. The expectation is not that you are already a beautifully refined vessel, but that you are in an undone state, being molded and formed by the loving hands of your Father. This means you can give yourself grace for the messiness and the progress, knowing that God is not finished with you yet. Just as we give buildings under construction grace for their dust and disorder, so too should we give ourselves and others grace to be in process, trusting the potter’s ongoing work. [47:09]

Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)
"But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to accept that you are still “under construction”? How can you invite God to continue shaping you in that area today?


Day 3: Track God’s Track Record

Remembering what God has already done builds your confidence for what He will do. When you keep a “God-did-it” list—recording every breakthrough, answered prayer, and moment of provision—you remind yourself of His faithfulness and power. The enemy wants you to forget how far you’ve come, but by intentionally recalling God’s deeds, you strengthen your faith and trust in His ongoing work. Don’t let the victories of the past fade from memory; let them fuel your hope for the future. [01:04:07]

Psalm 77:11 (ESV)
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old."

Reflection: Take five minutes today to write down three specific ways God has come through for you in the past. How does remembering these moments encourage you about what He is doing in your life right now?


Day 4: Confidence Grows in Brotherhood

You were never meant to walk this journey alone; real confidence is rarely solo. God designed you to be sharpened and strengthened in community, especially with other believers who can pray with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Even the Apostle Paul had companions like Barnabas, Silas, and Timothy. When you link up regularly with other men of faith, your confidence in God’s work grows, and you are reminded that you are not alone in your struggles or your progress. [01:07:57]

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Reflection: Who is one brother in Christ you can reach out to this week for prayer, encouragement, or accountability? Make a plan to connect with him—even if it’s just a quick call or message.


Day 5: Stay Connected to the Source

Just as a phone loses power when it’s not connected to the charger, you cannot thrive spiritually when you are disconnected from God, your true source of strength. You may look fine on the outside for a while, but without staying plugged into prayer, worship, community, and rest, you will eventually run on empty. God never asked you to grind alone—He asks you to stay present in His presence, to remain in His hands, and to let Him sustain the work He’s begun in you. [01:17:00]

John 15:5 (ESV)
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can “stay on the charger” and reconnect with God today—through prayer, worship, or rest? How will you make space for His presence in your daily routine?

Quotes

Paul is reminding us right here in this text that God started the work and God is going to complete the work. I said God started the work and God is going to complete the work. Let me say it one more time. God started the work and God is going to complete the work. God's not asking you to finish what he hasn't started. You're not the author, you're the vessel. [00:45:01] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip

But I come to let you know today, you're not failing as a father. You just need to release the pressure of perfection. Fellas, listen to me. If you've ever felt like you're behind, like you're blowing it, or like you're not enough, I want you to know this. You're not alone, and you're not done. Lord, I feel your presence. You're under construction. Somebody say under construction. [00:49:30] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

God never starts a project that he doesn't plan to finish. Preach in this place, Devon Goff. Let me say it one more time. God never starts a project that he doesn't plan to finish. [00:50:13] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

You won't trust God to finish what you keep forgetting he started. So, you got to learn how to keep a God-did-it list. [01:04:25] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

Your confidence doesn't come from your condition. It comes from your confession. Your confidence does not come from your condition. It comes from your confession. So here's the action step. I want you all to put this on the screen. You need to start every morning speaking this over yourself. God's not finished with me. I'm in process. I'm in his hands. He's doing a good work. And he will complete it. [01:11:59] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

So, men, and I'm through. I know this world has taught us that we've got to be strong. That we've got to be silent. That we have to always be in control. But God never asks you to be perfect. He asks you to be present. Did y'all hear what I just said? Present in your kids' lives. Present in your home. And most importantly, watch this. Present in his presence. [01:18:10] (00:00:44 seconds) Edit Clip

You're not too far gone. You're not too broken. And you're not too behind. You are simply under construction. And the God who started the work in you. The work of fatherhood. The work of manhood. The work of healing. The work of restoration. He will finish it. And it's not because you're qualified. But it's because he's committed. [01:18:59] (00:00:52 seconds) Edit Clip

Your kids don't need a perfect dad. They need a present dad. And guess what? Your God doesn't need a flawless vessel. He just needs one that will stay in his hands. He just needs one that will stay in his hands. He just needs one that will stay in his hands. He just needs one that will stay in his hands. [01:19:52] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip