The Philippian's Good Work

Many preachers use Philippians 1:6 out of context, "being confident of this, that he that began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  The preacher usually encourages someone to continue what they do, whether in career or ministry, quoting the scripture. However, to fully understand and appreciate the scripture's context, we have to start reading from verse 3 through to the end of verse 5. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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." What a great pastoral response to Philippi from Paul. 
Paul's relationship with the church at Philippi began on Paul's second missionary journey, which you can read in Acts 16. Paul's time at Philippi is marked by gospel preaching, persecution, deliverance, and miracles. At Philippi, Paul meets Lydia, a local businesswoman, and she converts to Christ. Paul (and Silas) also meet the Philippian jailor and his family, which all become converts to Christ. In Philippian 1 introduction, we begin to understand at least two themes: Joy and Partnership. 
We can feel Paul's joy for the believers at Philippi because of their love and partnership between them and Paul. It is a partnership of ministry and they have supported Paul in his ministry. One author, David Demchuk (Full Life Bible Commentary to the New Testament), refers to "good work" as kindness, reflecting God's work of grace and salvation in the Philippian church. Paul's pronouncement in verse 6 refers to God's salvation work in the Philippian church. Why do we refer to Philippians 1:6 when we, ministers, feel the need to show support to a member or members of our congregation; or a friend in need of encouragement? Our encouragement, using Philippian 1:6 should be in regards to salvation, but not in terms of career, positions, job, etc.
In many ways, we do not know how to respond to the ambiguity of life, specifically coming from another person to whom we perceive some spiritual authority over. In some cases, a parishioner may ask for prayer for a career decision, and our immediate response may be Philippians 1:6, which does not meet the immediate need because the scripture applies only to salvation. The best thing to do is listen, then pray. No scripture encouragement is necessary. If it does seem necessary, use the appropriate scripture. Moreover, what is the appropriate scripture? I do not know because it is specific to the need at hand (and the Holy Spirit will guide, but I do not think the Spirit of God will give a scripture out of context).