Verse of the Day 11/12

 

Philippians 2:12-13Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.  English Standard Version (ESV)

 

Yesterday we looked at Hebrews 4:12 about how the Word of God is "living and active" and I asked the question "how is it living and active in your life?"  Today's verse may be an indication of how God's Word is active.  It works itself out in us.  The verse is not saying that our salvation is something that can be earned, something that we work at to achieve.  It is a gift from God, but it  is a gift that is put into use in our daily lives.   As the Amplified Bible indicates, it is something that we are to "carry out to the goal", to cultivate and fully complete in our lives.   Even  that is not of our own doing, for as Philippians 1:6 tells us that Jesus is the author and finisher our faith.  He is working in us and working it out in our lives.

 

I read the following today in the "Today in the Word" devotional from Moody Bible Institute:  "What Paul urged the Philippians to do was not to earn their salvation, but rather to allow God to continue to let it shape their lives and their behavior. As we seek God, He exposes (Heb. 4:13)  those things that need to be refined in our lives. The result of salvation is evident as God works in and through us. This is not an all-at-once process, but occurs over time."

 

That "working out" is God's Word and the Holy Spirit being living and active in our lives.  Our salvation is not an all at once process but occurs over time as God shapes, makes, molds and transforms us for His purpose and into who we are to be.

 

Philippians 2:13  [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.  Amplified Bible

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Philippians 2:12-14Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹² Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, ^[a]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).

¹³ [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while ^[b]effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and ^[c]delight.

¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [^[d]against God] and^[e]questioning and doubting [among yourselves],